Our Fake History

The Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are some of the most controversial museum objects in the world. In the early 19th century the Scottish aristocrat Thomas Bruce, the seventh Earl of Elgin, used his position as Ambassador Extraordinary to the Ottoman Empire to gain access to Athens' historic acropolis and remove priceless works of ancient art from the Parthenon. Since that time both the legality and the morality of the acquisition has been the source of controversy. Unfortunately, the debate around the Parthenon sculptures has been clouded by many historical myths and misconceptions. Should the marbles remain in the British Museum, or should they be returned to Athens? Tune-in and find out how a gift of ammunition, an "Old Turk", and lies to Parliament all play a role in the story.

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In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you to the conclusion of this fan-favorite season 3 series. Almost as long as people have been telling stories about Robin Hood, historians have been trying to find the real person who inspired the legend. Over the centuries dozens of researchers have cooked up elaborate theories in an attempt to locate the man who became the myth. Were any of them successful in finding a “real” Robin Hood? Tune-in and find out how piggy-back-rides, dog-summoners, and fake family trees all play a role in the story.

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In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to this fan favorite episode from Season 3. Robin Hood is easily one of the most beloved characters in English storytelling. For centuries the forest outlaw has been the ultimate hero of the downtrodden. He steals from the rich, gives to the poor, and resists tyranny in all of its forms. But, is Robin Hood just a fictional character, or could there have been a real person who inspired the legend? By taking a close look at the earliest Robin Hood ballads perhaps we can find some clues about the true identity of this mythic outlaw. Tune-in and find out how forest elves, Kurt Cobain, and Kevin Costner’s bad accent all play a role in the story.

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From Jonestown to Heaven’s Gate, to the Octopus Murders and the Waco Siege, the world is full of deception, manipulation, and destruction. Listen to Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes every Wednesday as we explore the real people at the center of the world’s most shocking secrets and nefarious organizations. Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes is a Crime House original powered by PAVE Studios. Follow the show now so you don’t miss a single story. 

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In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to the conclusion of one of OFH's most popular series. In classic samurai films the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi was always presented as rough but honourable. The real Musashi may have been considerably more complicated. If we look closely at some of the samurai’s most famous duels, we may find reason to question Musashi’s reputation as the ultimate “lone wolf”. Tune-in and find out how pot-lid duels, swords carved from oars, and a Samurai/Ninja showdown all play a role in the story.

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In this throwback episode Sebastian revisits an incredibly fun series from Season 3. The samurai swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is the archetypal lone-wolf warrior. Legend has it that in course of his life he fought over sixty duels and never once lost. His psychological strategies and unique two-sword fighting style made him one of the most famous martial artists in Japan’s history. However, many of Musashi’s most celebrated exploits have been distorted by centuries of myth-making. What should we believe about the famously scruffy swordsman? Tune-in and find out how flabbergasted monks, Harry Potter, and Samurai Forest Gump all play a role in the story.

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The beloved children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of OZ has been celebrated as the quintessential American fairytale. But, many believe that the book is more than just a pleasing adventure story for kids. It's been argued that hidden in the text is a subtle allegory that satirizes the politics of late 19th century America. Some believe that the author L. Frank Baum used his fantasy story to make a point about the election of 1896 and the candidates William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley. However, many Baum biographers have disputed this claim. Was L. Frank Baum writing a populist parable or does that idea stem from a deep misunderstanding of his politics? Tune-in and find out how dorm-room bonding rituals, the Great Gig in the Sky, and Sebastian's greatest moment of synchronicity all play a role in the story.

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In this Bonus Episode Sebastian answers questions from listeners about the recent series on President McKinley. He discusses the challenges associated with using a book written by Karl Rove, conspiracy theories around the destruction of the USS Maine, and the complicated political legacies of Theodore Roosevelt and Marc Hanna. One listeners also provides some fun 19th century political slander-rhymes! 

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 Our Fake History listeners can grab Rosetta Stone’s LIFETIME Membership for 50% OFF! That’s unlimited access to 25 language courses, for life! Visit rosettastone.com/HISTORY to get started and claim your 50% off TODAY! Don’t miss out—go to Rosettastone.com/HISTORY and start learning today! 

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It's impossible to assess the historical reputation of President William McKinley without tangling with the Spanish-American War. In this final part of the William McKinley trilogy Sebastian gets into the debate around what actually lead to the war. Could a war with Spain have been avoided? Was McKinley pushed into it by a manipulative American press? How did the outcome of the "splendid little war" change America, McKinley, and the world? Tune-in and find out how jingoes, yellow journalism, and the worst-timed naval accident in history all play a role in the story.

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The 1896 election of William McKinley has been noted as an inflection point in American politics. But, historians are often conflicted about what story they want to tell. It could be seen as moment when Americans rejected a populist firebrand, critical of the wealthy and appealing to working class consciousness. It could also be seen as the moment when American industrialists, bankers, and other monied interests took an activist role in American politics. Was William McKinley simply a puppet of "big money" or is there more to this story? Tune-in and find out how king-makers, front porch campaigns, and crucifixion on a cross of gold all play a role in the story.

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