Smarticus Tells History

Ever wondered how a simple baked fish recipe can lead us on a journey through ancient Greek mythology? Join us as we blend culinary creativity with historical exploration, starting with a delightful and easy-to-follow Greek-style baked fish recipe from Greek Boston. There's plenty to savor, from our wine pairing tips to a quirky discussion about why some salmon are classified as white fish. Plus, I heard about our kitchen mishaps, like forgetting the tomatoes, and how we turned it around with some tasty suggestions like serving the dish over rice or with crusty bread.

Travel back in time to the mystical world of the Oracle at Delphi, where gods, myths, and epic tales converge. Listen as we breathe life into the myth of Apollo's victory over the serpent Python, the vibrant Pythian Games, and Apollo’s incredible dolphin transformation to recruit his priests. Discover the dual worship of Apollo and Dionysus and the fascinating evolution of the Delphic Oracle, supported by ancient sources like Hesiod and Homer. We'll also highlight the construction and destruction of the magnificent temples dedicated to Apollo, each with its unique story and significance.

Unveil the secrets of the revered Pythias and their profound impact on ancient Greek society. Learn about the rigorous qualifications and revered social status of these priestesses, along with the elaborate rituals they underwent to deliver their prophecies. As we unravel the mystery of the Oracle’s vapors with modern geological insights, we’ll explore how these enigmatic predictions influenced major decisions and left an enduring legacy, even as their power waned with the rise of Christianity. This episode is a rich tapestry of culinary delight and historical intrigue you won't want to miss!

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Recipe:

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/baked-greek-fish-psari-plaki/

Resources:

*Don’t make fun of me for all the Wikipedia links, I checked everything they said with other sources lol*

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Python-Greek-mythology

 https://mikespassingthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/thoughts-on-the-image-of-the-oracle-at-delphi-a-demonstration-of-mythological-bias/

https://www.thecollector.com/oracle-of-delphi/

https://www.worldbook.com/behind-the-headlines/Mythic-Monday-Apollo-of-All-Trades#:~:text=Because%20Python%20was%20sacred%20to,shepherds%20to%20his%20overflowing%20r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerium

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What if a queen's ultimate revenge could change the course of a nation's history? Discover the chilling yet riveting story of Queen Olga of Kiev, a formidable ruler whose cunning and ruthless tactics left an indelible mark on medieval Eastern Europe. Start your journey with us as we bring the flavors of history to life, beginning with a mouth-watering discussion about Ukrainian braised pork with mashed potatoes. From there, we unravel the mysterious origins of Queen Olga, delving into her possible Varangian, Slavic, or Northern Russian Viking roots. The episode chronicles her marriage to Prince Igor of Kiev and the shocking events following his assassination by the Drevlians, which propelled Olga to the forefront of Kievan Rus politics as regent for her young son, Sviatoslav.

Witness the sheer brilliance and brutality of Queen Olga's revenge strategies—from burying emissaries alive to setting an entire city ablaze using pigeons and sparrows. These audacious acts not only secured her power but also etched her name into the annals of history. Olga's journey didn't end there; her conversion to Christianity in Constantinople marked a pivotal moment in the Christianization of Kievan Rus, influencing her descendants and shaping the religious landscape for generations. Join us for an enthralling episode that captures the essence of a queen who mastered both the art of vengeance and the path to sainthood, leaving a legacy celebrated in Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic traditions. This is history brought to life with gripping stories and compelling insights you won't want to miss.

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Recipe:
https://tatyanaseverydayfood.com/ukrainian-braised-pork/#recipe


Sources:
https://theconversation.com/saint-olga-of-kyiv-is-ukraines-patron-saint-of-both-defiance-and-vengeance-178019

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_of_Kiev#:~:text=Olga%20then%20instructed%20her%20army,subsequently%20set%20the%20city%20ablaze. 

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What if fashion could lead to the near-extinction of entire bird species? Join us as we explore the dark side of 19th-century feathered fashion and its devastating impact on avian populations. But before diving into this fascinating and somber tale, we share our delightful baking adventure with the classic Southern hummingbird cake. From the rich and tropical ingredients to the unexpected challenges in the kitchen, we recount our journey to create a dessert that's both heavy in components yet light and fluffy in texture. Get your slice ready, and prepare for a culinary and historical treat!

Feathers were once worth more than gold, and the craze for extravagant hats adorned with exotic plumes drove mass hunting and near-extinction events for species like the snowy egret and lyrebird. We trace the use of feathers in fashion from ancient times through the 19th century, highlighting how South American birds and indigenous dress influenced European style. We also examine the roles of fashion icons and ornithologists in perpetuating this trend, leading to widespread exploitation of bird populations. This episode promises to be a blend of sweet indulgence and historical insight, shedding light on the consequences of a seemingly innocuous fashion statement. Grab your slice of hummingbird cake and join us for a captivating look at feathered fashion's impact on wildlife.

Links: 

Support our show on paypal or from our host: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SC5G5XFCX8MYW 

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Recipe:

https://grandbaby-cakes.com/hummingbird-cake-recipe/#recipe

Sources:

https://dressworld.hypotheses.org/353#:~:text=Hummingbirds%20were%20widely%20used%20to,interested%20in%20Natural%20History%20products.

https://time.com/6076571/history-bird-conservation/

https://museumsvictoria.com.au/article/flight-of-fashion-when-feathers-were-worth-twice-their-weight-in-gold/

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Who would've thought that a discussion about Benjamin Franklin's quirky eating habits could lead to an unsettling discovery in his London basement? Join Phoenix and I, Smarticus, as we munch through Franklin's amusing cranberry and apple cravings and ponder over his patriotic poultry proposal. But brace yourselves, for our conversation takes an eerie twist when we recount the hair-raising tale of over 1,200 human bones found beneath Franklin's residence. Get ready to sip on some 'crapple juice' and tackle a historical whodunit that's as captivating as it is creepy.

In the spirit of curiosity, we're toasting to the past and inviting you to bring your burning historical questions to the table. Be sure to subscribe and leave your mark with a review; our Facebook community awaits your presence for the freshest anecdotes from yesteryear. We promise to keep the stories riveting and the mysteries unraveling, as we cherish your company on these thrilling expeditions through the annals of time. Thanks for tuning in to 'Smarticus Tells History', where every episode is a clink to knowledge and intrigue.

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Ever wondered about the unsung heroes and quirky tales hidden in the folds of history? Buckle up and join us, Smarticus and Phoenix, as we bring to light the incredible saga of Juliana the Great Dane, a four-legged combatant who sniffed out her spot in World War II history not once, but twice — all with the help of her bladder! This episode isn't just another walk through the history park; it's a gallop alongside the most unexpected of war heroes.

Strap in for a time-traveling taste test too, as we reminisce over a wartime dish that's as strange as it is scrumptious, marrying the comfort of grilled cheese with the custardy charm of French toast. It's a culinary relic from a time when rationing turned the kitchen into a battleground of creativity. As we munch on the past, Juliana's tail-wagging bravery reminds us that courage comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are found on four legs, with a wagging tail, standing by a disarmed bomb. Join us for a heartwarming, hunger-inducing episode that's sure to leave you hungry for more — both in terms of history and snacks!

Links: 

Support our show on paypal or from our host: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SC5G5XFCX8MYW 

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Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmarticusTellsHistory

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Resources:

https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/juliana-dog-disarmed-bomb/

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/681084-most-blue-cross-medals-received-by-an-animal

Recipe:

https://the1940sexperiment.com/2010/01/13/cheese-dreams/

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Unearth the chilling truths that lurk in the shadows of history as we recount the New England Vampire Panic, where the dread of disease transformed into a fear of the undead. Together with expert folklorists Michael Bell and Paul Barber, we uncover how 18th and 19th-century communities were ensnared in a web of superstition, leading them to disturb the eternal rest of their dearly departed. This is not mere fiction; it's a stark revelation of the lengths to which fear can drive humanity, a journey through an era where tuberculosis's pall cast a much more sinister specter across the New England countryside.

Gather 'round as we share the poignant account of Mercy Brown, a symbol of an epidemic's grip on the human psyche, and how her community's desperate acts may have sparked the imagination of none other than Bram Stoker. The tenebrous practices of the past, designed to protect the living from the clutches of those thought to feast upon them from beyond the grave, are brought to light, painting a vivid picture of the battle between an invisible killer and the visceral response it provoked. Join us for this excursion into a time when the fear of the unknown fanned the flames of dark folklore, and discover how the vampire myth we know today is deeply rooted in the misfortunes of a bygone era.

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Ever wondered about the enchanting ruins that rival the mystique of the great pyramids? Let's unwrap the secrets of Nan Madal together! Join Smartacus and yours truly, Phoenix, as we journey to the heart of Micronesia and endeavor to untangle the perplexing history of the ancient city dubbed the Venice of the Pacific. Not only will this episode tickle your fancy for untold historical tales, but we also promise a touch of culinary adventure—recreating a local chicken dish that's bound to get your taste buds dancing with its exotic blend of chili, curry, and a dash of ginger. 

Our kitchen capers aren't just about the sizzle and spice; they serve as a warm prelude to the rich stories of Nan Madal. From our trial and error in the quest for the perfect seasoning balance to the intricacies of an ancient civilization that has left modern-day scholars scratching their heads in wonder, we'll share it all. And don't worry about the ginger; we've got alternatives for those of you who share my peculiar aversion to it. So come along, grab your favorite cold one, and let's indulge in a hearty serving of history, laughter, and some seriously good food stories.

Links: 

Support our show on paypal or from our host: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SC5G5XFCX8MYW 

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Recipe

https://www.food.com/recipe/micronesian-coconut-chicken-curry-457840 

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Step back in time with us and rediscover the jazz-infused world of the 1920s through the captivating eyes of Betty Boop. Your ears won't believe the fascinating origins of this flapper icon, as we unveil her journey from Max Fleischer's drawing board to the hearts of millions. With the help of our co-host phoenix, we'll spill the secrets behind Betty's creation, inspired by the cheeky Helen Kane and how the "boop-boop-a-doop" songstress's lawsuit didn't hinder Betty's rise but rather sealed her stardom. Revel in the nostalgia as we recount Betty's groundbreaking role in animation, her dance with jazz legends like Cab Calloway, and the flapper spirit that paved the way for women's self-expression.

Fasten your garter belts for a rollercoaster ride through Betty Boop's transformation from risqué flapper to domestic darling, all thanks to the restrictive Hays Code. Witness how societal shifts and the Great Depression reshaped Betty's persona and the world's perception of femininity. Despite being nudged out of the spotlight, Betty's sass and charm refuse to fade, with her legacy living on in modern adaptations. So raise a glass to the boop-oop-a-doop girl as we celebrate the audacious and ever-charming Betty Boop, whose story is as rich and lively as the era she symbolizes.

Links: 

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Start your podcast on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=486316

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Embark on a voyage through the annals of time with us, Smarticus and Phoenix, where you'll uncover the unexpected connections between an ancient university and an empire lost to history. Prepare to be astonished by the revelation that the hallowed halls of Oxford University date back even before the Aztecs laid their first stone in Tenochtitlan. But it's not all about dusty old facts; we'll whisk you away on a whimsical adventure into the realm of historical baking. Who knew that a lardy cake could teach us so much about the past, and more importantly, about the subtleties of flavor that our ancestors enjoyed—or perhaps endured?

As we journey on, you'll find yourself enthralled by the tales of civilizations that rose and fell, and the enduring legacy of education as seen through the eyes of institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. With the aid of cutting-edge Lidar technology, new secrets of the Aztec Empire are coming to light, offering a fresh perspective on their storied existence. So come along, share your curiosities, and suggest paths for our next historical foray. For in the weave of history, every thread counts, and we're here to trace them all with you, one story at a time.

Links: 

Support our show on paypal or from our host: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SC5G5XFCX8MYW 

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Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmarticusTellsHistory

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Recipe:  https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywoods-lardy-cake/

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Unlock the secrets of a 3,900-year-old Sumerian poem and discover how it's not just a tribute to the goddess Ninkasi, but also a recipe for the beer that coursed through ancient Mesopotamia's veins. With my cohost, Phoenix, we celebrate the professional brewmasters of yore, whose precise record-keeping on clay tablets offers us a glimpse into a society where beer was more than a frothy beverage—it was a cornerstone of civilization, a currency, and a staple of sustenance. 

As we clink our glasses filled with the past, join us in a lighthearted yet enlightening exploration of what Sumerian "Yelp reviews" might have entailed and how today's craft beer critiques echo the accountability of ancient beer transactions. We raise our cups not only to the grand empires and epic battles but to the vibrant day-to-day life that these historical artifacts represent. Toast with us to the tales that bubbled up from history's frothy depths and stay curious for more journeys into the lesser-known stories of our past.

Links: 

Support our show on paypal or from our host: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SC5G5XFCX8MYW 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/547567/support

Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmarticusTellsHistory

Start your podcast on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=486316

Support the show