History Rage

The Medici Myth: Unravelling the Legend of Catherine's Alleged Seductive Agents with Dr. Una McIlvenna


Listen Later

This week I welcome Dr. Una McIlvenna, historian and senior lecturer at the Australian National University, to dismantle the myths surrounding one of Renaissance Europe's most iconic women: Catherine de Medici. We delve into the misconceptions that have plagued Catherine's legacy, particularly the myth of her "flying squadron" of seductive ladies-in-waiting.


Episode Highlights:

Introducing Dr. Una McIlvenna: Una shares her journey from her doctoral thesis on the French court of Catherine de Medici to her current research on execution ballads as news media.

The Myth of the Flying Squadron: Una passionately debunks the myth that Catherine de Medici employed a troupe of seductive women to manipulate noblemen for political gain, arguing that it is a sexist and reductive fantasy.

Catherine's True Political Influence: Discover how Catherine navigated the treacherous waters of French politics, exercising power through relentless negotiation and strategic marriages, despite the constraints of Salic Law.

The Medici Legacy: Explore why the Medici family, with their rapid rise to power and influence, became the subject of so many conspiracies and myths, rivalling even the infamous Borgias.

Art Patronage and Legacy: Catherine's contributions to art and architecture, including the magnificent spectacles she organized, are highlighted as part of her enduring legacy.


Join us as we peel back the layers of myth and uncover the true story of Catherine de Medici, a woman whose political acumen and relentless dedication have been overshadowed by centuries of historical distortion.


Connect with Dr. Una McIlvenna:

Purchase her book "Scandal and Reputation at the Court of Catherine de Medici"

Twitter: @UnaMcIlvenna and Bluesky: @unamcilvenna.bsky.social


Support the Show

If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.


Follow the Rage:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage

- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.social


Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

History RageBy Paul Bavill

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

23 ratings


More shows like History Rage

View all
History Extra podcast by Immediate Media

History Extra podcast

3,187 Listeners

Rex Factor by Rex Factor

Rex Factor

929 Listeners

Dan Snow's History Hit by History Hit

Dan Snow's History Hit

4,592 Listeners

Historic Royal Palaces Podcast by Historic Royal Palaces

Historic Royal Palaces Podcast

447 Listeners

The English Heritage Podcast by English Heritage

The English Heritage Podcast

214 Listeners

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk by Goalhanger

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

1,209 Listeners

The Old Front Line by Paul Reed

The Old Front Line

164 Listeners

British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics by Carol Ann Lloyd

British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics

161 Listeners

The Ancients by History Hit

The Ancients

2,858 Listeners

The Unconventional Soldier by theunconventionalsoldier

The Unconventional Soldier

36 Listeners

Gone Medieval by History Hit

Gone Medieval

1,685 Listeners

Not Just the Tudors by History Hit

Not Just the Tudors

1,918 Listeners

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society by History Hit

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

1,123 Listeners

Battleground by Goalhanger

Battleground

321 Listeners

The Tudor Chest Podcast by Adam Pennington

The Tudor Chest Podcast

68 Listeners