The Skeptical Historian

In 1788, when the First Fleet landed in New South Wales, it not only brought convicts, soldiers and administrators to Australia, but horses. Now, more than 200 years later, the feral horse population is on the rise and causing havoc in Australia's national parks. Join Juliana as she examines one of the most controversial issues of modern Australia: the Brumby herds of Kosciuszko National Park. She traces the tale of the brumbies from the first moments of Europeans invasion into the modern day and explores how they went from hatred feral beasts to beloved cultural icons, and if there is any truth in the idea that these creatures have unique heritage value to Australia. Content Warning: Animal cruelty, mild coarse language. Sources and show notes: www.skepticalhistory.com

History isn't all about worshipping a bunch of dead guys. In fact, most of the history you think you know didn't happen! I'm Juliana Byers, I'm historical researcher and former teacher and on my podcast The Skeptical Historian, we take a deep dive and dissect the mystery that is history. Every second Tuesday I'll be looking at some of the best known stories from Australia (and around the world) to cut through the mythology and find out what really happened. You can listen in on your favourite podcast network or drop by my website www.skepticalhistory.com.

In February 1902, Harry "The Breaker" Morant was executed by firing squad in South Africa, after being found guilty of the murder of twelve Boers, nine of them prisoners of war. That should have been the end of him, but 120 years later we're still debating whether this man was a war criminal, or a true-blue Aussie hero. Juliana takes a hard look at the truth behind The Breaker, revealing disturbing facts about his character and the nature of his crimes. Was this man truly an innocent Australian, or something much darker? Listen in and find out.

Have a look at some of the dark stories behind your favourite nursery rhymes in this special, bonus episode.

Dedicated to my sister.

Have you ever wondered where the myth of the unicorn came from? In honour of International Fairy Day, I explore the history, mystery and myth surrounding one of the best loved fairytale creatures on earth.

On the 10th of June 1960, Trans Australia Airlines Flight 538 was attempting to land at MacKay airport in Queensland, Australia. Within the space of five minutes, the plane had lost radio contact and disappeared.

Five hours later, the wreckage was found floating off the Queensland coast and the story of T.A.A Flight 538's final five minutes have continued to haunt investigators to this day. What happened? And how did it happen so fast? Join Juliana as she attempts to answer these questions and examines how attitudes towards air safety changed in the wake of Flight 538, including the contribution one Australian made to keeping the skies safer.

The Battle of the Eureka Stockade is one of the most famous events of Australian history. The gold miners, furious over their constant mistreatment by the authorities, erected a stockade at a place known as Eureka... only to be violently routed within days. Join Juliana as she picks apart this well-known legend and searches for truth beneath the glitter of gold and the time honoured trope that the miners were fighting for freedom, democracy and a fair-go. The men of Eureka had good intentions and it began as a way to challenge the unfairness of government mismanagement... but it quickly spiralled out of control under the leadership of men who cared more about glory than achieving their aims.

In 1854, Italian gold miner Raffaelo Carboni declared that the Australian gold fields were "a refuge for all the oppressed people's of the earth". Out there, sifting through dirt and rock, or ankle deep in filthy water at the bottom of a shaft, it didn't matter who you were, where you'd come from, what language you spoke, or the colour of your skin: everyone was equal on the goldfields. Except, they weren't. In this episode, I examine the treatment of three major groups on the goldfields: the Chinese, Indigenous Australians and African-Americans, to see how their lived experiences prove that egalitarianism on the goldfields was something extended only to white, European, preferably English-speaking men, with white Americans being invited to the party as well. I would like to warn my listeners that this podcast contains quotes from newspaper which use offensive and racist language. This language is only used when quoting and does not reflect my views or opinions.

Every year since 1916, Australia and New Zealand have commemorated ANZAC Day on the 25th of April. This date recalls out landing on the infamous Gallipoli Peninsula and the beginning of an eight month struggle that ended in a desperate evacuation. When the date was chosen, the Australia New Zealand Army Corps had not been in any other engagements, and the Gallipoli campaign remains the best known engagement of the entire war in those countries. But the worst was at Passchendaele. Less well known, but more than twice as deadly as Gallipoli, the Battle of Passchendaele was a battle of attrition characterised by rain, mud and pure desperation. Using first hand accounts and recalling her own visit to this infamous killing field, Juliana reveals the trials of the ANZACs on the Western Front and shares her own thoughts about whether the 25th of April is still the best date for our national day of remembrance. This special bonus episode was produced and released to commemorate ANZAC Day 2023. It contains war themes and first hand accounts of conflict which some listeners may find disturbing. This episode may not be suitable for young listeners

On 17 December 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt swam out into the rough seas of Cheviot Beach and never returned. Despite a massive search, his body was never recovered and it wasn't until forty years later that the corner returned a verdict of death by drowning. Harold Holt's disappearance sparked numerous conspiracy theories, as people rushed to fill gaps in public knowledge. In this episode, Juliana examines five of the most popular conspiracy theories, considers their merits and gives her take on what really happened to Harold Holt. She also answers the most important question of all: did the Australians really name a swimming pool after a guy who drowned?!