Villains and Virgins History Podcast

Epizode

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  General Belisarius: Hero of the Roman Empire 10.08.2026 1h 3min

  General Belisarius is the most underrated commander of the Roman Empire. He was the man who reconquered the Roman province of North Africa from the Vandals -- and that was just the start of his career. In this episode we cover battlefield tales of single combat with swaggering Persians, and a daring midnight escape by a reconnaissance team. We also introduce the elements of the scandal that will ruin his reputation. Enter the world of the 6th century Eastern Roman Empire. For details of the online course beginning in September, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com
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  Emperor Justinian and Theodora: The Black Death and the Christian Roman Empire 27.07.2026 1h 1min

  Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora rule the Eastern Roman Empire in a tumultuous period. The plague pays a visit to Constantinople, bringing massive death tolls.  They must also contend with treacherous officials, Christians who despise eachother, and a historian determined to damn them. Watch a palace sting operation unfold, and find out how lepers were hired to infect religious rivals.  This is the third and final episode in a series on Theodora and Justinian. For details of the university course, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com Support this podcast at patreon.com/evaschubert  
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  The Nika Riots: the bloodiest riots in Roman history 13.07.2026 1h 22min

  The Nika Riots are some of the bloodiest ever recorded. They unfolded in Constantinople in 532. This insurrection nearly toppled Emperor Justinian, but Empress Theodora makes a speech that changes the course of events. This episode takes you into the Eastern Roman Empire in a period of violence, natural disasters, and social upheaval. From slaves and prostitutes to patrician gossip and botched executions, this episode will take you through one of the most violent moments in the history of Constantinople. This is episode 2 in a series on Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. Support this podcast at: patreon.com/evaschubert For details on enrolling in the course email: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com
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  The Circus Performer who became Roman Empress: Theodora and Justinian 29.06.2026 54min

  This is the story of a woman who began as a circus performer and child prostitute, and became Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. No less remarkable is her husband Justinian, who became emperor. This episode takes you into the heart of Constantinople in the 6th century, where slaves, chariot races, spies, and intrigue are part of an empire in transition. It is also one of the greatest love stories in history. Support this podcast at: Patreon.com/evaschubert For details of the online course, email the podcast at : villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com
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  The Man who Blew Up Troy: Heinrich Schliemann 15.06.2026 1h 19min

  The story of Troy has resounded across millennia: the beauty of Helen, the nobility of Hector, and the feats of Achilles have become legend. One man set out to prove that this story was not just legend, it was history. His name was Heinrich Schliemann, and he is an incredibly controversial and deeply eccentric character. He was the man who pursued the history of Troy, and also plundered it. Was he a visionary or a villain? You decide.
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  Rumi and the Sufis: The Man and his World 01.06.2026 59min

  Rumi was a 13th century poet and mystic often quoted today.  He was born into a world shattered by the Mongol invasions that sent his family fleeing the only home they had known.  Along the road we meet Francis of Assisi, the army of the Fifth Crusade, a couple of sultans, and cave dwelling Christians.  Rumi will develop his own approach to faith that scandalises religious conservatives and inspires people even centuries after his death.  This episode takes you into the surprising world of Rumi and the mystic traditions.
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  Fourth Crusade Ep 2: When Crusaders attacked and burned Constantinople 18.05.2026 1h 39min

  The story of how Constantinople was assaulted and sacked by the army of the Fourth Crusade is horrifying.  Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and it was full of Eastern Christians.  So how did the army of the Fourth Crusade, who thought they were going to fight Muslims and reconquer Jerusalem, end up looting churches and assaulting nuns?  A naive prince, a cunning Venetian Doge, and two emperors who fled into the night are part of the spiral that leaves French knights fighting the Varangian Guard.  The shocking attack on the city was a turning point: it redefined the potential targets for crusader violence, which would soon be unleashed in France, and it shattered the power of the Eastern Roman Empire. Support this podcast on Patreon and get ad-free episodes, live video Q&A with Eva Schubert, and immediate access to our continuously growing library of special member-only bonus episodes. More info at https://www.patreon.com/evaschubert If you enjoyed this, check out my series on the First, Second, and Third Crusades, available in both your podcast player and on YouTube... 1st Crusade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOZJsYzx1k&list=PLteESDDVIavR-8R7p6ZTFVo5NhCJBblB_ 2nd Crusade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_yn_iyHsHE&list=PLteESDDVIavT9n0q_5d8xrt9A6LhlsoEl 3rd Crusade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-zaN0_xDjU&list=PLteESDDVIavSf0NWjBx3Hl9pJ5tyjJTy_ Thanks Eva Schubert VillainsAndVirgins.com
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  Crusaders against Christians: The Fourth Crusade part 1 04.05.2026 1h 20min

  Of all the Crusades, this one may be the worst.  It is the story of how an army of Crusaders end up fighting only other Christians, and it ends with the sacking of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and the heart of the eastern Christian world.  It is a tale of mistakes, greed, and misjudgment.  Along the way we meet a runaway prince with delusions of grandeur, and the powerful city state of Venice, with world class shipbuilders and intense ambitions. Support this podcast on Patreon at: Patreon.com/evaschubert You can get historic coins with special code VillainsandVirgins at OwnAPieceOfHistoryUK: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OwnAPieceOfHistoryUK?ref=search_shop_redirect&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn2YJR7C_Md9tl0aHdx8d8JFxfxSP748ZPPE6ujHYcxOZ2h9Sy2m6YdakjHng_aem_Q6Uv5-6754FhNIPDkhDQpA
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  The Return of King Richard the Lionheart: Legends of the Third Crusade 20.04.2026 1h 32min

  The Third Crusade is over and King Richard the Lionheart is making his way home, escorted by the Knights Templar. After a daring journey in disguise, he will end up becoming a prisoner, as enemies he has made settle scores. When he is ransomed and returns to his kingdom, he has a few scores of his own to settle. This story is a crazy ride through the politics of medieval Europe, where serving the wrong man can get you improsoned, hanged, or even worse. Even more remarkable than the men themselves is the astonishing afterlife enjoyed by Richard and Saladin as they become legends for generations to come, connecting with figures from Dante to Kaiser Wilhelm II.
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  Richard the Lionheart vs. Saladin- The Final Confrontation 06.04.2026 1h 41min

  The Third Crusade involves two of the most well known figures of any crusade: Richard I, the Lionheart, King of England, and Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, Sultan of Egypt and Syria. These two men each command an army, and the fate of the Near East hangs in the balance.  After the Siege of Acre, the army of the Third Crusade takes the road to Jerusalem.  Along the way they will face Saladin, and have an encounter with the Assassins.  Their quest to take the city involves epic battles, murder, surprising camaraderie, and scandalous marriage proposals.  This is the story which founded legends.
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  Third Crusade: The Brutal 2 Year Siege of Acre 23.03.2026 1h 52min

  The siege of Acre, from 1189-1191 was one of the most brutal battles of the Third Crusade.  The armies of the King of Jerusalem surrounded the city of Acre, but were themselves under attack from the armies of Saladin.  Into this mess, the armies of the Third Crusade, led by King Richard the Lionheart of England and Philip Augustus of France, joined the fight.  The brutal siege lasted for two years, inflicting damage, disease, and death on both sides.  The catapults are in full swing, hurling Greek fire at the crusaders, while sappers tunnel under ground.  The Crusader states are divided over who should be king, and the fight ends with one of the most infamous massacres of the Third Crusade.
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  Richard the Lionheart and the Kings Crusade 09.03.2026 1h 44min

  Richard the Lionheart is one of the most famous English kings and he made his reputation on the Third Crusade. In this episode we take a closer look at the man behind the legend. His mother was the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his father was the easily angered Henry II. Richard's early career as a feudal enforcer made him an expert in siege warfare. The fall of Jerusalem triggers the call for the Third Crusade, but scandal, infighting, and a massive fight with France keep Richard tied up for two years before he can fulfill his Crusader oath. Richard will finally be crowned King of England and take the road to Jerusalem, joining the King of France, and the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Support this podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/evaschubert Tour link: https://geeknationtours.com/tours/villains-and-virgins-tudor-tour-with-eva-schubert/
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  The Real Kingdom of Heaven: The Third Crusade Ep 1- Rise of Saladin 23.02.2026 1h 51min

  Saladin and Richard the Lionheart are two of the most legendary figures in the history of the Crusades.  Saladin was both feared and admired by his friends and his enemies.  This episode explores the rise of this remarkable character.  We also meet the noble knight Balian of Ibelin, Queen Sibylla of Jerusalem, and the bellicose brigand Reynauld of Chatillon.  There are Templar knights, a siege during a wedding, and the heroic defense of Jerusalem.  The events in this story will launch the Third Crusade.
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  How the Knights Templar Survived 09.02.2026 1h 21min

  The Knights Templar are one of the most famous medieval orders.  They combined legendary discipline and bravery in battle with the ascetic habits of monks.  Then they were publicly disgraced in a show trial and soon after the Pope dissolved the Order.  But some Templars survived, and even thrived in other parts of Europe, particularly in Portugal.  This episode is a sweeping ride through the Reconquista, the founding of Portugal, and the new identity that saved these knights.  It also covers a famous Templar named Gualdim Pais who fought in the Siege of Ascalon, and brought his experience back to Portugal to fight a legendary battle years later.
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  Lust, Treachery, and Murder: Portugal and the 100 Years War 26.01.2026 1h 38min

  The story of Portugal during the 100 Years War is a story of lust, treachery and murder.  It is also a story of survival and resistance.  This episode covers Portugal's most notorious queen: a beautiful woman who imprisoned and killed her political enemies.  The history of the royal court includes tragic love story of Ines de Castro and the military genius of Nun Alvarez.  We also cover Portugal's role in the conflict between England and France, and the involvement of the neighboring kingdom of Castile, culminating in the epic Battle of Aljubarotta which secures Portugal's survival as an independent nation.  This episode is a wild ride!
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  The Destruction of Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman City 12.01.2026 58min

  The volcanic eruption that buried Pompeii was a catastrophe of epic proportions. But the mass burial site it created also preserved details of daily life in a first century Roman city that we might otherwise never know. From flying phalluses and gladiators to condiments made from decaying fish, dive into the life and death of Pompeii. To support this podcast on Patreon go to: www.patreon.com/evaschubert For details of Eva's history tour, go to Geek Nation: https://geeknationtours.com/tours/villains-and-virgins-tudor-tour-with-eva-schubert/  
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  The History of Santa Claus 22.12.2025 39min

  Santa Claus is a very strange figure when you think about it.  Where does he come from and why does he fly through the sky handing out presents at night? This episode traces the connection with an old Norse god and an Anatolian bishop from the 3rd century, and explores the gritty reality of life in the Roman empire for ordinary people.  You will never look at old Saint Nick the same way again. 
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  A Day in the Life of A Roman Legionary 15.12.2025 55min

  What did life look like for the average soldier in the Roman army?  In this episode we get into the details of packs, march speed, camp construction, and food on the march.  Many of the procedures for new recruits in the Roman military machine sound shockingly familiar.  The penalties for breaking the rules were extremely severe.  Come along on the march with Legionary Valerius and experience a taste of life in the Roman legions.   Special thanks to Roger Meara and Chris Cameron @thelegionary72 for supplying images and footage for this episode.
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  History of the Sword 01.12.2025 1h 9min

  The sword is more than just a weapon. It has been used to dub knights and legitimise kings, determine guilt and settle matters of honour. From the ancient Romans and the Song of Roland to dueling culture and German Mensur matches, this cultural history traces the legends and traditions that have given the sword its enduring mystique.
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  Murder in the Cathedral: The Killing of Thomas Becket 17.11.2025 1h 11min

  The horrific murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in his own cathedral shocked Europe and immediately created one of the most famous martyrs in English history.  The story begins with Thomas Becket in exile in France, fleeing the anger of Henry II of England.  Despite being the king's pick for Archbishop of Canterbury, he has refused to cooperate with the king's plans for the church.  An international game of diplomacy ensues, with the King of France and the Pope heavily involved in an effort to reconcile the two men.  King Henry takes extraordinary measures to avoid church punishments, including demanding a loyalty oath from every man in his kingdom.  Eventually he promises to reinstate Thomas Becket and make peace... only months before the murder of the century.