Half-Arsed History

Monuments Episode 44: Chateau Frontenac Nov 01, 2024

This week's monument is Chateau Frontenac, a beautiful palace-like building perched on a hill overlooking Quebec City in Canada.

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QAH Episode 82: The Melbourne Cup Oct 30, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Melbourne Cup, a famous horse race held each year in Melbourne, Victoria, which has generated a few interesting stories across its long history.

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Episode 331: Alves Reis and the Portuguese Banknote Crisis Oct 27, 2024

In this week's episode, get to know Artur Virgilio Alves Reis and hear about the incredible fraud he undertook in 1924, scamming his way into 100 million Portuguese escudos.

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Monuments Episode 43: The Eiffel Tower Oct 25, 2024

This week's episode is the Eiffel Tower, perhaps the best-known monument on the face of the planet, an iconic part of the French capital, Paris.

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QAH Episode 81: The Dancing Plague of 1518 Oct 23, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Dancing Plague of 1518, a bizarre, unexplained phenomenon that saw the citizens of Strasbourg take to the streets and dance unceasingly for weeks on end.

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Episode 330: Johann Strauss II, the Waltz King Oct 20, 2024

In this week's episode, meet Johann Strauss II, a brilliant composer from the Romantic period, famous for his lively and joyful waltzes.

Strauss playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/195Ic94w6sCRNi19f0G1UP?si=54adb35532604621

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Monuments Episode 42: The Statue of Liberty Oct 18, 2024

This week's monument is the Statue of Liberty, an instantly-recognisable symbol of the United States of America that has a thoroughly non-American origin story.

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QAH Episode 80: Carlos Kaiser, Soccer's Greatest Conman Oct 16, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Carlos Kaiser, a conman who managed to build a 13-year career as a star soccer player, without ever actually taking to the pitch and playing a game.

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Episode 329: The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III Oct 12, 2024

In this week's episode, hear the true story of the Great Escape, when Allied prisoners of war made a daring attempt at a mass breakout from a Nazi prison camp.

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Monuments Episode 41: Neuschwanstein Castle Oct 11, 2024

This week's monument is Neuschwanstein Castle, a spectacularly beautiful castle perched atop a mountain ridge in the German Alps.

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QAH Episode 79: The French Revolution, According to AI Oct 09, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the French Revolution, with a dazzling AI-generated script that is astonishingly true to life, utterly indistinguishable from the real thing.

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Episode 328: The Crusades - Part 2 Oct 06, 2024

In this week's episode, conclude the story of the Crusades, with a collection of ridiculous tales from the five later campaigns waged by Christians seeking to conquer Jerusalem.

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Monuments Episode 40: The Sagrada Familia Oct 04, 2024

This week's monument is the Sagrada Familia, a huge and very unusually designed church in Barcelona, Spain - that after 140 years, still hasn't been finished.

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QAH Episode 78: The Flemish Revolution Oct 02, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Flemish Revolution, usually known by the name the Flemish Peasant Revolt of 1323-1328, which saw angry Flemish villagers take up arms against their hated feudal lord.

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Episode 327: The Crusades - Part 1 Sep 29, 2024

In this week's episode, learn about the first three of the crusades undertaken by armed Christian pilgrims, seeking to bring the Holy Land under Christian rule.

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Monuments Episode 39: The Palace of Westminster & Big Ben Sep 27, 2024

This week's monument is the Palace of Westminster, the home of the British Parliament, and its famous clock tower, often (incorrectly) referred to as Big Ben.

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QAH Episode 77: The Six O'Clock Swill Sep 25, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Six O'Clock Swill, a name given to the backfired attempt that temperance laws made to curb Aussie and Kiwi alcohol consumption.

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Episode 326: The History of Melbourne LIVE Sep 22, 2024

In this week's episode, get across the history of the Australian city of Melbourne, recorded live at the Alex Theatre in Melbourne itself.

Here is a PDF of the slides used during the show: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CAi-OaBkp8SKreGQyBpawg3YyHvgrT-R/view

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Monuments Episode 38: The Arc de Triomphe Sep 20, 2024

This week's monument is the Arc de Triomphe, yet another truly iconic Parisian landmark - one that celebrates the revolutionary and Napoleonic periods of French history.

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QAH Episode 76: The Sydney Riot of 1879 Sep 18, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Sydney Riot of 1879, when a riot erupted on during a cricket match between England and NSW due a dodgy umpiring decision.

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Episode 325: The History of Sydney LIVE Sep 15, 2024

In this week's episode, get across the history of the Australian city of Sydney, recorded live at the Factory Theatre in Sydney itself.

Here is a PDF of the slides used during the show: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19mUubwXufZeVjq9Z_uRnqF1kdBUDG3Jj/view

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Monuments Episode 37: The Brandenburg Gate Sep 13, 2024

This week's monument is the Brandenburg Gate, one of Germany's most famous national icons and a monument that I have visited I don't know how many hundreds of times when I used to work in Berlin as a tour guide.

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QAH Episode 75: Project Habakkuk Sep 11, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Project Habakkuk, the time when - in all seriousness - the Allies tried to build a massive aircraft carrier out of ice.

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Episode 324: The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest Sep 08, 2024

In this week's episode, hear the tale of the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest, and understand why it such a monumentally important event in human history.

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Monuments Episode 36: The Grand Palace Sep 06, 2024

This week's monument is the Grand Palace complex, found in the Thai capital of Bangkok, which has been the official residence of the Thai roayl family since the last 18th century.

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QAH Episode 74: John Dee, Queen Elizabeth's Pet Wizard Sep 04, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: John Dee, the royal astronomer at Queen Elizabeth's court, whose longstanding interest in the mystical and the occult resulted in him... honestly, just listen to the episode, you really won't believe what ended up happening.

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Episode 323: Elizabeth I, the Golden Age Queen Sep 01, 2024

In this week's episode, meet Elizabeth I, one of the most famous and important monarchs in English and British history, whose legacy helped to build modern English culture, language, and politics.

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Monuments Episode 35: Buckingham Palace Aug 30, 2024

This week's monument is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British royal family and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the British capital of London.

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QAH Episode 73: Emmerich Juettner, the Terrible Forger Aug 28, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Emmerich Juettner, a forger who was both completely terrible at forging banknotes, but very good at not getting caught.

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Episode 322: The Panama Canal Aug 25, 2024

In this week's episode, hear the history of the construction of the Panama Canal, which links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans across Central America.

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Monuments Episode 34: The Palace of Versailles Aug 23, 2024

This week's monument is the Palace of Versailles, a beautiful palace on the outskirts of Paris that served as the residence for the French royal family across the 18th century.

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QAH Episode 72: The Origin of the Teddy Bear Aug 21, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the origin of the teddy bear, the children's stuffed toy which got its name after a presidential hunting trip in 1902, when Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear.

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Episode 321: Theodore Roosevelt, America's Greatest President - Part 2 Aug 18, 2024

In this week's episode, continue to get to know Theodore Roosevelt by hearing all about his foreign policy and evaluate his lasting legacy as president of the US.

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Monuments Episode 33: Potala Palace Aug 16, 2024

This week's monument is Potala Palace, a huge, fortress-like palace complex in the Tibetan city of Lhasa.

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QAH Episode 71: The Leicester Balloon Riot Aug 14, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Leicester Balloon Riot, an incident that saw tens of thousands of angry people cause a ruckus because they thought a hot air balloon wasn't as big as they were hoping it would be.

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Episode 320: Theodore Roosevelt, America's Greatest President - Part 1 Aug 11, 2024

In this episode, meet Theodore Roosevelt, and hear about his rise to the office of US president as well as his administration's overwhelmingly positive domestic legacy.

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Monuments Episode 32: The Taj Mahal Aug 09, 2024

This week's monument is the Taj Mahal, a huge, opulent mausoleum in the Indian city of Agra, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan I as a resting place for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

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QAH Episode 70: The 1968 Olympic Protest Salute Aug 07, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents:the 1968 Olympic protest salute, when two African-American athletes staged a political protest on a medal podium at the Mexico City Olympics.

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Episode 319: The Modern Olympic Games - Part 2 Aug 04, 2024

In this week's episode, conclude the history of the modern Olympic Games, covering their story from the beginning of the post-war period through to the present day.

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Monuments Episode 31: The Blue Mosque Aug 02, 2024

This week's monument is the Blue Mosque, found in the Turkish city of Istanbul, one of the most beautiful and magnificent examples of classical Ottoman architecture.

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QAH Episode 69: Jim Thorpe, the Greatest Athlete Jul 31, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Jim Thorpe, an immensely talented athlete and sportsman who won Olympic gold in mismatched shoes, only to have his medals stripped from him.

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Episode 318: The Modern Olympic Games - Part 1 Jul 28, 2024

In this week's episode, disocver the first half of the history of the Modern Olympic Games, from its inception as a brainchild of Pierre de Coubertin to the interruptions the Games experienced as a result of the Second World War.

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Monuments Episode 30: Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Jul 26, 2024

This week's monument is Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, an incredible building that stands on a tidal island in a bay in Normandy, France.

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QAH Episode 68: Pepsi’s Soviet Warships Jul 24, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: that time when Pepsi came into possession of a giant fleet of Soviet warships, after brokering a deal to sell Pepsi in the USSR.

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Episode 317: Assassination Attempts on US Presidents Jul 21, 2024

In this week's episode, hear about all the major assassination attempts that have been made on presidents of the United States, both successful and unsuccessful.

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Monuments Episode 29: Red Square Jul 19, 2024

This week's monument is Red Square, found in the centre of the Moscow, the Russian capital, a public plaza surrounded by famous buildings such as St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin.

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QAH Episode 67: A Brief History of the Necktie Jul 17, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: a brief history of the necktie, from its origin as a fashion accessory for Croatian mercenaries to an everyday piece of formal or business clothing.

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Episode 316: History’s Biggest Misconceptions - Part 2 Jul 14, 2024

In this week's episode, learn the truth behind five more commonly-held historical misonceptions: the colour of classical statues, things erroneously associated with Julius Caesar, the existence of the iron maiden, Napoleon's height, and NASA's million-dollar space pen.

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Monuments Episode 28: St Peter's Basilica & the Sistine Chapel Jul 12, 2024

This week's monuments are St Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, and the Sistine Chapel, with its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, both found in the Vatican City in Rome.

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QAH Episode 66: The Dublin Whiskey Fire Jul 10, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Dublin Whiskey Fire, when torrents of flaming whiskey flooded through Dublin resulting in the loss of 13 lives - none of them to the fire itself, however, all instead to alcohol poisoning.

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Episode 315: The Rosetta Stone Jul 07, 2024

In this week's episode, discover the story of the Rosetta Stone, a series of 2,000-year-old texts written that became the key to our modern understanding of the Ancient Egyptian language.

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Monuments Episode 27: Machu Picchu Jul 05, 2024

This week's monument is Machu Picchu, a mountaintop citadel found in Peru, which served as an imperial retreat during the heyday of the Inca Empire.

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QAH Episode 65: Edward Dando, the Oyster Thief Jul 03, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Edward Dando, a bloke who became infamous in 1830s London for eating vast quantities of oysters, without ever paying for them.

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Announcing: Half-Arsed History LIVE! Jul 01, 2024

Half-Arsed History is taking to the stage this August, in Melbourne and Sydney! We'll have a great time getting across the histories of these two cities, and there's plenty of other stuff planned - Q&As, meet and greets, tour merch, a song or two, all sorts of things. Hope to see you there!

Tickets are available now: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HALFHIST24

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Episode 314: Frederic Chopin, the Virtuosic Pianist Jun 30, 2024

In this week's episode, meet Frédéric Chopin, one of the most famous and celebrated composers and pianists of the Romantic Era, and learn about his life, work, and relationships.

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Monuments Episode 26: The Forbidden City Jun 28, 2024

This week's monument is the Forbidden City, a huge palace complex in central Beijing, China, which served as the imperial seat of government for over 500 years.

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QAH Episode 64: The Ball of the Burning Men Jun 26, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Ball of the Burning Men, a wedding celebration at which the reigning French king, Charles the Mad, was almost burnt to a crisp.

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Episode 313: Alan Turing and the Enigma Machine Jun 23, 2024

In this week's episode, learn the incredible story of Alan Turing - a man who not only laid the foundations of modern computer science, but also had an immense impact on the Second World War due to his work in deciphering the Enigma code.

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Monuments Episode 25: Kinkaku-ji Jun 21, 2024

This week's monument is Kinkaku-ji, also known as Rokuon-ji, a Buddhist temple in the Japanese city of Kyoto, famous for the fact that much of its exterior is completely covered in gold.

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QAH Episode 63: Mark Thatcher and the Paris-Dakar Rally Jun 19, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the time Mark Thatcher, the son of a sitting UK prime minister, decided he wanted to be a racecar driver and got stranded in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

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Episode 312: Christina of Sweden, Minerva of the North Jun 16, 2024

In this week's episode, get to know Christina of Sweden, the keenly intelligent and fiercely independent queen of Sweden, who is remembered today for her passion of learning and knowledge.

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Monuments Episode 24: The Great Mosque of Djenne Jun 14, 2024

This week's monument is the Great Mosque of Djenné, found in Mali, which to this day remains the largest mud brick building on the planet.

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QAH Episode 62: Legio IX Hispana, the Lost Legion Jun 12, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the tale of Legio IX Hispana, also know as the Lost Legion, an ancient Roman military unit that one day just disappeared from recorded history.

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Episode 311: Emperor Trajan, Optimus Princeps Jun 09, 2024

In this week's episode, discover the story of one of the greatest Roman emperors ever to have lived: Trajan, who brought the empire to its largest territorial extent in 117 CE.

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Monuments Episode: 23 Himeji Castle Jun 07, 2024

This week's monument is Himeji Castle, a complex in Japan that is perhaps the finest and most magnificent example of Japanese castle-building.

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QAH Episode 61: A Brief History of the State of Origin Jun 05, 2024

Quarter Arsed History presents: a brief history of the State of Origin, an very popular rugby league series that sees representatives from Queensland and New South Wales face off every year.

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Episode 310: Oscar Wilde, the Brilliant Playwright Jun 02, 2024

In this week's episode, learn all about Oscar Wilde, the famous Anglo-Irish playwright who is still remembered for his dazzling wit, and hear the tragic tale of his downfall due to the harsh social attitudes of the time.

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Monuments Episode 22: Moai May 31, 2024

This week's monument is the Moai, huge monolithic statues carved from volcanic rock and transported all across Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the remote south Pacific Ocean.

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QAH Episode 60: The Nottingham Cheese Riot May 29, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Nottingham Cheese Riot of 1766, when the English town of Nottingham was thrown into civil unrest due to... well, as you probably guessed, cheese.

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Episode 309: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln May 26, 2024

In this week's episode, listen to the tale of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, when actor John Wilkes Booth shot the sitting US president in Ford's Theatre.

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Monuments Episode 21: The Alhambra May 24, 2024

This week's monument is the Alhambra, a mediaeval hilltop citadel overlooking the Spanish city of Granada, that is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the entire world.

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QAH Episode 59: Ten Cent Beer Night May 22, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Ten Cent Beer Night, a baseball game at which beer was sold at ten cents a cup, leading to streakers, missiles pelting the players on the field, and eventually a full-blown riot.

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Episode 308: The History of the United States - Part 4: Cold War and Global Hegemony May 19, 2024

In this week's episode, conclude an overview of US history with the last of a four-part series, this week getting across the radical changes that took place in post-war USA, with things like the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the War on Terror, and more.

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Monuments Episode 20: The Louvre Palace May 17, 2024

This week's monument is the Louvre Palace, a building in Paris, France that is today home to what is today the world's most famous art museum, but used to be a royal residence for French kings.

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QAH Episode 58: The Harlem Hellfighters May 15, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Harlem Hellfighters, the nickname given to the US 369th Infantry Regiment, a unit of mostly African-American soldiers sent over to Europe to fight in the First World War.

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Episode 307: The History of the United States - Part 3: Reconstruction and World War May 12, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get stuck into the third of four episodes covering the history of the United States of America, this time covering the Reconstruction and Progressive Eras, the World Wars, Great Depression, and New Deal.

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Monuments Episode 19: Notre-Dame de Paris May 10, 2024

This week's monument is Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the most famous Gothic-style cathedrals on the face of the planet.

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QAH Episode 57: Ea-Nasir, the Fine Copper Merchant May 08, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the story of Ea-Nasir, a copper merchant whose reputation as a shonky businessman has lasted almost 3,800 years.

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Episode 306: The History of the United States - Part 2: Expansion and Civil War May 05, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, continue an overview of US history, focussing on the first half of the 19th century: foreign policy, westward expansion, slavery, and the American Civil War.

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Monuments Episode 18: Angkor Wat May 03, 2024

This week's monument is Angkor Wat, an enormous Buddhist temple complex found in Cambodia that is said to be the largest religious structure in the world.

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QAH Episode 56: The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw May 01, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the day John Sattler broke his jaw, when during the 1970 NSWRFL grand final, the South Sydney played through the entire match even after having his jaw broken in three places.

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Episode 305: The History of the United States - Part 1: Colonisation and Independence Apr 28, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the first of a four-part series on the history of the United States of America, including its indigenous peoples, the colonisation process, the American Revolutionary War, and its immediate consequences.

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Monuments Episode 17: Great Zimbabwe Apr 26, 2024

This week's monument is Great Zimbabwe, a mediaeval city in Zimbabwe that generated great wealth and prosperity before ultimately falling into decline and ruin in the 15h century.

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QAH Episode 55: Simpson and His Donkey Apr 24, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Simpson and his donkey, the tale of the brave Anzac John Simpson who rescued his wounded comrades from the battlefields of Gallipoli with the help of a donkey.

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Episode 304: The ANZAC Campaign in Gallipoli Apr 21, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War and the role the ANZACs played in it, resulting in the yearly observance of Anzac Day.

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Monuments Episode 16: The Tower of London Apr 19, 2024

This week's monument is the Tower of London, a castle complex in the UK capital that dates back almost a thousand years - and was a lot more than just a prison.

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QAH Episode 54: The Rebecca Riots Apr 17, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Rebecca riots, when hordes of Welsh farmers staged violent protests across the country... in drag.

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Episode 303: Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh Revolt Apr 14, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh nobleman who led a rebellion against the English in the 14th century.

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Monuments Episode 15: Chichen Itza Apr 12, 2024

This week's monument is Chichen Itza, an old Maya city found in today's Mexico that grew to become one of the largest and most powerful cities in Mesoamerica.

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QAH Episode 53: The Extinction of the Thylacine Apr 10, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the extinction of the thylacine, a carnivorous marsupial that died out in 1936 after decades of being maligned and hunted.

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Episode 302: The Extinction of the Dodo Apr 07, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tragic tale of the dodo, and how it was driven to extinction by humans after we landed on the island of Mauritius.

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Monuments Episode 14: Borobudur Apr 05, 2024

This week's monument is Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the entire world, found on the Indonesian island of Java.

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QAH Episode 52: The 1932 Kimberley Rescue Apr 03, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the 1932 Kimberley Rescue, when two German aviators got lost in the Australian wilderness before being rescued by indigenous trackers.

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Episode 301: The Historic Origins of Popular Sayings - Part 2 Mar 31, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the historical origins behind five popular sayings: "mad as a hatter", "bite the bullet", "crocodile tears", "I have a bridge to sell you", and "baker's dozen".

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Monuments Episode 13: The Dome of the Rock Mar 29, 2024

This week's monument is the Dome of the Rock, the oldest example of Islamic architecture in the world, found atop Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel.

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QAH Episode 51: Herodotus, the Father of History Mar 27, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Herodotus, the ancient Greek traveller, writer, and orator whose seminal work Histories established history as an academic discipline.

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Episode 300: The History of History Mar 24, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get across a history of history itself, exploring the way we have recorded our own history over the millennia, how our relationship with history has changed, and how it has changed us.

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Monuments Episode 12: Skellig Michael Mar 22, 2024

This week's monument is the monastery on Skellig Michael, built on a tiny island to the southwest of Ireland, which was famously featured in the most recent Star Wars films.

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QAH Episode 50: Miyamoto Musashi, the Great Duelist Mar 20, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Miyamoto Musashi, one of the greatest duellists history has ever seen, with an incredible record of 61 victories - one of them with an oar.

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Episode 299: William Adams and the Real-Life History of Shogun Mar 17, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the true story of William Adams, the inspiration behind the popular TV show Shogun and his fictional counterpart, John Blackthorne.

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Monuments Episode 11: The Hagia Sophia Mar 15, 2024

This week's monument is the Hagia Sophia, a beautiful and iconic building in Istanbul that has served as a Christian church, Islamic mosque, and secular museum.

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QAH Episode: 49 Project Hajile Mar 13, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Project Hajile, where British military engineers attempted to create a rocket-powered landing system for heavy airdrops during the Second World War.

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Episode 298: Grace O’Malley, the Irish Rebel Pirate Mar 10, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Irish noblewoman, rebel, and pirate, Grace O'Malley, known in Irish as Gráinne Ní Mháille.

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Monuments Episode 10: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Mar 08, 2024

This week's monument is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a church found in Jerusalem that is considered to be the holiest place in the Christian faith, and one that has some very amusing stories attached to it.

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QAH Episode 48: Johan de Witt, the Cannibalised Statesman Mar 06, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Johan de Witt, a Dutch political leader who led the Dutch Republic through the closing years of its golden age, before being killed and eaten by his people.

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Episode 297: The History of Chess Mar 03, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, go on a journey through the history of chess, from its origins as an Indian board game called chaturanga, through its development in Persia and the Middle East, to become the international game it is today.

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Monuments Episode 9: The Colosseum Mar 01, 2024

This week's monument is the Colosseum, found in the Italian capital of Rome, which played host to bloody spectacles for hundreds of years during the height of the Roman Empire.

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QAH Episode 47: The Fine Cotton Affair Feb 28, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Fine Cotton Affair, when a horse racing syndicate made a farcical attempt at a "ring-in", involving hair dye, spray paint, and ultimately, multiple jail terms for those involved.

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Episode 296: Vasco da Gama, the Explorer Who Shrank the World Feb 25, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, whose mixed historical legacy includes being in command of the first successful sea voyage from Europe to Asia.

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Monuments Episode 8: The Western Wall Feb 23, 2024

This week's monument is the Western Wall, which in the Jewish faith is one of the holiest places in the world, but was originally built as a retaining wall for the expansion of the Second Temple on Temple Mount.

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QAH Episode 46: The White Ship Disaster Feb 21, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the White Ship Disaster, a shipwreck that saw the heir to the English throne die, directly leading to the outbreak of a prolonged civil war known as the Anarchy.

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Episode 295: King Stephen, Empress Matilda, and the Anarchy Feb 18, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn all about the Anarchy, a devastating civil war that took place in 12th-century England in the wake of a succession crisis.

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Monuments Episode 7: The Pantheon Feb 16, 2024

This week's monument is the Pantheon, found in the Italian capital city of Rome - an ancient Roman temple built almost a thousand years ago, the exquisitely-decorated Pantheon is still in use today as a Catholic church.

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QAH Episode 45: Louis Edward Curdes, the Friendly Fire Pilot Feb 14, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Edward Louis Curdes, an American flying ace from the Second World War, who not only deliberately shot down an American plane, but was awarded a medal for it.

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Episode 294: The Lost Secret of Greek Fire Feb 11, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the mystery of a forgotten technology, an incendiary weapon that burnt even after being doused with water: Greek Fire.

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Monuments Episode 6: Mahabodhi Temple Feb 09, 2024

This week's monument is Mahabodhi Temple, an ancient and exquisite place of worship found in northeast India, said to be where the Buddhist faith was founded.

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QAH Episode 44: Michael Howe, the Vandemonian Bushranger Feb 07, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Michael Howe, a fearsomely cruel bushranger who terrorised the people of Van Diemen's Land - colonial Tasmania - in the early 19th century.

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Episode 293: The Treaty of Waitangi Feb 04, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear all about the Treaty of Waitangi - how and why it was written, translated, and signed, as well as the many important consequences it had for Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Monuments Episode 5: Petra Feb 02, 2024

This week's monument is Petra, an ancient city built thousands of years ago in what is today Jordan, with many of its most famous buildings exquisitely carved out of rock faces.

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QAH Episode 43: Hongi Hika, the Great Rangatira Jan 31, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Hongi Hika, a Māori chieftain and warleader who played a huge part in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 19th century.

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Episode 292: The Settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand Jan 28, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the original inhabitants of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Māori, and how their way of lives changed and developed as they settled their homeland before encountering visitors from across the seas.

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Monuments Episode 4: The Acropolis of Athens Jan 26, 2024

This week's monument is the Acropolis of Athens, a hilltop citadel dating back almost two and a half thousand years that features some of the most incredible examples of ancient Greek architectural and cultural output.

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QAH Episode 42: The 1914 Newfoundland Sealing Disaster Jan 24, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the 1914 Newfoundland Sealing Disaster, a tragic tale of death on the ice as completely avoidable communication issues saw two ship captains believe a lost crew was aboard the other's vessel.

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Episode 291: Florence Nightingale, the Lady with the Lamp Jan 21, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the incredible tale of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern profession of nursing.

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Monuments Episode 3: The Nazca Lines Jan 19, 2024

This week's monument is the Nazca Lines, a remarkable and mysterious series of enormous shapes and patterns "drawn" into the Peru's Nazca Desert, that can only be seen properly from high in the air.

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QAH Episode 41: Yoshie Shiratori, the Prison Escape Artist Jan 17, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Yoshie Shiratori, a bloke who escaped four different times in four different ways from four different prisons - and then went back to prison of his own accord.

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Update: More Growth, More Ads, and Even More Content Jan 16, 2024

More change is coming to Half-Arsed History: as the show has experienced unprecedented growth over the last twelve months, I want to talk about the big plans I have for the future, how I'm working to make them a reality, and what is supporting these plans - namely, for the first time, host-read ads. I'm posting this update to be as transparent as possible, and to seek your understanding by explaining how I see the incoming changes as being a net positive.

As ever, I appreciate any and all feedback - head over to halfarsedhistory.net and use the contact form to get in touch.

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Episode 290: The History of Tennis Jan 14, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, go on a journey through the history of tennis, one of the modern world's most popular professional sports and one that dates back almost a thousand years.

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Monuments Episode 2: The Great Wall of China Jan 12, 2024

This week's monument is the Great Wall of China, a series of defensive fortifications that has helped to secure the northern borders of various Chinese realms for over two and a half thousand years, with its most famous and iconic sections being built from the 14th century onwards.

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QAH Episode 40: HMS Diamond Rock and the Stone Frigates Jan 10, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: HMS Diamond Rock, an island that the British Royal Navy once commissioned as a ship, leading to a tradition of creating "stone frigates" - areas of land that were, as far as the Royal Navy was concerned, actual ships.

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Episode 289: The Democratic Peace Theory Jan 07, 2024

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the history of an international relations theory known as the Democratic Peace Theory, which argues that democracies never go to war with one another.

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Monuments Episode 1: Stonehenge Jan 05, 2024

This week's monument is Stonehenge, a prehistoric stone circle found in the United Kingdom that dates back to around 2500 BCE. While we don't know for certain why Stonehenge was built, the way it was built is truly remarkable, and millennia later it remains a place of great cultural significance.

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QAH Episode 39: Jenny Diver, Master Pickpocket Jan 03, 2024

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Jenny Diver, a notorious and infamous pickpocket who terrorised London's wealthy classes in the early 18th century with all sorts of very inventive schemes.

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Episode 288: Charlemagne, Emperor of Europe Dec 31, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the emperor Charlemagne, who had a foundational influence on the creation and development of modern Europe.

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QAH Episode 38: The Bombing of the Rainbow Warrior Dec 27, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, an act of state terrorism carried out by France against a Greenpeace ship in a Kiwi harbour in 1985.

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Episode 287: Charles Darwin, Evolutionary Revolutionary Dec 24, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the tale of one of the most important scientific figures in human history: Charles Darwin, and his revolutionary theory on evolution.

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QAH Episode 37: The Christmas Truce Dec 20, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Christmas Truce, an unofficial and unauthorised ceasefire between soldiers fighting the First World War over Christmas in 1914.

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Episode 286: Pedro II of Brazil, the Magnanimous Emperor Dec 17, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the life story of one of the greatest monarchs ever to have lived: Brazil's Pedro II the Magnanimous.

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QAH Episode 36: Alfred Nobel, Merchant of Death Dec 13, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Alfred Nobel, a man who may have attempted to cover up his legacy as the inventor of dynamite by instituting the world-famous Nobel Prizes.

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Episode 285: The Elgin Marbles Dec 10, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the story behind one a longstanding diplomatic stoush between Greece and Britain, and the items that caused it: the Elgin Marbles.

NOTE: Sincere apologies for my frustratingly incorrect pronunciation of "Elgin". I should have looked it up before I started recording, oops!

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QAH Episode 35: The Principality of Hutt River Dec 06, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the story of the Principality of Hutt River, an unrecognised micronation whose chief exports were wheat, shonky passports, and tax evasion.

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Episode 284: The Mughal Empire Dec 03, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get across a condensed history of one of the richest and most powerful empires of the early modern period: the Mughal Empire.

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QAH Episode 34: A Brief History of Powdered Wigs Nov 29, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: a brief history of powdered wigs, from why and how they emerged as an essential fashion accessory for western men in the 18th century to their eventual decline and downfall.

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Episode 283: The Prophecies of Nostradamus Nov 26, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the life story of the the celebrated French seer Nostradamus, and examine some of his more famous prophecies in more detail.

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QAH Episode 33: Operation Cowboy Nov 22, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Operation Cowboy, when an unlikely group of allies came together in the closing stages of the Second World War in Europe to rescue a herd of prize horses.

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Episode 282: Johann Sebastian Bach, the Famed Baroque Composer Nov 19, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the life story of the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach while listening to some of his most enduring works - most of which you are already probably familiar with, even if you don't realise it.

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QAH Episode 32: Adolphe Sax, Inventor of the Saxophone Nov 15, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Adolphe Sax, who not only invented the saxophone but also defied death on eight different occasions as a small child.

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Episode 281: Kate Sheppard, the Tenacious Suffragette Nov 12, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the remarkable tale of Kate Sheppard, who was instrumental in making Aotearoa New Zealand the first self-governing place on Earth to offer universal women's suffrage to its populace.

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QAH Episode 31: The Loudun Possessions Nov 08, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Loudun Possessions, an affair that saw a horny French priest executed for the possession of some nuns during over a dispute about the demolition of Loudun's town walls.

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Episode 280: History’s Longest Reigns Nov 05, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, count down through the five longest-reigning sovereign monarchs in history, from ancient Maya city states to modern 21st-century kingdoms.

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QAH Episode 30: Sayyida al Hurra, the Moroccan Corsair Nov 01, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Sayyida al Hurra, a Moroccan noblewoman who ruled the city-state of Tétouan with a powerful pirate fleet that terrorised the Mediterranean.

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Episode 279: The History of Halloween Oct 28, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the history of the celebration today known as Halloween, from its origin as a Christian festival for saints and martyrs to its modern Samhain-influenced incarnation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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QAH Episode 29: Al Capone, Chicago's Notorious Gangster Oct 25, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Al Capone, the infamous Mafia boss whose legendary fame during the Prohibition era has had a huge influence on the popular conception of gangsters to this day.

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Episode 278: The Sicilian Mafia Oct 22, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the history of the Sicilian Mafia, the most famous criminal organisation in history, and hear about its spread from the island of Sicily across the world.

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QAH Episode 28 George Mallory, Lost on Everest Oct 18, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: George Mallory, the British mountaineer who lost his life while making an attempt on the summit of Mount Everest back in 1924.

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Episode 277: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Oct 15, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first two people to be confirmed to have made it to the peak of the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest.

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QAH Episode 27: The Astor Place Riot Oct 11, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Astor Place Riot, a deadly riot that erupted on the streets of New York after a longstanding disagreement over who was the best Shakespearean actor of the time.

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Episode 276: The People on Australian Money Oct 08, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about all the famous Australians represented on Australian banknotes: Banjo Paterson and Dame Mary Gilmore, Mary Reibey and John Flynn, David Ngunaitponi and Edith Cowan, and Dame Nellie Melba and Sir John Monash.

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QAH Episode 26: Bir Tawil, Earth’s Last Unclaimed Land Oct 04, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Bir Tawil, the only sizeable area of land outside of Antarctica that remains unclaimed, as Egypt and Sudan both fight for the other nation's claim to it.

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Episode 275: The Anarchy at Samarra, the Setting for Assassin's Creed Mirage Oct 01, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn more about the historical setting for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Mirage: a tumultuous and chaotic time in Islamic history known as the Anarchy at Samarra.

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QAH Episode 25: Samuel Bellamy, Forbes’ Top-Earning Pirate Sep 27, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy, whose short career as a pirate captain was enough to see him named by Forbes magazine as history's top-earning pirate.

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Episode 274: Edward “Blackbeard” Teach, the Fearsome Pirate Sep 24, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Edward “Blackbeard” Teach, who has gone on to become perhaps the most famous and well-known pirate in history.

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QAH Episode 24: The 1944 Bombay Explosion Sep 20, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the 1944 Bombay Explosion, when a huge explosion ripped through the city's docks because of some truly idiotic mistakes when it came to loading cargo aboard a ship.

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Episode 273: A History of Australian Referendums Sep 17, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn everything you need to know about Australian referendums - what they are, how they work, and what was involved with the most famous and important ones in Australian history.

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QAH Episode 23: The TRUTH about the Bermuda Triangle Sep 13, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the TRUTH about the Bermuda Triangle, the truth that THEY don't want you to know about all the MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES of planes and ships and people in this ONE SPECIFIC PART of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Episode 272: Catherine de' Medici, Ruler of France Sep 10, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the tale of Catherine de' Medici, an Italian noblewoman who rose to become the ruler of France during one of the most tumultuous periods in French history.

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QAH Episode 22: Benedict IX, the Profligate Pope Sep 06, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Pope Benedict IX, infamous not only for being the only person to have multiple "terms" as pope and for once selling the papacy to someone, but also for apparently having great big orgies in the papal residency.

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Episode 271: History’s Weirdest Deaths - Part 4 Sep 03, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, enjoy another ten stories surrounding some of the most ridiculous and amusing deaths in history.

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QAH Episode 21: The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius Aug 30, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the famous event that saw the city of Pompeii destroyed and preserved under metres of volcanic material.

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Episode 270: The Eruptions of Mount Tambora and Krakatoa Aug 27, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the stories behind the two deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history: the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, and the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.

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QAH Episode 20: The Berners Street Hoax Aug 23, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: The Berners Street Hoax, an incident in 1810 that saw a street in central London jammed with tradespeople, merchants, deliverymen, doctors, lawyers, and countless others, all inexplicably trying to access one particular address on the same day.

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Episode 269: The Six Wives of Henry VIII Aug 20, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the monumental impact Henry VIII had on English history as a result of his many marriages, culminating in the establishment of the Church of England.

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QAH Episode 19: Jumbo the Elephant Aug 16, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Jumbo the Elephant, who became the world's most famous elephant after a lifetime as a star attraction in zoos and circuses across Europe and North America.

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Episode 268: The Vasa, Sweden's Mighty Warship Aug 13, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Vasa, a heavily-armed 17th century Swedish warship that sank just minutes into its maiden voyage, but is today the best-preserved warship from that period.

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QAH Episode 18: The Great Molasses Flood Aug 09, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Great Molasses Flood, a disaster where a reservoir burst and wiped out half a neighbourhood with a sticky, sugary, eight-metre high wave of molasses.

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Episode 267: History's Biggest Misconceptions Aug 06, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out the truth about five of the biggest misconceptions in history, including the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the visibility of the Great Wall of China from space, what ninja and vikings used to wear, and historical beliefs about the Earth being flat.

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QAH Episode 17: Bertha Benz and the First Test Drive Aug 02, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Bertha Benz, an automotive pioneer who undertook the world's first-ever long-distance test drive of a car, when she drove the Benz Model III over 100km from Mannheim to Pforzheim.

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Episode 266: The History of Artificial Light Jul 30, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn how artificial light has helped to create and shape human civilisation, and how it has changed over the millennia - from fire to gas to electricity.

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QAH Episode 16: The Demon Core Jul 26, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Demon Core,a six-kilogram lump of plutonium that caused the first-ever lethal criticality accident, and then a second one when some reckless US scientists went back for a second helping of radiation poisoning.

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Episode 265: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Destroyer of Worlds Jul 23, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the true story of the life and career of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist principally responsible for bringing nuclear weapons into the world.

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QAH Episode 15: Bat Bombs Jul 19, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Bat Bombs, an actual, factual US military project run by a dentist, the goal of which was to drop incendiary bats on Tokyo during the Second World War.

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Episode 264: History's Weirdest Epithets Jul 16, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover five historical figures with some of the strangest epithets you'll ever come across: Mithridates the Poison King, Charles the Bald, Ivaylo the Cabbage, Selim the Drunk, and Robert the Cuckhold.

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QAH Episode 14: Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese Holdout Jul 12, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese guerilla fighter who continued to fight the Second World War on behalf of Japan for almost three decades after it finished.

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Episode 263: Harald Hardrada, the Last Great Viking Jul 09, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life story of one of the most famous vikings in history: Harald Hardrada, who attempted to reforge the North Sea Empire after spending his younger years in exile.

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QAH Episode 13: Harald Bluetooth, the Viking King Jul 05, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Harald Bluetooth, a famed viking king who unified Denmark before going after Norway and the Holy Roman Empire, and whose name is now synonymous with connecting electronic devices wirelessly.

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Episode 262: King Cnut of the North Sea Empire Jul 02, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Cnut the Great, who unified the thrones of Denmark, Norway, and England to create what is known to history as the North Sea Empire.

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QAH Episode 12: Violet Jessop, the Unsinkable Woman Jun 28, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Violet Jessop, who not only survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic, but also the sinking of its sister ship the HMHS Brittanic, as well as surviving a collision aboard the RMS Olympic.

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Episode 261: The Sinking of the RMS Titanic Jun 23, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the full story of the famous ship RMS Titanic - a ship that was touted as being "unsinkable", right up until it sank on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic.

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QAH Episode 11: Operation Plumbbob Jun 21, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Operation Plumbbob, a series of nuclear tests that were carried out in the US in 1957, that involved test subjects such as buildings, aircraft, pigs, living servicemen - as well as creating what was at the time the fastest-moving human-made object in history.

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Episode 260: Captain Cook’s Second and Third Voyages Jun 18, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the second and third voyages of Captain James Cook, as he sailed in search of Terra Australis Incognita and the Northwest Passage.

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QAH Episode 10: Blas de Lezo, Naval Genius Jun 14, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Blas de Lezo, the Spanish naval officer who lost a leg, arm, and an eye and still managed to be one of the greatest naval commanders Spain ever produced.

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Episode 259: Captain Cook’s First Voyage Jun 11, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the first voyage undertaken by Captain James Cook, the first recorded instance of European contact with the east coast of Australia.

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QAH Episode 9: Iron Mike Malloy Jun 07, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Iron Mike Malloy, a seemingly indestructible Irishman who survived several murder attempts as people attempted to cash in on his life insurance policies.

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Episode 258: The Nika Riots Jun 04, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the time that a chariot race sparked a deadly revolt which almost brought down an emperor: the Nika Riots.

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QAH Episode 8: The Crash at Crush May 31, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Crash at Crush, an infamous publicity stunt where two trains were deliberately crashed into one another at high speed, with fatal results.

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Episode 257: Hurrem Sultan, Ottoman Empress May 28, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life story of Hurrem Sultan, one of the most powerful women in Ottoman history and someone who paved the way for generations of women to play a huge role in the Ottoman Empire's history.

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QAH Episode 7: Emperor Houfei, the Murderous Teenager May 24, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Emperor Houfei, the ancient Chinese emperor who, as a teenager, made the fatal mistake of using his general's belly for target practice.

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Episode 256: Henry Every, Pirate King May 21, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the pirate Henry Every, who pulled off what is perhaps the biggest and most profitable act of piracy in history - and got away with it.

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QAH Episode 6: Fart Proudly, by Benjamin Franklin May 17, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Fart Proudly, by Benjamin Franklin, a grand scientific proposal laying out a bright future wherein we could all openly fart in polite company.

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Episode 255: Benjamin Franklin, American Polymath May 14, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life story of one of the US's most famous founding fathers - the writer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, statesman, and flatulence enthusiast, Benjamin Franklin.

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QAH Episode 5: Khosrow’s Better Antioch May 10, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: Khosrow’s Better Antioch, an entire copy of the city of Antioch built by the Sassanid king Khosrow I after he destroyed the original.

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Episode 254: The Roman Empire May 07, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Roman Empire - one of the most important and influential realms in human history that spanned from western Europe across the Middle East before its decline and ultimate collapse.

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QAH Episode 4: The Capture of the Den Helder Fleet May 03, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents: the Capture of the Den Helder Fleet, the only time in history that a fleet of ships has been captured, unbelievably, by cavalry.

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Episode 253: The Roman Republic Apr 30, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the story of the Roman Republic - from its origins as a city-state, to its rise and expansion as a republic, through to its transition to an empire.

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QAH Episode 3: The Leaning Tower of Pisa Apr 26, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the famous Italian landmark that has a four-degree lean thanks to a critical oversight in its original design.

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Episode 252: The Satsuma Rebellion Apr 23, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about the last stand of the samurai in the Satsuma Rebellion, an enormously important turning point in Japanese history.

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QAH Episode 2: “Typhoid” Mary Mallon Apr 19, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents “Typhoid” Mary Mallon, an Irish cook who, as an asymptomatic carrier, unwittingly infected a great number of people with typhoid fever.

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Episode 251: The Western Schism Apr 16, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, enjoy the story of the time the Catholic Church ended up with three concurrent popes all vying for power: the Western Schism.

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QAH Episode 1: Roland the Farter Apr 12, 2023

Quarter-Arsed History presents Roland the Farter, a 12th-century English flatulist that was so good at farting that King Henry II granted him a rich and expansive estate.

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Episode 250: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot Apr 09, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the full story behind one of the most famous political conspiracies in history: the Gunpowder Plot, and its most famous conspirator, Guy Fawkes.

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Episode 249: The History of Flight - Part 3 Apr 02, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the third part of the history of flight: how the Second World War changed aviation forever, the breaking of the sound barrier, the development of the jet engine, and more.

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Episode 248: The History of Flight - Part 2 Mar 26, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the second part of the history of flight: the lead-up to successful heavier-than-air flight, how it was first achieved, and how it spread and changed in the early 20th century.

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Episode 247: The History of Flight - Part 1 Mar 19, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the first part of the history of flight: the origins of humanity's attempts to take to the skies, with wings, ornithopters, hot air balloons, and airships.

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Episode 246: Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Eleven-Time President Mar 12, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the ridiculous tale of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who served as the president of Mexico eleven times, and did a pretty terrible job at it.

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Episode 245: The Salem Witch Trials Mar 05, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the truth behind the famous Salem Witch Trials, a defining moment in American colonial history.

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Update: Growth, Ads, and More Content Mar 01, 2023

Change is coming to Half-Arsed History: in the coming weeks, you'll start to hear ads on the show, but there will also be more weekly content offerings as the show transitions from a hobby to a profession. This quick update should bring you up to speed with what's changing with the podcast - I'm trying to be open and transparent about things, and I hope you can understand why I've made the decisions I've made.

As ever, I appreciate any and all feedback - head over to halfarsedhistory.net and use the contact form to get in touch.

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Episode 244: Fritz Haber, the Man Who Fed the World Feb 26, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the story of Fritz Haber, a man whose monumental scientific breakthrough prevented a global catastrophe, and how he sabotaged his own legacy with enthusiasm for war and death.

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Episode 243: Mutiny on the Hermione Feb 19, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, enjoy the tale of the bloodiest mutiny in British naval history, the mutiny on the Hermione, and the daring operation undertaken to return the ship to British hands.

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Episode 242: The Race to the North Pole Feb 12, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out who won the race to the North Pole, and hear about all the controversies and disputes involved with various attempts that were made to be the first to reach it.

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Episode 241: History's Weirdest Deaths - Part 3 Feb 05, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get across ten more ridiculous stories that led to some of the weirdest deaths in history.

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Episode 240: The Federation of Australia Jan 29, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover how the Commonwealth of Australia was created through federation, bringing six separate colonies together as one new nation.

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Episode 239: The Colonisation of Australia Jan 22, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn why Australia Day, the 26th of January, isn't a date worth celebrating while uncovering the full story of the colonisation of Australia.

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Episode 238: Hatshepsut, the Builder Queen Jan 15, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life story of one of ancient Egypt's most successful and famous pharaohs: Hatshepsut, whose great buildings are still standing today.

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Episode 237: The Funniest Art Heists in History Jan 08, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, enjoy some of the ridiculous stories involved with when famous pieces of artwork have been stolen: the funniest art heists in history.

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Episode 236: The Gregorian Calendar Jan 01, 2023

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, begin the new year by learning about the history of the date-keeping system that almost the entire world uses today: the Gregorian calendar.

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Episode 235: Frederick Douglass, the Voice of Abolitionism - Part 2 Dec 25, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the second part of the life story of Frederick Douglass, and the influence he had on the progress of US history as a speaker, writer, abolitionist, and statesman.

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Episode 234: Frederick Douglass, the Voice of Abolitionism - Part 1 Dec 18, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the first part of the life story of Frederick Douglass, a remarkable man who began life enslaved before making a daring and dangerous escape to a life of freedom as an author, speaker, statesman, and political activist.

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Episode 233: The 1930 FIFA World Cup Dec 11, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the most ridiculous World Cup in soccer's history - which also happens to be the first one ever held, the 1930 FIFA World Cup.

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Episode 232: Tokugawa Ieyasu, First of the Last Shoguns Dec 04, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, listen to the conclusion of the story of Japan's great unifiers, with the tale of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who forged the mighty Tokugawa Shogunate.

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Episode 231: Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Lowborn Conqueror Nov 27, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, continue the tale of the unification of Japan with the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second of the great unifiers.

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Episode 230: Oda Nobunaga, the Great Unifier Nov 20, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the life story of Oda Nobunaga, known as the first great unifier, a man whose actions changed the course of Japanese history.

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Episode 229: The World’s Smallest Nations Nov 13, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the histories of the six smallest nations on Earth: Liechtenstein, San Marino, Tuvalu, Nauru, Monaco, and the Vatican City.

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Episode 228: Benedict Arnold, Traitor to America Nov 06, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the famous traitor Benedict Arnold, who betrayed the rebellious Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and fought instead for the British.

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Episode 227: Isabella I of Castile, Catholic Queen Oct 30, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the tale of Isabella I of Castile, a remarkably important figure in both Spanish and world history, who oversaw the unification of the Spanish Kingdom and the creation of the Spanish Empire.

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Episode 226: Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, Inca Founder Oct 23, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story behind the formation of the Inca Empire, and the man behind its creation: Pachacuti Inca, who built one of the most remarkable empires the world has seen.

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Episode 225: Frederick Barbarossa, Holy Roman Emperor Oct 16, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of one of the great mediaeval leaders, Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire, who spent his entire reign fighting to keep his realm together.

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Episode 224: Jan Zizka, the Undefeated Innovator Oct 09, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the Czech general and national hero, Jan Zizka, who used a combination of military innovation and strategic genius while fighting in the Hussite Wars.

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Episode 223: The Hundred Years’ War Oct 02, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of the Hundred Years’ War, a famous mediaeval conflict that saw five generations of English and French kings fight over claims to the French throne for over a hundred years.

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Episode 222: The Fall of Constantinople Sep 25, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the moment in history generally considered to be the end of the mediaeval period: the Fall of Constaninople, when a 21-year-old Ottoman Sultan captured the ancient city of Constantinople.

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Episode 221: Charles I of England, the Beheaded King Sep 18, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of King Charles I of England, one of the worst monarchs in English and British history, who ended up so unpopular that he ended up having his head chopped off.

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Episode 220: Mahatma Gandhi, the Revolutionary Pacifist - Part 2 Sep 11, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the second half of the life story of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India towards its ultimate independence with satyagraha, his political philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

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Episode 219: Mahatma Gandhi, the Revolutionary Pacifist - Part 1 Sep 04, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the first half of the story of Mahatma Gandhi, who started off a painfully shy law student before fighting against racial discrimination in South Africa, and for political independence in India.

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Episode 218: Amelia Earhart, Aviation Pioneer Aug 28, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the tale of a pioneering aviator, Amelia Earhart, who set countless records as a talented aviator and determined adventurer.

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Episode 217: Johannes Gutenberg and the Printing Press Aug 21, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the story behind a device that changed the world forever, and the man who invented it: Johannes Gutenberg, and the monumentally important printing press.

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Episode 216: Isaac Newton, a Genius without Equal Aug 14, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the tale of Isaac Newton, one of the most important figures in scientific history, who produced incredible, groundbreaking work that laid bare some of the fundamental laws of the universe.

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Episode 215: Hammurabi, the Ancient Lawmaker Aug 07, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, listen to the tale of Hammurabi, an ancient Mesopotamian king who instituted one of the most important and influential code of laws in human history.

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Episode 214: Sargon of Akkad, the First Emperor Jul 31, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the life story of the man who forged history's first-ever empire, Sargon of Akkad, and his efforts to maintain and develop it across his time as emperor.

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Episode 213: Simon Bolivar, El Libertador Jul 24, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the life story of the Venezuelan freedom fighter and revolutionary hero, Simon Bolivar, who liberated half a continent from Spanish colonial rule.

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Episode 212: Napoleon Bonaparte, Conqueror of Europe - Part 2 Jul 17, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the second half of the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, including his domestic reforms that would influence the entire world, and his eventual downfall, brief return, and final exile.

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Episode 211: Napoleon Bonaparte, Conqueror of Europe - Part 1 Jul 10, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the first half of the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French commander and emperor, who forged the French Empire by conquering half of the European continent.

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Episode 210: Galileo Galilei, Heretical Genius - Part 2 Jul 03, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the later stages of Galileo Galilei's career, and how the legendary scientist ran afoul of the Catholic Church due to his far-sighted genius.

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Episode 209: Galileo Galilei, Heretical Genius - Part 1 Jun 26, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the first half of the life story of Galileo Galilei, one of the most important and influential scientists in human history, who made far-sighted, ground-breaking scientific discoveries that changed our understanding of the universe.

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Episode 208: Queen Victoria, the Queen Who Defined an Era Jun 19, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the tale of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who was in her time the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

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Episode 207: Genghis Khan, the Unstoppable Conqueror - Part 2 Jun 12, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the second half of the life story of Genghis Khan, the man who created the Mongolian Empire and led it to early greatness as it expanded across Asia and into Europe.

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Episode 206: Genghis Khan, the Unstoppable Conqueror - Part 1 Jun 05, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the first half of the life story of Genghis Khan, the man who forged the largest contiguous empire that history has ever seen.

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Episode 205: Julius Caesar, the Populist Dictator May 29, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the famous Roman general and statesman, Julius Caesar, who played an instrumental role in the transition between the Roman Republic and Roman Empire.

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Episode 204: Leonardo da Vinci, Legendary Polymath May 22, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the life and times of the famous Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius encompassed everything from art to engineering, anatomy to aerodynamics, and much more besides.

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Episode 203: William Shakespeare, the Great Poet May 15, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of one of the most important literary figures in human history: William Shakespeare, who changed the English language forever with his poems and plays.

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Episode 202 Alexander the Great, the Real-World Achilles May 08, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life story of one of the greatest conquerors the world has ever seen: Alexander the Great, who in his short life forged a huge empire that spanned from Egypt to India.

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Episode 201: Saladin, Defender of the Holy Land May 01, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the mighty Saladin, the Kurdish sultan who united much of the 12th century Muslim world and recaptured Jerusalem, triggering the Third Crusade.

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Episode 200: Six More Short Stories Apr 24, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the disastrous Battle of Karansebes, the speedy surgeon Robert Liston, the Pig War (which hardly features any pigs at all), the submarine H.L. Henley which was very good at half its job, the broadsword-wielding Fighting Jack Churchill, and the fraternal rivalry that led to the establishment of both Adidas and Puma.

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Episode 199: Tamar, Georgia's Golden Age Queen Apr 17, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of one of Georgia's greatest monarchs: the female king, Tamar the Great.

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Episode 198: The Cuban Missile Crisis Apr 10, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the closest points humanity ever came to global thermonuclear war.

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Episode 197: The History of Nuclear Weapons Apr 03, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the history of one of the 20th century's most important technological developments that would go on to shape history and modern current affairs: nuclear weapons.

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Episode 196: Bartholomew Roberts, the Great Pirate - Part 2 Mar 27, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the second half of the tale of Bartholomew Roberts and his ultimate downfall and death, and learn about the role of things like the Jolly Roger during the Golden Age of Piracy.

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Episode 195: Bartholomew Roberts, the Great Pirate - Part 1 Mar 20, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the first half of the tale of Bartholomew Roberts, one of history's most successful pirates, and learn about other pirate-related topics such as various Pirate Codes that once governed different pirate ships.

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Episode 194: Ludwig van Beethoven, the Musical Innovator Mar 13, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life story of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest composers in history who created some of the most acclaimed and celebrated musical works, while suffering from debilitating hearing loss.

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Episode 193: The History of Ukraine Mar 06, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, go on a tour of the history of the land we today call Ukraine and the people that call it home, from Neolithic tribes to Slavic migrants, from Cossack freedom fighters to those subjugated by the Russian Empire, and discover some of the historical context to the horrendous and needless conflict taking place in Ukraine right now.

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Episode 192: Le Loi and the Lam Son Uprising Feb 27, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the tale of Le Loi, the Vietnamese national hero who delivered his people from the invading colonial Ming dynasty.

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Episode 191: Cleopatra, Egypt's Last Queen - Part 2 Feb 20, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, continue to learn about the life and times of Cleopatra VII Philopator, who played a significant role in not only the governance of Egypt but also the fall of the Roman Republic and rise of the Roman Empire.

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Episode 190: Cleopatra, Egypt's Last Queen - Part 1 Feb 13, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get to know one of the most famous figures from ancient history, Cleopatra VII Philopator, and learn how in her younger days she secured her crown against her enemies and became close to Julius Caesar.

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Episode 189: The Capture of Guam Feb 06, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the hilarious and unbelievable story of the Capture of Guam, when a heavily-armed US naval convoy took control of the island of Guam from Spain - without shedding a single drop of blood.

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Episode 188: Operation Mincemeat Jan 30, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the incredible story of Operation Mincemeat, one of the most elaborate and unbelievable intelligence ruses in history.

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Episode 187: The Great Train Robbery Jan 23, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Great Train Robbery, when in 1963 a group of gang members held up and robbed a mail train in England, before fleeing to their hideout and playing Monopoly with their ill-gotten gains.

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Episode 186: The Battles of Salamis and Plataea Jan 16, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn what happened during the decisive battles of Salamis and Plataea, when the Greeks finally gained the upper hand in the Greco-Persian Wars, and how these battles went on to affect the overall outcome of the war.

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Episode 185: The Battle of Thermopylae Jan 09, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Battle of Thermopylae, when a small force of Greek hoplites held off and fought a brave last stand against an overwhelmingly large Persian army as part of the Greco-Persian Wars.

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Episode 184: The Battle of Marathon Jan 02, 2022

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of the Battle of Marathon, a battle of immense importance not just in ancient history, but modern world history as well - and learn the true tale of the origin of the modern running race.

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Episode 183: The 1908 New York to Paris Race Dec 26, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the ridiculous story of the 1908 New York to Paris Race, which involved everything from plans to drive across the sea, blatant and outright cheating, and one team even selling their racecar en route.

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Episode 182: The Nine Years’ War and the End of Gaelic Ireland Dec 19, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, begin to understand an important chapter in Ireland's tragic and complicated history: the Nine Years' War, which effectively brought about the end of an autonomous Gaelic Ireland.

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Episode 181: Caravaggio, the Brawling Painter Dec 12, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the incredible life story of Caravaggio, one of the most famous painters in history - he wasn't just a masterful artist, however, but a lifelong street brawler who got into all sorts of trouble for it throughout his entire life.

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Episode 180: Fritz Duquesne, Vengeful Adventurer Dec 05, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Fritz Duquesne, a South African who throughout his adventure-filled life was a hunter, soldier, spy, writer, and... film publicist? whose lifelong hatred of the British saw him spy against them in both world wars.

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Episode 179: The Rum Rebellion Nov 28, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story behind Australia's first (and only) military coup, when William Bligh was overthrown as governor of New South Wales - the Rum Rebellion.

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Episode 178: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Legendary Composer - Part 2 Nov 21, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the rest of the life story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, how he set himself up as a successful performer and composer in Vienna, and discover his lifelong love of scatological humour.

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Episode 177: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Legendary Composer - Part 1 Nov 14, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the first half of the life story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his adventures as a child and young man as he travelled Europe, performing as a child virtuoso and honing his craft as a legendary composer.

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Episode 176: Zoe and Theodora Porphyrogenita Nov 07, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the story of Zoe and Theodora Porphyrogenita, two sisters who rose to power in the ruthless, cutthroat world of Byzantine politics.

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Episode 175: Marcus Licinius Crassus, Roman Oligarch Oct 31, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the richest man in ancient Rome, who was a real nasty piece of work: Marcus Licinius Crassus.

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Episode 174: History’s Weirdest Deaths - Part 2 Oct 24, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be entertained with some morbid comedy with the stories of ten more weird and ridiculous deaths from across history.

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Episode 173: Famous Last Words Oct 17, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the very entertaining last words of four figures from throughout history: Marie Antoinette, John Segwick, James W. Rodgers, and Ian Fleming.

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Episode 172: The Erfurt Latrine Disaster Oct 10, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the comedic tragedy - or is it the tragic comedy - of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster, when a huge group of mediaeval German lords plunged into a cesspit in the middle of meeting with a king.

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Episode 171: Atahualpa and the Massacre of Cajamarca Oct 03, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the story behind Sapa Inca Atahualpa and the Massacre of Cajamarca, the defining moment in the collapse of the mighty Inca Empire.

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Episode 170: King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the Warrior King Sep 26, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, also known as Shaka Zulu, a man who went from a common soldier to a tribal chieftain to one of southern Africa's most powerful warrior-kings.

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Episode 169: Attila the Hun, Breaker of Rome Sep 19, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Attila the Hun, one of history's most fearsome and bloodthirsty warriors, who rampaged across both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.

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Episode 168: Jadwiga of Poland, the Peacekeeper Sep 12, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life story of Jadwiga of Poland, a monarch who guided her realm through a turbulent and difficult period while maintaining peace and prosperity for her people.

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Episode 167: Jeanne Baret, the First Woman to Circumnavigate Earth Sep 05, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the first woman known to history to have circumnavigated the globe, Jeanne Baret, who went from being an impoverished peasant to a widely-travelled botanist and entrepreneur who made history with her voyages.

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Episode 166: Charles Ponzi, the Famous Con Artist Aug 29, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life story of one of history's most famous con men, Charles Ponzi, whose name is still attached to the swindle he pulled off (but didn't invent!) in 1920, when he fleeced millions from people in the US.

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Episode 165: Wild Bill Hickok, the Frontier Lawman Aug 22, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the extraordinary tale of Wild Bill Hickok, a famous gunslinger and lawman from the American Old West, who - amongst much else - once shot a man dead over a gold pocketwatch.

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Episode 164: The Time of Troubles Aug 15, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the Time of Troubles, a period of Russian history brought about by a succession crisis that involved chaos, invasions, lawlessness, and three different blokes pretending to be a long-lost heir who had come back from the dead.

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Episode 163: Moondyne Joe, the Jailbreaking Bushranger Aug 08, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Moondyne Joe, a convict sent to Western Australia who became infamous for his many attempts to break out of jail there, and the adventures he had along the way.

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Episode 162: The History of the Bicycle Aug 01, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the history of the bicycle, and how it went from being a wooden-wheeled, bone-shaking daredevil's plaything to a wonderful machine that influenced historical political movements and changed the way we travel.

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Episode 161: The Ancient Olympic Games Jul 25, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the history of the ancient Olympic Games, which featured everything from naked foot races to bloodsports, and became the precursor to the modern Olympic Games we all know so well today.

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Episode 160: The Watergate Scandal Jul 18, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the full story of one of the biggest political scandals in recent memory - the Watergate Scandal, which brought low an entire presidential administration after a series of failed cover-ups.

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Episode 159: Hudson’s Bay Company Jul 11, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the long and surprisingly involved history of the Hudson's Bay Company - today a chain of department stores, but previously a fur trading company that became a foundationally important part of Canada.

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Episode 158: The History of the Castle Jul 04, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the history of the structures that became mediaeval Europe's military, political, economic, and administrative focal points: the castle, a fortified home for wealthy ruling nobles.

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Episode 157: El Cid, the Iberian Warlord Jun 27, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known to history as El Cid, a famous Spanish knight who fought for and against both Christians and Muslims in mediaeval Iberia.

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Episode 156: Brunhilda and Fredegund, Feuding Queens Jun 20, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the bloody, decades-long feud between two rival Frankish queens from the Early Middle Ages, Brunhilda and Fredegund.

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Episode 155: The Battle of Castle Itter Jun 13, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at the ridiculous story of the Battle of Castle Itter, the only recorded time when American and German soldiers fought side-by-side in the Second World War.

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Episode 154: Afonso I, the Father of Portugal Jun 06, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the origin story of the modern state of Portugal, and the tale of the man who wrought its independence: Afonso I of Portugal.

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Episode 153: The Forty-Seven Ronin May 30, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of the Forty-Seven Ronin, a group of ex-samurai who hatched a two-year-long plot to avenge the death of their fallen lord and reclaim his lost honour.

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Episode 152: The Eureka Rebellion May 23, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Eureka Rebellion, the closest Australian colonists ever came to a full-scale political uprising after a harsh tax led gold miners to take up arms against the government.

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Episode 151: The History of Penicillin May 16, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn how the most significant medical breakthrough in human history - the discovery of penicillin - resulted in a revolution in human health thanks to the work of some talented and dedicated scientists.

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Episode 150: The Apollo Program May 09, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the full story of the Apollo Program, the monumental scientific endeavour that successfully landed humans on the Moon for the first time in history.

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Episode 149: William and Caroline Herschel, Stargazing Siblings May 02, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about the lives and the discoveries made by William and Caroline Herschel, a pair of siblings who were enormously influential on the science of astronomy.

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Episode 148: Ashurbanipal, King of the Universe Apr 25, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the ancient tale of Ashurbanipal, who styled himself king of the universe, and how his legacy remains alive today almost three millennia after his death.

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Episode 147: The Servile Wars Apr 18, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the stories of the Servile Wars, three slave revolts from ancient Rome that led to the emergence of legendary figures such as Spartacus.

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Episode 146: The Final Voyage of the Whaleship Essex Apr 11, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tragic tale of the whaleship Essex, the real-life inspiration for Herman Melville's Moby-Dick - a story of what happened when a giant whale attacked a ship in the middle of the Pacific.

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Episode 145: The Suez Canal Apr 04, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the long and very interesting history of one of the world's most important waterways, the Suez Canal, and hear about just how many times it's been blocked up over the years.

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Episode 144: Assassination Attempts on Fidel Castro Mar 28, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about all the ridiculous stories behind the times the CIA tried - and failed - to assassinate Fidel Castro, the president of Cuba.

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Episode 143: The Four Great Inventions Mar 21, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the stories of the Four Great Inventions from ancient China, and how they've impacted the modern world: the compass, papermaking, woodblock printing, and gunpowder.

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Episode 142: Marie Sklodowska Curie, Radiation Pioneer Mar 14, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life story of Marie Sklodowska Curie, a brilliant pioneering scientist who faced significant challenges both inside and outside the lab - but one who still managed to be the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes.

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Episode 141: Alcibiades, the Ancient Greek Playboy Mar 07, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of Alcibiades: general, diplomat, politician, traitor and turncoat (more than a few times), and an absolute lothario, who influenced the course of the famous Peloponnesian War.

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Episode 140: The Lafitte Brothers, the Roguish Pirates Feb 28, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the history of the infamous Lafitte Brothers, who were privateers, smugglers, political operatives, businessmen, spies, and all around rogues who made an unlikely alliance with the US to save New Orleans.

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Episode 139: The History of the Toilet Feb 21, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the history of the humble toilet, and hear how it has developed over the years from a rudimentary necessity to something that has bolstered both public health and a lot of very highbrow humour.

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Episode 138: The Order of Assassins Feb 14, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the true story of the Order of Assassins, also known as the Nizari Ismaili, as they pursued their political and religious goals with fanatically loyal, murderous agents.

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Episode 137: Alexander Selkirk, the Real-World Crusoe Feb 07, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Alexander Selkirk, a castaway whose incredible tale was one of the real-life inspirations for the famous novel Robinson Crusoe.

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Episode 136: King Ludwig II, the Fairytale King Jan 31, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the tale of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was responsible for securing a great cultural legacy for his kingdom - including the construction of the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle.

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Episode 135: The History of Football Jan 24, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the history of football, from its origins as an anarchic, violent game played by hundreds to the many various codes that have developed over the years.

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Episode 134: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Grandmother of Europe Jan 17, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the richest and most powerful women in mediaeval Europe, and learn how she helped to shape the history of both England and France as the queen of both nations.

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Episode 133: The First-Term Achievements of Every Single US President Jan 10, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, test the claim made earlier this week that the outgoing US presidency represents the "greatest first term ever" by examining every single first term of every single US president in history.

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Episode 132: History’s Shortest Reigns Jan 03, 2021

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the rulers throughout history that had the shortest reigns - although not all of them are accepted, even the disputed ones make for some great stories.

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Episode 131: The Mongol Invasions of Japan Dec 27, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Mongol Invasions of Japan, and the unlikely way in which the invasions ultimately failed.

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Episode 130: The Historic Origins of Popular Sayings Dec 20, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the origins of four commonly-used modern sayings: "beyond the pale", "fiddling while Rome burns", "red herring", and "hoist with his own petard".

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Episode 129: The White Australia Policy Dec 13, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about an often (and perhaps readily) overlooked part of Australia's history - the racist immigration laws it upheld for much of its history that became known as the White Australia Policy.

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Episode 128: Moctezuma II and the Fall of the Aztecs Dec 06, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear how the Aztec Empire was destroyed by Spanish invaders led by Hernan Cortes, and the tale of the emperor who was there when it fell, Moctezuma II.

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Episode 127: Moctezuma I and the Rise of the Aztecs Nov 29, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Mesoamerican Triple Alliance - better known to history as the Aztec Empire - and meet one of the men instrumental in its rise, Moctezuma I.

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Episode 126: History’s Weirdest Deaths Nov 22, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get across some of the weirdest and most ridiculous stories of how people have died, spanning from Ancient Greece to the modern era.

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Episode 125: Burke and Hare, Murderous Bodysnatchers Nov 15, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be shocked at the murderous crimes of two profiteering maniacs, Burke and Hare, who killed their victims just to sell their corpses to anatomists.

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Episode 124: History of Birth Control Nov 08, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the way that birth control has changed over the years, from Ancient Egyptian crocodile turds to the contraceptive pill of the modern era.

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Episode 123: The Lancashire Witch Trials Nov 01, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of one of history's best recorded witch trials, the Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612.

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Episode 122: The Great Stink Oct 25, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn of the time that raw sewage turned central London and the River Thames into a mephitic, malodorous hellscape - a time known as the Great Stink.

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Episode 121: Giacomo Casanova, the Famous Philanderer - Part 2 Oct 18, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the second half of the life story of history's most famous philanderer - Giacomo Casanova.

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Episode 120: Giacomo Casanova, the Famous Philanderer - Part 1 Oct 11, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at the adventures and misadventures that during place during the early life of history's best-known philanderer - Giacomo Casanova.

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Episode 119: Bonnie and Clyde, the Bank-Robbing Couple Oct 04, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the true story of two of the USA's most notorious and romanticised criminals: Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

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Episode 118: Franklin’s Lost Expedition Sep 27, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be mystified at the tale of Franklin's Lost Expedition, when two ships attempted to find their way through the Northwest Passage only to be lost forever.

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Episode 117: Hasekura Tsunenaga, First Diplomat to Europe Sep 20, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of the disgraced samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga, who attempted to reclaim his family's honour by becoming the first ever Japanese ambassador to Europe.

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Episode 116: The Battle of Kadesh Sep 13, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the incredible tale of the Battle of Kadesh, and its direct consequence - the oldest peace treaty known to history.

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Episode 115: The History of Gunpowder Sep 06, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the history of gunpowder, an invention that changed the nature of human conflict forever, influencing warfare and military technology for centuries.

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Episode 114: Joan of Arc, the Saviour of France Aug 30, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Joan of Arc, the famous French hero who changed the course of the Hundred Years War and went on to become a national symbol of France.

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Episode 113: History’s Shortest Wars Aug 23, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about five of the shortest wars ever fought: The Serbo-Bulgarian War, the War of the Stray Dog, the Six-Day War, the Football War, and the Anglo-Zanzibar War.

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Episode 112: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Part 2 Aug 16, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about four of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Statue of Zeus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

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Episode 111: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Part 1 Aug 09, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about three of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramid at Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.

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Episode 110: The History of Money Aug 02, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the long and very interesting history of money, from its beginnings as commodity money, through coinage, paper money, fiat money, all the way to the digital money of the 21st century.

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Episode 109: Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland Jul 26, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the true story of the very famous Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland and his role in the First War of Scottish Independence.

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Episode 108: The Shark Arm Murder Jul 19, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be entertained with the story of the Shark Arm Murder, a tale of a murder investigation that was brought about when a captive tiger shark spewed up a tattooed human arm in 1930s Sydney.

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Episode 107: The Münster Rebellion Jul 11, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the ridiculous story of the Münster Rebellion, which had everything from a crazed self-proclaimed prophet, to forced polygamy, to good old-fashioned blood and guts and 'orrible murder.

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Episode 106: The First Circumnavigation of the Earth Jul 05, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the adventures and misadventures involved with the very first circumnavigation of the Earth, a story closely associated with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

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Episode 105: Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr Jun 28, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the real story behind the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr - how their careers intertwined, how their rivalry developed, and what fatal consequences therefore resulted.

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Episode 104: Joseph Bologne, Virtuosic Swordsman Jun 21, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the life story of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges - who was born to an African slave but went on to become a musician, composer, swordsman, abolitionist, soldier, and revolutionary.

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Episode 103: The Insurrection Act of 1807 Jun 14, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the mixed legacy of the Insurrection Act of 1807, a two-hundred-year-old piece of American legislation that has been used in the pursuit of both fair-minded justice and horrific oppression, firmly consigning those who invoked it either to the right or the wrong side of history.

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Episode 102: The History of Clocks - Part 2 Jun 07, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore the more recent history of timekeeping and clocks, including John Harrison's marine chronometer, how wristwatches eclipsed pocketwatches, and finally how quartz and atomic watches brought us into the twenty-first century.

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Episode 101: The History of Clocks - Part 1 May 31, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the first half of the very interesting history of the humble clock, from its origins as a sundial and water clock, through to the technological developments that led to the first mechanical clocks, pendulum clocks, and pocket watches.

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Episode 100: Seven Short Stories May 24, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about Liechtenstein's weird involvement in the Austro-Prussian War, the mysterious Voynich Manuscript, the doomed romance of Peter I and Ines de Castro, Wilhelm Voigt's audacious heist, the untold riches of Mansa Musa I, the women in charge of Sydney's Razor Gangs, and the death-defying adventure of Alan Magee.

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Episode 99: The History of Coffee May 17, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, and hear how it was spread and popularised while influencing politics, history, economics, and of course culture.

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Episode 98: Ching Shih, Pirate Queen May 10, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Ching Shih, one of the most powerful pirates the world has ever seen, who at her peak led a fleet of hundreds and a crew of tens of thousands.

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Episode 97: Colonel Blood, Thief of Crowns May 03, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed by the incredible exploits of "Colonel" Thomas Blood, a thief, kidnapper, con man, turncoat, impersonator, traitor, and rogue who attempted the heist of the century when he tried to steal the Crown Jewels of England.

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Episode 96: The Bone Wars Apr 26, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore the bitter rivalry between Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope, two palaeontologists whose undying hatred for one another resulted in the Bone Wars.

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Episode 95: The Mechanical Turk Apr 19, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the Mechanical Turk, a chess-playing automaton from over 250 years ago that stunned and mystified with its chess-playing skill and fiercely-guarded secrets.

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Episode 94: The March of the Ten Thousand Apr 12, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the Ten Thousand: "an epic tale of marooned Greek mercenaries in enemy territory, with betrayal and beheadings, a Persian brotherly blood feud, and a foot bridge made of slaughtered animal herds."

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Episode 93: The Cod Wars Apr 05, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore an interesting and overlooked bit of Cold War history - the Cod Wars, which helped to shape 20th century politics, geography, and British haute cuisine.

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Episode 92: The History of the Potato Mar 29, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the surprisingly interesting history of the humble potato, and how it has strongly influenced the course of history and made the world into what it is today.

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Episode 91: The Tragedy of Ignaz Semmelweis Mar 22, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tragic story of Ignaz Semmelweis, a man whose pioneering medical work has saved millions of lives over the years - as well as being especially relevant today.

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Episode 90: The Black Death Mar 15, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about one of the most devastating diseases the world has ever seen - the Black Death, which killed countless millions of people and reduced Europe's population by up to sixty percent.

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Episode 89: Diogenes, the Hardcore Cynic Mar 08, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life and times of Diogenes the Cynic, a famous Ancient Greek philosopher who was known for living in a jar, making a mockery of the establishment, and relieving himself in public.

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Episode 88: The English Longbow Mar 01, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn all about the English longbow, which played a decisive role in the military history of western Europe between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, and hear the stories of the battles in which it played a key role.

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Episode 87: Edward Jenner, Father of the Vaccine Feb 23, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life of Edward Jenner, a man who perhaps saved more lives than any other human in the history of our species by developing a vaccine for smallpox.

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Episode 86: Irene, Byzantine Empress Feb 16, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Irene of Athens, who rose to rule the Byzantine Empire in her own right through a combination of political cleverness and brutal and bloody authority.

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Episode 85: Peter Tordenskjold, Norway’s Han Solo Feb 09, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the incredible exploits of the brazen sea captain Peter Tordenskjold, who fought for Denmark-Norway against the Swedish during the Great Northern War.

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Episode 84: Black Agnes and the Siege of Dunbar Feb 02, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the ridiculous story of the Siege of Dunbar, where a Scottish noblewoman known as Black Agnes thoroughly humiliated her English foes as they laid siege to her castle.

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Episode 83: Johann Friedrich Struensee, Paramour of Queens Jan 26, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the tale of Johann Friedrich Struensee, who took control of the Kingdom of Denmark in the eighteenth century, by winning over the king and sleeping with the queen.

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Episode 82: Norwegian Heavy Water Sabotage Jan 19, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the remarkable tale of the Norwegian and Allied saboteurs who fought a secret and dangerous war against the Nazi nuclear weapons program during the Second World War.

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Episode 81: The Beast of Gévaudan Jan 12, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the remarkable true story of the Beast of Gévaudan, a monstrosity that plagued and terrorised the French countryside in the 1760s.

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Episode 80: Tycho Brahe, the Brass-Nosed Astronomer Jan 05, 2020

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life of Tycho Brahe, who balanced his astronomic and scientific genius with, like, just a whole bunch of really weird stuff.

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Episode 79: Operation Pastorius - Part 2 Dec 29, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the second half of the story of Operation Pastorius, when eight Nazi saboteurs were sent across the Atlantic in submarines to attempt to wreak havoc within the US.

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Episode 78: Operation Pastorius - Part 1 Dec 22, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the first half of the story of Operation Pastorius, when eight Nazi saboteurs were sent across the Atlantic in submarines to attempt to wreak havoc within the US.

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Episode 77: Artemisia and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus Dec 15, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the origin of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the woman who was behind its construction, Artemisia II of Caria.

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Episode 76: The Norman Conquest of England Dec 08, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the Norman Conquest of England, an event which put a new line of kings on the throne of England and forever changed the course of world history.

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Episode 75: The Great Emu War Dec 01, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover one of the most humiliating defeats ever suffered by the Australian Army - the Great Emu War, when artillerymen and machine guns from the Australian Army were deployed to fight tens of thousands of emus, and lost.

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Episode 74: Mutiny on the Batavia Nov 24, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the Mutiny on the Batavia, when a Dutch ship ran aground off the coast of Western Australia and ended up with a murderous psychopath in charge, resulting in treachery, betrayal, and of course 'orrible murder.

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Episode 73: USS William D. Porter, History’s Unluckiest Ship Nov 17, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the hilarious and near-world-changing story of the USS William D. Porter, a ship whose crew almost accidentally killed US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt before suffering the weirdest kamikaze attack in history.

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Episode 72: Bowie, Crockett, and the Battle of the Alamo Nov 10, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out the truth about the famous Battle of the Alamo and its role in securing Texan independence, as well as the stories of some of the famous men who were there, including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett.

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Episode 71: Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba Nov 03, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the tale of Queen Nzinga, who spent a lifetime fighting against the Portuguese colonisation of Angola - and in doing so, united two kingdoms and made a name for herself as a clever, pragmatic, and ruthless leader.

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Episode 70: Four Generations of the Dumas Family Oct 27, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the incredible story of the Dumas family, who for four consecutive generations produced a succession of "distinguished men" - a revolutionary general, a celebrated author, a talented playwright, and an Olympic double-gold medallist.

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Episode 69: The Eighty Years’ War - Part 2 Oct 20, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear more of the ridiculous stories that came out of the Eighty Years' War, including a sixteenth-century Trojan Horse story, the establishment of the Dutch East India Company, and the only time in history a Spanish treasure fleet was ever captured.

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Episode 68: The Eighty Years’ War - Part 1 Oct 13, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear some of the ridiculous stories that came out of the Eighty Years' War, including the surfing pirates of the Siege of Leiden, the tens of thousands left dead after the Spanish Fury, and William the Silent paying for his assassin's pistols.

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Episode 67: Josephine Baker, the Singing Spy Oct 06, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the incredible life story of Josephine Baker, who went from the slums of St. Louis to international stardom as a singer, while also working as a spy during the Second World War and a civil rights activist in the years afterwards.

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Episode 66: Juan Pujol García, the Self-Made Spy Sep 29, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at the incredible exploits of Juan Pujol García, who went from being a Spanish chicken farmer to one of the most important double agents during the Second World War.

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Episode 65: Tarrare, the Eating Machine Sep 22, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the amusing and tragic adventures of Tarrare, a French man who had perhaps the most voracious appetite the world has ever seen, eating everything from his own bodyweight in meat to wood and rocks.

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Episode 64: John Paul Jones, Father of the US Navy Sep 15, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the story of John Paul Jones, a daring naval commander whose early victories against the British during the American Revolutionary War earnt him the title "Father of the US Navy".

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Episode 63: Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, the Great Admiral Sep 08, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the tale of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, one of the greatest naval strategists the world has ever seen, who never lost a battle or even a ship at sea throughout his entire career.

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Episode 62: James Lind and the Cure for Scurvy Sep 01, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, enjoy the uplifting story of James Lind, a medical visionary who was ahead of his time in helping to cure scurvy and conducting what might have been the world's first clinical trial.

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Episode 61: John R. Brinkley, the Goat Testicle Quack Aug 25, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, try to contain your bewilderment as you hear the story of John R. Brinkley, a man who made his fortune by transplanting goat testicles into humans after marketing them as a miracle cure-all.

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

Episode 60: Alexander the Great’s Siege of Tyre Aug 18, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn how Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, with hundreds of ships and a human-made causeway, altering not only the course of world history but also the course of world geography.

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Episode 59: Neutral Moresnet Aug 11, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of Neutral Moresnet, a fascinatingly unique geographical and political anomaly in 19th-century Europe, famous for zinc mining, smuggling, gambling, and Esperanto.

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Episode 58: Elagabalus, Rome’s Salacious Emperor Aug 04, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be shocked at the debauchery of Elagabalus, who ruled Rome as emperor during the third century with some and gained an outrageous reputation for salaciousness and promiscuity.

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Episode 57: Stede Bonnet, Gentleman Pirate Jul 28, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, enjoy the life story of the gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet, who left behind a life of comfortable wealth to take to the seas as a pirate in the Golden Age of Piracy.

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Episode 56: Robert Smalls, War Hero and Congressman Jul 21, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the incredible life of Robert Smalls, who went from being born into slavery to becoming a war hero and a congressman, securing his freedom by stealing a Confederate gunboat.

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

Episode 55: Gregor MacGregor, the Poyaisian Con Man - Part 2 Jul 14, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at one of the most brazen and audacious confidence tricks in history - the Poyais Scheme, run by Gregor MacGregor, who invented an entire country and swindled people into investing in and emigrating to it.

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

Episode 54: Gregor MacGregor, the Poyaisian Con Man - Part 1 Jul 07, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the wild soldiering career of the famous swindler Gregor MacGregor, who talked his way into (and out of) all sorts of wild adventures while fighting for various Latin American independence movements.

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Episode 53: La Maupin, Operatic Swashbuckler Jun 30, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be entertained by the wild life story of Julie d'Aubigny - better known as La Maupin - who was a swordfighting, convent-burning, and incredibly amorous opera singer in seventeenth century France.

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Episode 52: Arkipov and Petrov, the Men Who Saved the World Jun 23, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be shocked at just how close we've come to a nuclear apocalypse, and how the actions of brave individuals such as Vasiliy Arkhipov and Stanislav Petrov mean that we're still around today.

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Episode 51: William Buckley, Escaped Convict Jun 16, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore the story of William Buckley, a convict who was transported to Australia only to make a daring escape and live amongst the local indigenous population for decades.

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Episode 50: The Darien Scheme Jun 09, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at an untold piece of Scottish History: the Darien Scheme, when Scotland attempted to start a colony in Central America, in the hopes of bridging the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans.

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Episode 49: Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read Jun 02, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the swashbuckling lives of Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read, three famous pirates that caused all sorts of havoc and mayhem at the end of the Golden Age of Piracy.

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Episode 48: The 1904 Olympic Marathon May 26, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at the total lunacy that surrounded the 1904 Olympic Marathon, which featured people coughing up blood, getting attacked by dogs, stopping for naps, taking rat poison as a performance-enhancing drug, and even taking cars to the finish line.

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Episode 47: Mutiny on the Bounty - Part 2 May 19, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the consequences of the famous Mutiny on the Bounty, and the fates of both the loyalists and the mutineers after the ship was seized.

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Episode 46: Mutiny on the Bounty - Part 1 May 12, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about the leadup to and execution of the famous Mutiny on the Bounty, when malcontent British sailors seized control of a British vessel from their captain, William Bligh.

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Episode 45: The Second Pacific Squadron May 05, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the adventures and misadventures of the Russian Second Pacific Squadron, which sailed 29,000km to fight in the Russo-Japanese War.

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Episode 44: Qin Shi Huang, China's First Emperor Apr 28, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the amazing - and utterly ridiculous - life and times of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

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Episode 43: Korean Axe Murder Incident Apr 21, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover one of the most ridiculous military operations in history - when the US mobilised over ten thousand troops to cut down a single tree.

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Episode 42: Boudica, the Rebel Queen Apr 14, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed by the bloodthirsty butchery perpetrated by the Britonnic queen Boudica, when she campaigned against the Romans in the first century.

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Episode 41: Hannibal Barca, the Great Tactician - Part 2 Apr 07, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover what happened when Hannibal Barca attacked the Roman Republic after crossing the Alps, including the famous Battle of Cannae.

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Episode 40: Hannibal Barca, the Great Tactician - Part 1 Mar 31, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the legendary Hannibal Barca and his crossing of the Alps to stage a land invasion of the Roman Republic.

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Episode 39: Le Gentil and the Transits of Venus Mar 24, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the life of Guillaume Le Gentil, who was fraught with unbelievably bad luck while attempting to observe the Transits of Venus in 1761 and 1769.

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Episode 38: The Great Race of Mercy Mar 17, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about the Great Race of Mercy, where twenty courageous dog sledders attempted to prevent a deadly epidemic from wiping out the remote Alaskan town of Nome.

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Episode 37: Burke and Wills, Australian Pioneers Mar 10, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, relive the Burke and Wills Expedition, one of the first attempts to cross the inland of Australia from south to north.

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Episode 36: Queen Zenobia, the Palmyrene Empress Mar 03, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life of Queen Zenobia, who forged an empire to rival Rome almost two thousand years ago.

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Episode 35: The Spanish Armada Feb 24, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story surrounding the famous Spanish Armada - what it was, what it was trying to do, and just how catastrophically it failed.

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Episode 34: Mary Anning, the Prolific Palaeontologist Feb 17, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about an extraordinary figure from early palaeontology, whose fossil discoveries forever changed our understanding of the prehistoric world - Mary Anning.

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Episode 33: Caligula, the Mad Roman Emperor Feb 10, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the life and times of Caligula, a short-lived Roman emperor known throughout history for his pants-on-head insanity.

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Episode 32: Andree's Arctic Balloon Expedition Feb 03, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed by the foolish optimism of Salomon Andree and his attempt to reach the North Pole - by hot-air balloon.

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Episode 31: Thomas Midgley, the Walking Environmental Disaster Jan 27, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the enormous environmental damage done by one of the most terrible inventors in the history of our civilisation: Thomas Midgley, Jr.

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Episode 30: Vlad Dracula, the Impaler Jan 20, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, separate the truth from the fiction when it comes to the legacy of the brutal Vlad the Impaler, who is known for the harsh cruelty he showed to his foes.

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Episode 29: The Mary Celeste Jan 13, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be mystified at the tale of the Mary Celeste, a ship that was discovered in the middle of the Atlantic, abandoned by its crew with all its cargo untouched.

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Episode 28: Wu Zetian, Empress of China Jan 06, 2019

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore the life of the only female ruler of China, known for ruthless and strong leadership, the empress Wu Zetian.

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Episode 27: Wilhelm II, the Last German Emperor Dec 30, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore the absolute lunacy of the last emperor of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II.

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Episode 26: The Cadaver Synod Dec 23, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about the utter insanity involved in the Cadaver Synod, where a pope was dug up to be put on trial months after he'd actually died.

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Episode 25: The Defenestrations of Prague Dec 16, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about how a group of angry Bohemians chucked some blokes out of a window to trigger a religious war - and then did it again two hundred years later.

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Episode 24: Lord Timothy Dexter, the Whacko Entrepreneur Dec 09, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the insane economic genius of "Lord" Timothy Dexter, the original cashed-up bogan who built his fortune through ridiculous business decisions.

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Episode 23: Georg Elser and his Plot to Kill Hitler Dec 02, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the story of an unsung German hero, Georg Elser, who attempted to kill Hitler all by himself just after the outbreak of the Second World War.

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Episode 22: Jeanne de Clisson, Lioness of Brittany Nov 25, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the incredible life of Jeanne de Clisson, who became known as the Lioness of Brittany after a brutal career from boring noblewoman to bloodthirsty pirate.

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Episode 21: Ned Kelly, Australia's Famous Outlaw - Part 2 Nov 18, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about the final years of the Ned Kelly and his gang, including bank robberies, murders, and of course the legendary Siege of Glenrowan.

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Episode 20: Ned Kelly, Australia's Famous Outlaw - Part 1 Nov 11, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at the ridiculous nonsense that went on during the early life of Ned Kelly, before he became the notorious bushranger and outlaw.

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

Episode 19: Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I Nov 04, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the complicated and tragic relationship between the cousins, rivals, and queens: Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I.

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Episode 18: Léo Major, the Québécois Rambo Oct 28, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed by the story of Leo Major, a Canadian soldier who single-handedly (and single-eyededly) liberated a Dutch town.

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

Episode 17: The Mongol Conquest of Khwarezmia Oct 21, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, witness the ruthless brutality of the early Mongol Empire as they engaged in the Mongol Conquest of Khwarezmia.

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Episode 16: Deborah Sampson, American Revolutionary Oct 14, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about Deborah Sampson, a woman disguised herself as a man so she could fight in the American Revolution.

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Episode 15: The Battle of Tours - Part 2 Oct 07, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get amongst what happened during the Battle of Tours, and the ongoing debate about its significance in world history.

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Episode 14: The Battle of Tours - Part 1 Sep 30, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get a sense of the lead-up to an event that is said to have changed the course of world history - the Battle of Tours.

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

Episode 13: The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand Sep 23, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get more information about a hugely significant event in world history: The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

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Episode 12: British K-Class Submarines Sep 16, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, be amazed at the sheer magnitude of idiotic disasters that were involved with the British K-Class Submarines.

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Episode 11: The War of the Oaken Bucket Sep 09, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the battle with the most ludicrous casus belli you've ever seen - the War of the Oaken Bucket.

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

Episode 10: The Affair of the Diamond Necklace Sep 02, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, where Marie Antoinette suffered at the hands of a daring con artist, Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy.

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

Episode 9: The Battle of New Orleans Aug 26, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear of the stupidly unlikely outcome of the Battle of New Orleans, the final conflict of the War of 1812.

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Episode 8: The War of 1812 Aug 19, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, get stuck into the insane stories that emerged from the War of 1812, an often-overlooked piece of history.

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

Episode 7: D.B. Cooper, the Mystery Hijacker Aug 12, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about the sky pirate D.B. Cooper and his clean getaway after skydiving away with over a million bucks.

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

Episode 6: The Fenian Raids Aug 05, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about the absolute lunacy that was theFenian Raids, where a group of Irish nationalists invaded Canada to secure freedom for the Emerald Isle.

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

Episode 5: The Fourth Crusade Jul 29, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn about one of the most colossal stuff-ups in history, wherein an army of Crusaders managed to sack not one, but two Christian cities: the Fourth Crusade.

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Episode 4: Olga of Kyiv, the Merciless Queen Jul 22, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear about how Olga of Kyiv took brutal vengeance for her husband's murder by burning down a city and burying her enemies alive.

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Episode 3: The Assassination of James A. Garfield Jul 15, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about how the 20th President of the United States, poor old James A Garfield, got gunned down by an absolute lunatic named Charles Guiteau.

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Episode 2: The Terra Nova Expedition Jul 08, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, find out about the first losers in the race to the South Pole - the Terra Nova expedition, let by Robert Falcon Scott.

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

Episode 1: Frederick the Great Jul 01, 2018

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, explore the life of the red-hot pistol that was Frederick the Great, the most famous of the Prussian kings.

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