Villains and Virgins History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Captain Morgan and the Pirates of the Caribbean Oct 05, 2026

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Captain Henry Morgan was one of the most daring and audacious pirates of the Caribbean. Step aboard and take a wild ride through a world of exploding ships, pirate fleets, a desperate struggle between the English and the Spanish, and many a cunning plan. Join Eva Schubert in this swashbuckling episode of Villains and Virgins podcast, loaded with rum and treasure.

Support this podcast on Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes at: www.patreon.com/evaschubert

Francis Drake, the Pirate who Terrorised Spain and Saved England Sep 21, 2026

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Francis Drake was a pirate who robbed and burned his way across the Caribbean and became the terror of the Spanish Main. He circumnavigated the globe, was knighted by the Queen and became an English hero. His cunning allowed England to repel the the Spanish Armada. Enter the world of the 1500s, where piracy was unofficial state policy, and stolen treasure was used to fund the Wars of Religion in Europe. Escaped African slaves, cities held for ransom, and executions at sea are all part of the story.

Support this podcast and get access to bonus episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/evaschubert

The Real Robin Hood Sep 07, 2026

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Was Robin Hood just a story? Did outlaws really roam Sherwood forest, robbing the rich and hunting the king's deer? The answer is more exciting than you might imagine. There are many stories of Robin Hood, and a lot of history embedded in them. This episode takes you into the world of Robin Hood, in the time of Norman kings and forest law, Richard the Lionheart and King John. We will look at historical records and stories passed down through generations. Follow your intrepid host through the mists of history and legend and find out the truth about Robin Hood.

Support this podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/evaschubert

The Battle for Rome: Belisarius vs. the Goths Aug 24, 2026

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General Belisarius was the most famous commander of his generation. In this episode he sacks Naples and reconquers Rome from the Ostrogoths. A daring sneak attack through an aqueduct, a heroic charge against the Gothic army, and a sex scandal that will ruin his reputation are all part of this amazing story. Was his wife Antonina cheating on him with their adopted son? Find out why Belisarius was one of the greatest generals of the Roman empire, and discover the truth behind the scandals and legends. This is the second episode in a 2 part series on Belisarius.

Support this podcast at: Patreon.com/evaschubert

For details of the university course, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

General Belisarius: Hero of the Roman Empire Aug 10, 2026

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General Belisarius is the most underrated commander of the Roman Empire. He was the man who reconquered the Roman province of North Africa from the Vandals -- and that was just the start of his career. In this episode we cover battlefield tales of single combat with swaggering Persians, and a daring midnight escape by a reconnaissance team. We also introduce the elements of the scandal that will ruin his reputation. Enter the world of the 6th century Eastern Roman Empire.

For details of the online course beginning in September, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

Emperor Justinian and Theodora: The Black Death and the Christian Roman Empire Jul 27, 2026

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Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora rule the Eastern Roman Empire in a tumultuous period. The plague pays a visit to Constantinople, bringing massive death tolls. They must also contend with treacherous officials, Christians who despise eachother, and a historian determined to damn them. Watch a palace sting operation unfold, and find out how lepers were hired to infect religious rivals. This is the third and final episode in a series on Theodora and Justinian.

For details of the university course, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

Support this podcast at patreon.com/evaschubert

The Nika Riots: the bloodiest riots in Roman history Jul 13, 2026

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The Nika Riots are some of the bloodiest ever recorded. They unfolded in Constantinople in 532. This insurrection nearly toppled Emperor Justinian, but Empress Theodora makes a speech that changes the course of events. This episode takes you into the Eastern Roman Empire in a period of violence, natural disasters, and social upheaval. From slaves and prostitutes to patrician gossip and botched executions, this episode will take you through one of the most violent moments in the history of Constantinople.

This is episode 2 in a series on Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.

Support this podcast at: patreon.com/evaschubert

For details on enrolling in the course email: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

The Circus Performer who became Roman Empress: Theodora and Justinian Jun 29, 2026

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This is the story of a woman who began as a circus performer and child prostitute, and became Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. No less remarkable is her husband Justinian, who became emperor. This episode takes you into the heart of Constantinople in the 6th century, where slaves, chariot races, spies, and intrigue are part of an empire in transition. It is also one of the greatest love stories in history.

Support this podcast at: Patreon.com/evaschubert

For details of the online course, email the podcast at : villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

The Man who Blew Up Troy: Heinrich Schliemann Jun 15, 2026

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

Rumi and the Sufis: The Man and his World Jun 01, 2026

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

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