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Villains and Virgins History Podcast

Villains and Virgins History Podcast

Eva Schubert 71 episodes Latest Jun 1, 2026

A history podcast focusing on violence, religion, and gripping stories, created by Eva Schubert, a history nerd, college instructor, and jazz aficionado.

Episodes

Rumi and the Sufis: The Man and his World Jun 1, 2026 59:56 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 inspir
Fourth Crusade Ep 2: When Crusaders attacked and burned Constantinople May 18, 2026 01:39:13 The story of how Constantinople was assaulted and sacked by the army of the Fourth Crusade is horrifying.  Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and it was full of Eastern Christians.  So how did the army of the Fourth Crusade, who thought they were going to fight Muslims and reconquer Jerusalem, end up looting churches and assaulting nuns?  A naive prince, a cunning Venetian
Crusaders against Christians: The Fourth Crusade part 1 May 4, 2026 01:20:55 Of all the Crusades, this one may be the worst.  It is the story of how an army of Crusaders end up fighting only other Christians, and it ends with the sacking of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and the heart of the eastern Christian world.  It is a tale of mistakes, greed, and misjudgment.  Along the way we meet a runaway prince with delusions of grandeur, and the powerfu
The Return of King Richard the Lionheart: Legends of the Third Crusade Apr 20, 2026 01:32:33 The Third Crusade is over and King Richard the Lionheart is making his way home, escorted by the Knights Templar. After a daring journey in disguise, he will end up becoming a prisoner, as enemies he has made settle scores. When he is ransomed and returns to his kingdom, he has a few scores of his own to settle. This story is a crazy ride through the politics of medieval Europe, where serving the
Richard the Lionheart vs. Saladin- The Final Confrontation Apr 6, 2026 01:41:03 The Third Crusade involves two of the most well known figures of any crusade: Richard I, the Lionheart, King of England, and Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, Sultan of Egypt and Syria. These two men each command an army, and the fate of the Near East hangs in the balance.  After the Siege of Acre, the army of the Third Crusade takes the road to Jerusalem.  Along the way they will face Saladin, and ha
Third Crusade: The Brutal 2 Year Siege of Acre Mar 23, 2026 01:52:10 The siege of Acre, from 1189-1191 was one of the most brutal battles of the Third Crusade.  The armies of the King of Jerusalem surrounded the city of Acre, but were themselves under attack from the armies of Saladin.  Into this mess, the armies of the Third Crusade, led by King Richard the Lionheart of England and Philip Augustus of France, joined the fight.  The brutal siege lasted for two years
Richard the Lionheart and the Kings Crusade Mar 9, 2026 01:44:31 Richard the Lionheart is one of the most famous English kings and he made his reputation on the Third Crusade. In this episode we take a closer look at the man behind the legend. His mother was the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his father was the easily angered Henry II. Richard's early career as a feudal enforcer made him an expert in siege warfare. The fall of Jerusalem triggers the call for
The Real Kingdom of Heaven: The Third Crusade Ep 1- Rise of Saladin Feb 23, 2026 01:51:32 Saladin and Richard the Lionheart are two of the most legendary figures in the history of the Crusades.  Saladin was both feared and admired by his friends and his enemies.  This episode explores the rise of this remarkable character.  We also meet the noble knight Balian of Ibelin, Queen Sibylla of Jerusalem, and the bellicose brigand Reynauld of Chatillon.  There are Templar knights, a siege dur
How the Knights Templar Survived Feb 9, 2026 01:21:34 The Knights Templar are one of the most famous medieval orders.  They combined legendary discipline and bravery in battle with the ascetic habits of monks.  Then they were publicly disgraced in a show trial and soon after the Pope dissolved the Order.  But some Templars survived, and even thrived in other parts of Europe, particularly in Portugal.  This episode is a sweeping ride through the Recon
Lust, Treachery, and Murder: Portugal and the 100 Years War Jan 26, 2026 01:38:15 The story of Portugal during the 100 Years War is a story of lust, treachery and murder.  It is also a story of survival and resistance.  This episode covers Portugal's most notorious queen: a beautiful woman who imprisoned and killed her political enemies.  The history of the royal court includes tragic love story of Ines de Castro and the military genius of Nun Alvarez.  We also cover Portugal's
The Destruction of Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman City Jan 12, 2026 58:42 The volcanic eruption that buried Pompeii was a catastrophe of epic proportions. But the mass burial site it created also preserved details of daily life in a first century Roman city that we might otherwise never know. From flying phalluses and gladiators to condiments made from decaying fish, dive into the life and death of Pompeii. To support this podcast on Patreon go to: www.patreon.com/evasc
The History of Santa Claus Dec 22, 2025 39:35 Santa Claus is a very strange figure when you think about it.  Where does he come from and why does he fly through the sky handing out presents at night? This episode traces the connection with an old Norse god and an Anatolian bishop from the 3rd century, and explores the gritty reality of life in the Roman empire for ordinary people.  You will never look at old Saint Nick the same way again. 

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