Stuff You Missed in History Class

Although prehistoric societies hunted horses for food, they quickly realized the animals were more useful as a means of transportation. Tune in as Katie and Sarah explore one of the most specialized types of horses -- battle steeds -- throughout history.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the Haitian revolution broke out, Toussaint L'Ouverture did not originally take part in the violence -- at least, that is, until the British became involved. Learn more about Toussaint L'Ouverture and the Haitian revolution in this podcast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When John O'Hara Burke and William John Wills attempted to traverse Australia, the inland area of the continent was terra incognita known as the "ghastly blank." Learn what the expedition discovered in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Alexander the Great pushed across the globe on his quest for world domination, he met with an unexpected obstacle: King Porus of the Punjab region. Listen in as Katie and Sarah explore the historical Battle of the Hydaspes in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Edward VIII is often remembered as a British King who abdicated the throne for love, FBI files suggest that there may have been a more sinister motive. Tune in and learn more about Edward VIII's possible Nazi connections in this podcast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1936, Britain's King Edward VIII renounced his throne in order to marry an American socialite named Wallis Simpson. Join Katie and Sarah as the explore the astonishing story behind Britain's only royal resignation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1974, publishing heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. Originally a hostage, Hearst eventually became a member of the SLA, participating in at least two robberies. Tune in to learn more about Patty Hearst.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst grew weary of camping, he asked Julia Morgan to build a 'small bungalow' in San Simeon, California. More than 20 years later, the gigantic Hearst Castle remains one of the most opulent homes in North America.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In February of 1567, Lord Darnley lay sleeping in a house called Kirk o'Field when it exploded. He was certainly dead, but when his body was discovered it seemed that he died of strangulation ... and here the mystery began. Learn more in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Critics around the world agree that Citizen Kane is one of history's best films -- but who was the basis of this story? Listen in as Sarah and Katie take a look back on the life of William Randolph Hearst in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth I never married. Instead, she encouraged (and avoided) many suitors without making a commitment. Additionally, many people believed Elizabeth was in love with a man named Robert Dudley. Learn more about Elizabeth's great love in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winter solstice celebrations predate Christmas, and trace back into antiquity. Saturnalia was one of these ancient traditions, and it was very different from the celebration we recognize as Christmas today. Tune in and learn more in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays almost every urban center has an airport, and the idea of flying across an ocean seems normal. Yet this wasn't always the case. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the fascinating stories of the people who tried -- and failed -- to fly.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although they were cousins, Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart had little in the way of familial affection. Join Katie and Sarah as they take a closer look at the infamous rivalry between Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1850, a disillusioned would-be bureaucrat named Hung Hsiu-ch'uan became the head of a rebellion against the Qing dynasty. Learn the story of this rebellion -- and how it influenced modern China -- in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the only child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I was born into a world of privilege and danger. Learn more about the tumultuous life of Elizabeth I before she became the Queen of England in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once known as the world's greatest magician, Harry Houdini's reputation still resonates with modern fans of illusion and magic. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the fact -- and fiction -- surrounding the spectacular Harry Houdini in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1809, Meriwether Lewis died of gunshot wounds -- but how did this happen? Historians still debate the circumstances involved. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the facts -- and sensationalism -- surrounding the mysterious death of Meriwether Lewis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At its height, the city of Angkor was larger than Rhode Island. Replete with ornate architecture, the metropolis also served as a religious center. Yet by the time Europeans discovered the site, it was ruined. What happened? Listen in and learn more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays, Thanksgiving has become an official holiday, complete with its own trappings of tradition and mythology. But how much of the conventional Thanksgiving story is true? Join Sarah and Katie as they take a closer look at the first Thanksgiving.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 19th century, Britain tried to remedy a trade deficit with China by hooking the country on opium. Tensions rose as more and more Chinese citizens became opium addicts, eventually leading to war. Learn more about the Opium Wars in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born around 1596, Pocahontas was the daughter of the chief Powhatan. Today she is remembered as an ardent supporter of the Jamestown colonists -- but how much of this story is true? Learn more about Pocahontas in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Plato, Atlantis was an ancient civilization destroyed by an earthquake over 10,000 years ago. Join Katie and Sarah as they take a look at the myth of Atlantis -- and the bizarre theories surrounding its location -- in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first computer programmer was a woman named Ada Lovelace. Learn how the daughter of Lord Byron -- one of the most famous poets in the Western world -- moved out of her father's shadow and became a herald of the electronic age in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether the topic is Lucrezia Borgia or Frankenstein, Lord Byron keeps popping up in podcasts. Who was this poet, and why is he associated with so many historical figures? Join Katie and Sarah as they take a look back at the incomparable Lord Byron.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Katie take a crack at one of Canada's strangest mysteries: The Mad Trapper of Rat River. Travel back to 1931, when a man calling himself 'Albert Johnson' led the Canadian police on a 150-mile chase -- all without saying a word.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the daughter of a pope, Lucrezia was born into dizzying power and political intrigue. She was also controversial -- rumors of incest and other crimes dogged her and persist today. Join Sarah and Katie as they try to separate the fact from fiction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of her life, Marie Laveau wielded enormous influence as the notorious Voodoo Queen of New Orleans -- but how much of her story is true? Join Sarah and Katie as they unravel the fact and fiction surrounding the legendary Marie Levaeu.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Halloween looming, Sarah and Katie travel back in time to explore the historic challenge that led to the creation of Frankenstein and the vampiric Lord Ruthven. Tune in to learn more about the birth of these intentionally horrific creatures.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saint Paul's Cathedral stands on the site of four previous churches, the earliest of which dates back to 604. When German forces bombed London in World War II, Churchill formed a group to protect the ancient church. Tune in to learn what happened next.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in August of 79 AD, Pompeii was buried in volcanic ash and rock. As time passed, Pompeii was forgotten. Learn more about the catastrophe that destroyed Pompeii -- as well as the city's rediscovery -- in this podcast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outspoken statesman and abolitionist Charles Sumner served as a senator from 1851-1874. Learn how Senator Sumner's 1865 protest against the Kansas-Nebraska Act prompted one of the most violent altercations in senatorial history.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone's heard of the breathtaking Egyptian queen Cleopatra -- but have you ever heard of her children? Listen in as Katie and Sarah investigate the lives of Cleopatra's four children in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Herod wasn't the world's worst ruler. Yet seventy years after his death his tomb was desecrated and forgotten. Learn more about the life and death of King Herod (along with the rediscovery of his tomb) in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, people associate molasses with cookies and other sweets. Yet in 1919 molasses was used in munitions as well as food -- and Boston had one of the biggest tanks around. Learn how molasses flooded Boston in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter examines human rights and the United States, using Cuba as an example. Learn more about the United States and Cuba in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Better known as Blackbeard, Edward Teach (or, alternately, Thach) started out as a lowly privateer. Listen in as Katie and Sarah explore the facts behind the legendary pirate -- as well as the history of piracy -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the fourth episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter examines human rights and the foreign policy goals of the United States. Learn more about the United States and human rights in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Sun King, Louis XIV ruled France for over 70 years. Yet even a king can't get everything he wants. Learn about Louis' secret marriage to Madame de Maintenon -- and why it was secret -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter looks back on his work forging the Camp David Accords. Learn more about international negotiation in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infamous shootout at the OK Corral has been immortalized in American culture -- but what's the real story behind the legend? Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the events that led up to this famous shootout in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter details the Carter Center's work supporting free elections and fighting disease across the globe. Listen in and learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, Katie and Sarah discuss Dr. John Snow's famous "ghost map" and work tracing a cholera outbreak in Victorian London.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, the first in a five-part interview series with former President Jimmy Carter, details the Carter Center's work on the eradication of Guinea worm disease.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the turn of the century, New York paperboys formed the backbone of the city's paper distribution network. When publishers increased the cost of wholesale papers in 1899, the newsboys went on strike. Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the arid Norte Chico region of Peru, archaeologists found several ancient mounds and a large amount of fish bones. Why did the city's founders move to an inland desert? How did they get all these fish? Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After he joined the Navy at 14, Sir John Franklin traveled the world and eventually became the governor of Tanzania. In 1846, he set off to explore the Arctic -- and never returned. Learn more about the mystery in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in the 12th century in a world where women had few rights and little power, Eleanor of Aquitaine was a woman ahead of her time. Learn more about Eleanor of Aquitaine's rise to power in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost a century after his death, Mark Twain remains a literary legend. Join Katie and Sarah as they take a closer look at the quintessential American author in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Clyde Barrow met Bonnie Parker in 1930 , they felt an instant, deep attraction. Learn how this couple went from love at first sight to a string of notorious bank robberies in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.