Villains and Virgins History Podcast
A history podcast with a focus on violence, religion, and gripping stories, created by Eva Schubert, history nerd, college instructor, and jazz aficionado.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 6
- Latest publication
- Sep 21, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 13, 2026
Latest episodes
Francis Drake, the Pirate who Terrorised Spain and Saved England (opens the original)
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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 sto
The Real Robin Hood (opens the original)
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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 mis
The Battle for Rome: Belisarius vs. the Goths (opens the original)
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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 lege
General Belisarius: Hero of the Roman Empire (opens the original)
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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 onli
Emperor Justinian and Theodora: The Black Death and the Christian Roman Empire (opens the original)
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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 c
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