Show Notes
“Nation… a term inherently so vague and so contradictory that it must always be taken in a mystic sense, as meaning whatever the ruling classes hold it convenient to mean at the moment.” Lewis Mumford
This is a story about politics, faith, paranoia, betrayal and conspiracy theories. More specifically, this is about the origin of the French wars of religion. In this episode, we play with Martin Luther, the printing press, Caterina de Medici, the Merindol massacre, human Christmas decoration, and the Guise brothers. We’ll run into the king of France demanding to be a spectator to his teenage son and his bride having sex for the first time. We’ll see a queen drinking copious amounts of a mule’s urine to supposedly facilitate pregnancy. We’ll consider the fate of Count Sebastiano de Montecuccoli, who was accused of poisoning the heir to the throne so he was tied to four horses sent running in opposite directions. We’ll chat about Henry II who sent his 13-year-old to marry an enemy of the country, and then managed to die at a joust during her wedding celebrations. And of course, much, much more.
If you feel generous and enjoy History on Fire, please consider joining my Patreon to access plenty of bonus content.
All the links to History on Fire social media can be found at our LinkTree, including:
HOF YouTube
Substack
Instagram
TikTok
JAPAN TOUR! Let’s head out to Japan in Oct 2026. All the details at Geek Nation Tours.
My daughter’s links: https://linktr.ee/isabellahanbolelli
Throughout history, people have used mushrooms (such as Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga) for their medicinal properties. My friends started Purest Mushrooms where they offer some of the best quality mushrooms you can find on the market at affordable prices. Use code historyonfire at checkout for a discount.
Bison is some of the healthiest meat you could possibly eat. Get yours at Dakota Pure Bison. History on Fire listeners get a discount by using the code HOF10 at checkout.
This episode is supported by Arizona State University. Learn more about how ASU supports all learners through all stages of life.
My friend James Pieratt is one of the world’s top functional training experts, and a record-breaking hybrid athlete. Use the code WH25 for a 25% discount on all of his training programs at Wild Hunt Conditioning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from History on Fire
“Marat posed a difficult challenge for Lafayette—a difficult challenge for any free society. Lafayette was committed to the principle of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but here was a journalist using fanatical lies and scurrilous accusations to incite the population to mass murder.” Mike Duncan
“[Italians are]… of questionable value from a mental, moral, or physical standpoint.” Anthropologist George Dorsey writing for the Chicago Tribune in 1910.
“Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split.” Robert E. Howard.
Government That Doesn't Suck is a Rewind Studios original podcast from the creators of History That Doesn't Suck, hosted by Professors Lindsey Cormack and Greg Jackson. Each episode digs into the surprising story of an American institution — from the origins of the internet, to the National Park Service, to the GI Bill, and so much more. You'll hear the stories behind them, plus a conversation with an expert who knows it inside and out. New episodes release every other Monday. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I ask you why we must tear ourselves apart for this small question of religion?” from the movie Elizabeth