‘Mulberry Street… and Worth… Cross and Orange… and Little Water. Each of the Five Points is a finger. When I close my hand it becomes a fist. And, if I wish, I can turn it against you.’ – Bill ‘The Butcher’ Cutting
Jeeez…chill Bill, we were only asking for directions. We’re all friends here, so join us for the latest episode of Reel History!
Clearly, the chillingly charismatic Bill Cutting could never be accused of mincing his words or shying away from confrontation. Portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York (2002), this is one of the actors most iconic on-screen achievements. He delivers up a scene-stealing (glass-eye-tapping) tour de force with rich dialogue and a large serving of gratuitous violence. So far so Scorsese, you might say!
Written by Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian & Kenneth Lonergan, the star-studded cast is complemented by Leonardo DiCaprio’s plucky Amsterdam Valance and Cameron Diaz’s crafty pickpocket Jenny. Filling out the ranks further are comically inept John C. Reilly as Happy Jack and Jim Broadbent’s corrupt kingpin of Tammany Hall Boss Tweed. However, we found that it was Brendan Gleeson’s mercenary/barber/sheriff for hire Walter ’Monk’ McGinn who eclipsed all but Day-Lewis. After all, it was he who reminded us using the old Irish proverb that “An té nach bhfuil láidir ní foláir dó a bheith glic”. (He who is not strong better be clever!)
Wise words indeed for anyone wishing to survive and thrive in the feverish cesspit of vice, poverty and corruption that was New York’s 19th century Five Points. Loosely based on Herbert Asbury’s 1927 book of the same name, Scorsese conjures up a grimy, riotous Civil-War-era lower Manhattan. He vividly reveals its underbelly of crime-ridden slums, gambling dens and sectarian gang rivalry, all concentrated into a few stifling streets. These were bitterly fought over by supremacist nativist protestant gangs, such as the Bowery Boys, who were determined to crush the challenge laid down by the largely Irish catholic Dead Rabbits who had flooded into New York escaping destitution across the ocean.
Sounds compelling, but did any of this actually happen? Accompany us as we lift the lid on the real history behind the film. Who was the real Bill ‘The Butcher’ William Poole and the gangs which dominated the period? What exactly was the corrupt political machine of Tammany Hall where ‘the appearance of law must be upheld, especially while it’s being broken’? Along the way we will dive into many of the other factors which forged this melting pot of modern America from the New York Draft Riots, religious/race tensions and even rival police forces and fire brigades!
Feel free to support the show on patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast for more bonus content between main episodes.

William Marshal returns from crusade older, wiser, and with silk burial cloths from Jerusalem tucked under his arm. But death is still a long way off.
In part two of our special, we trace Marshal’s rise to power across three reigns — Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and finally King John — watching him navigate some of the most dangerous politics in medieval Europe. This was a time when kings were made and unmade on battlefields, oaths could shake empires, and being loyal could get you exiled just as fast as being treacherous.
Marshal fights Richard in single combat (kind of), survives King John’s paranoia, and ends up regent of England, charged with saving the kingdom for a 9-year-old boy while half the nobility sides with a French invader. And at the age of 70, he still leads a cavalry charge that changes the course of English history.
From political power plays to crusader pacts, courtroom drama to siege warfare — this is a medieval epic that needs to be on screen yesterday. William Marshal’s story is Wolf Hall meets A Knight’s Tale, what’s not to love? SPOILER: he really does end up buried as a Templar, wrapped in the shroud he brought home decades earlier. What a finale!
Listen to William Marshal Part 1 first, if you haven’t already!

Before he was called “the greatest knight,” William Marshal was nearly used as a human catapult projectile. In the first of our two-part special, we follow the astonishing early life of William Marshal – a man who rose from near-execution as a child hostage during the Anarchy to become a knight of international renown and a trusted retainer to the heirs of the Angevin Empire.
We begin in the chaos of civil war before heading to Normandy for a classic knight’s education, where William learns the brutal economics of chivalry, the importance of a good warhorse, and how to survive when all you’ve got is charm and a secondhand cloak.
As we tell his story, we’re also exploring the life of a medieval knight, separating Hollywood fantasy from historical fact. How were knights actually trained? What was a tournament really like in the 12th century? And how do you go from being a penniless, horseless squire to the most feared fighter in Christendom?
Along the way, we unravel the complex and ruthless politics of the Angevin realm – a dynastic snake pit that stretched from Scotland to the Pyrenees and was held together by sheer force of will, questionable parenting, and the occasional high-stakes rebellion.
Serving under the ill-fated Young King Henry – son of Henry II – Marshal finds himself at the heart of a brewing storm: rival heirs, political betrayal, an epic tournament run, and a final, almost mythic vow to carry his fallen friend’s cloak to Jerusalem.
And yes, we make repeated attempts to cast this as a prestige miniseries. Because William Marshal’s life really was that cinematic.
This is part one of a two-part series, part 2 is already available on our Patreon!

Hey Reelists!
You might be wondering what’s going on with Season 5 of Reel History. Well, wonder no more – we’re here to fill you in!
For our first four seasons, we spent a year recording ten episodes, then released them on a bi-weekly schedule in one big history blitz. It built hype and gave you a regular release rhythm – and for a while, it worked beautifully.
But let’s be real: the last couple of seasons have taken more like two years to record and release. Real life got in the way. And while we love our deep-dive approach, often spending months researching for a single episode, we don’t want to keep you waiting that long – especially when we’ve got loyal Patrons supporting us every month (thank you!!), and especially when we cover timely releases like Gladiator II.
So, heading into Season 5, we’re switching things up.
Instead of waiting until an entire season is in the can, we’ll be dropping episodes on the main feed as soon as they’re recorded and edited. That means less waiting, but it also means a more irregular schedule – occasional quiet spells, followed by bursts of new episodes.
We’re also experimenting with the format. We’ll still be covering historical films and TV shows, but our Patreon bonus pods have opened the door to all kinds of fascinating historical topics – and we’re bringing some of that energy to the main feed. So in Season 5, you’ll find both our classic film & TV episodes and “Specials” where we explore real history that hasn’t (yet) been adapted into a blockbuster or prestige miniseries.
Season 5 is already underway!
Last year we released part one of our Brian Boru Special and a full episode on Gladiator II. Part two of the Brian Boru Special is out right now, alongside this post – go check it out on our main feed!
Next up: a two-part Special on the fascinating life of William Marshal, a.k.a. “the Greatest Knight.” His story is absurdly cinematic – and we’ll be using it as a way to separate fact from fiction about medieval knighthood, exploring the chaotic politics of the Angevin realm, and arguing for why that man needs his own miniseries.
Here’s how it’ll work:
Part one of our William Marshal Special will be available to Patrons later today – which means if you’re a Patron, you get two new episodes right now (Brian Boru Part 2 on the main feed, and William Marshal Part 1 on Patreon). If you’re not already supporting us, you can join up for as little as €2.5/month and get early access, bonus episodes, and help shape what we cover next.
In two weeks, William Marshal Part 1 will go live on the main feed – and Part 2 will go live on Patreon.
The trade-off with our new approach is that we can’t promise exact dates for upcoming episodes. But we can confirm the full season structure for Season 5, which will still consist of 10 episodes:

* Brian Boru Part 1
* Gladiator II
* Brian Boru Part 2
* William Marshal Part 1
* William Marshal Part 2
* Historical Film/TV 1
* Historical Film/TV 2
* Historical Film/TV 3
* Patrons’ Choice
* Season Finale

As you can see, the Patrons’ Choice is back! We’ll be running a poll on Patreon where you can vote for the film, show, or topic you want us to tackle – and yes, that could be a film or a straight-up historical deep dive. There’s an unlocked, public post on our Patreon (patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast) where you can comment options you’d love to see in the Patrons’ Choice poll, even if you’re not signed up as a paid member.

In part two of our special on Brian Boru, we chart the extraordinary reign of the most ambitious king in Irish history — from regional warlord to the first ruler with real, island-wide power.
(Listen to part one at showswhatyouknow.com or scroll back in the podcast feed!)
Brian’s ascent didn’t end with Munster. Through ruthless warfare, savvy alliances, and a string of political marriages (including to the formidable Gormlaith), he steadily brought Connacht, Leinster, and even the Viking cities under his control. In 1002, he forced the High King of Tara, Máel Sechnaill, into submission — breaking the ancient Uí Néill monopoly on kingship and forging an uneasy peace that we’ve decided to call the “Pax Boru.”
But Brian’s authority, hard-won though it was, rested on shaky foundations. Discontent simmered among his vassals, and when old enemies in the north and east sensed an opportunity, rebellion flared once more. Dublin and Leinster rose again, bolstered by Viking reinforcements from Orkney, the Isle of Man, and beyond. It all came to a head on Good Friday, 1014, in a battle that would echo down through the centuries.
The Battle of Clontarf was no simple tale of Ireland vs. the Vikings. It was a bloodbath of tangled loyalties, shifting alliances, and dynasties fighting for survival. Join us as we unpack the chaos: from Prince Murchad’s heroic charge to Brian’s final moments in prayer, to the brutal fate of Brodir of Mann and the devastating losses on both sides. It may have ended in a technical victory, but with Brian, his son, and his grandson all slain, the cost was staggering, and the dream of a united Ireland died with him.
This is the real history behind the legend — the story of a king who nearly changed everything, and the battle that ended it all.
Intro music is Lamentation by Kevin MacLeod, licensed under CC BY 3.0

Surprise! A rogue Reel History appears like a fistful of sand to the eyes! We covered Gladiator in our second episode, almost exactly 5 years ago. Ridley Scott took 24 years to return with Gladiator II and while the Reel History HQ usually operates at a similar glacial pace, we have – thanks to our Patrons – had a chance to watch and break down this hotly anticipated blockbuster! There are a lot of inaccuracies to cover and, more importantly, a lot of fascinating characters, so let’s dig in.
Join us as we separate fact from fiction in Gladiator II and learn why a… sea siege? on Numidia in 200 AD would have been absurd. Learn about the real “twin emperors” Geta and Caracalla (they weren’t emperors at the time) and the true story of Paul Mescal’s Lucius Verus Aurelius (there wasn’t much of a story). Denzel Washington steals the show and the empire as Macrinus – how does the scheming of reality’s Marcus Opellius Macrinus compare? Pedro Pascal’s General Acacius might not have existed at all, but the character was most likely inspired by Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus, Lucilla’s husband who  refused the imperial throne multiple times. And, speaking of Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen, reprising her role), she would have been dead a long time, but there’s still plenty to say about why underestimating the women of Rome was rarely a good idea.
Oh, and the year is wrong too. There’s no way this is 200 AD.
Also: Sharks?!
It’s Ridley Scott, it’s Gladiator; there’s gonna be a lot to talk about. Join us for this special episode and consider supporting the show on patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast for more bonus content between main episodes. If you want to stay in the world of Rome you might enjoy our trailer breakdown and theories ahead of Gladiator II and a 2-part series on the most underrated Roman Emperors.
Note that this is not the start of a new bi-weekly season, we simply wanted to get this out as quickly as possible and we’ll be back with part 2 of our Brian Boru special in early 2025!

Today, we dive into the rise of one of Ireland’s most iconic and celebrated leaders—Brian Boru, the High King. In the popular psyche, Brian Boru is known as the King who would unite the Irish clans and stand against the Viking invaders. But was this really true? What is the Real History of Ireland’s most famous king?
From his beginnings as a minor king in Munster to his rise as a national hero who reshaped the political landscape of Ireland, Brian Boru’s journey is one of ambition, warfare, and resilience. His legacy is cemented in Irish history, not just for his military triumphs, but for his vision of a unified Ireland.
Join us as we explore Brian Boru’s meteoric rise to power, his battles for control, and the defining moments that led to the legendary Battle of Clontarf. This is part one of a Reel History special topic: The Rise of Brian Boru.
Intro music is Lamentation by Kevin MacLeod, licensed under CC BY 3.0

Welcome to the finale of Season 4 of Reel History! In this episode we look back at our past season, answer listener questions and hand out the Mel Gibson Awards to the least historically accurate films. With the assistance of some colourful buzzers, Mark and Jakob face off in a film/history quiz that proves once and for all if Jakob knows anything about history!
Thank you so much for listening to this season, please keep an eye on the feed for some upcoming specials and visit PATREON.COM/REELHISTORYPODCAST for exclusive bonus podcasts between seasons.

‘What a pity the man wasn’t lazy ’ remarked the wily French diplomat Talleyrand as he later lamented on how Napoleon’s restless energy had led him to dominate Europe and the age against all odds. But of course, you know all this dear listener as you’ve already accompanied us on the first two episodes of our whirlwind tour covering the first French emperor’s incredible rise and reign! So join us for our conclusion to this trilogy as we follow the heady high’s and disastrous defeats of the Grand Armée and test whether Napoleon was right when he famously claimed that ‘there is only one step from the sublime to the ridiculous’.
Mark kicks off our exploration with the Battle of Austerlitz, famously dubbed the “Battle of the Three Emperors”, where Napoleon’s military genius reached its zenith, securing a decisive victory over the combined forces of Russia and Austria. From there, we witness the defeat of Prussia, the smashing of the Holy Roman Empire, and the implementation of the “Continental System”, which sought to cripple Britain’s economy. But it wasn’t all conquests and triumphs. After promptly dumping Josephine in favour of an alliance with Austria, Napoleon’s foundations start to crumble and the Russian campaign proves to be his undoing, with the 6th coalition chasing him back to France after the fire of Moscow and the disasterous battle of Leipzig. Still, he doesn’t give up without a fight, winning 4 battles in 5 days but still losing his crown and his country through forced abdication in 1814.
Now, if this was a horror movie it’d be the part where you think the monster is dead but it bursts out of the rubble for a final slash. In Napoleon’s case, this was his return to France in 1815 for a famous 100 days. You’ll have to listen to find out how this great adventure concludes, but let’s just say that a famous ABBA song might give you a hint. That’s right, he became a Dancing Queen! Just kidding – we’re talking Waterloo.
Our 3-part Napoleon series brings us towards the end of Reel History Season 4. Join us next time for our Season Finale and look forward to a bonus Napoleon episode coming shortly to patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast.

“The revolution is over… I AM the revolution!” proclaimed Mark dramatically as we recently sat down to record this second sortie into our trilogy on the man behind the myth – Napoleon!
No, but seriously, these were the confidently spoken words of a 30-year-old 1st Consul Bonaparte in 1800 as he presented himself as saviour to the war-weary French at the dawn of a new century. But cessez-le-feu and let’s not be getting ahead of ourselves; we first take a rapid-fire look at the key events that allowed this plucky provincial general to seize power and install himself and Josephine rent-free in Louis XVI’s former apartments in the Tuileries Palace.
Now, watching Ridley Scott’s film could easily lead you to believe that Napoleon’s real motivation for conquering Europe was to win the heart and approval of his wife and one-time obsession, Josephine. Allow us, therefore, to supply the vital context glaringly missing from the film for the momentous events which shaped the fortunes of Napoleon, his family, and the age. Along the way, we will dish out the gossip on the affairs, love letters and tremendous lovers’ tiffs which made Josephine and Napoleon’s relationship a worthy rival to Anthony and Cleopatra’s! We’ll then embark on a journey across the Mediterranean to find out why both Napoleon and revolutionary France were so keen to invade Egypt in 1798. Learn the truth behind this often rose-tinted misadventure which would later lead Napoleon to ruefully claim ‘If I had stayed in the east, I would have founded an empire like Alexander’.
Digging deeper, we examine how Napoleon used his skills as a master propagandist to emulate his hero Caesar to win over the hearts of his soldiers and the public on his ruthless ascent to the imperial throne. This cunningly crafted image of the young hero would supposedly cement the gains of the revolution while putting a full stop to the chaos it unleashed – a compelling tale that would enable him to carry out his coup d’état of 18 Brumaire. Building on this, we will examine the pivotal battles and military tactics employed by Napoleon to effectively crush all in his wake as he astounded France’s increasingly desperate enemies with victory after victory. Finally, we will learn about Napoleon’s meritocratic (if autocratic) imperial regime and its enduring civil reforms which continue to shape the modern world long after the last shot rang out at Waterloo.
As Napoleon’s foreign minister Talleyrand once said of the new consul ‘If he lasts a year, he’ll go far!’. Well, he certainly lasted longer than that, so make sure to join us next time when we put a bow on this trilogy and learn what happened when the stakes (and number of coalitions) got higher and higher, and fortune finally turned on the Emperor.

Load the canon, survey the battlefield and hold onto your bicorne as we take aim at Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ (2023)! Much like Napoleon’s Grande Armée in Russia, we’ve bitten off more than we can chew (in just one episode) so will be delivering up a thrilling trilogy to do justice to the triumphs and follies of the French Emperor who Churchill described as the greatest man of action since Julius Caesar.
Naturally, any person whose name alone is used to describe an entire era (1799- 1815) will divide opinion. Was he a usurping Corsican ogre hell bent on bloody conquest or a military genius and visionary civic reformer embodying the enlightenment on horseback?
Join us in this first episode as we sort fact from fiction while watching Michael and Mark’s blood boil as Ridley Scott triggers history buffs everywhere by firing a grapeshot volley through historical accuracy!
But we’re not just here to talk about Ridley’s bullish disregard for history (no matter how beautifully shot the cinematography is! As usual, we will use the film to delve deep into the compelling real life of this singular character whose whirlwind rise from the fermant of the French Revolution had the old world rulers of Europe trembling in their silk stockings.
We’ll first examine his provincial origins, family life and military upbringing before turning our attention to his genius for propaganda that propelled his meteoric rise. We will then chart his unlikely course from canny artillery officer at Toulon to rockstar republican general whose novel tactics left his opponents both political and military in a stupor… and all before he reached the tender age of 30!
Sources
– ‘Le grand Atlas de Napoléon (2021)
– ‘Napoleon The Great’ by Andrew Roberts (2014)
– ‘ Napoleon: The Man behind the Myth’ by Adam Zamoyski (2018)
– ‘Napoleonic Wars’ by Charles Esdaile (2007)

“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” catapults audiences into the heart of medieval England, where the legendary outlaw Robin Hood leads a band of merry men in a daring revolt against tyranny and injustice. Directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring Kevin Costner in the titular role, this epic adventure weaves together action, romance, and heroism in a timeless tale of courage and camaraderie.
OR, as Mark prefers to describe it: “Nottingham” catapults audiences into the fascinating life of the off-beat heroic Sheriff of Nottingham as he tries to hold the realm together in the face of petty criminals being led by a jealous noble who has returned from an ill-conceived war in the East which brought nothing but hardship and death.
Set against the backdrop of a war-torn England ruled by the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham (portrayed by Alan Rickman in a scene-stealing performance), the film follows Robin of Locksley as he returns from the Crusades to find his homeland ravaged by corruption and oppression. Determined to right the wrongs inflicted upon his people, Robin takes up the mantle of the hooded outlaw, stealing from the rich to give to the poor!
Daring heists, exhilarating skirmishes and heart-pounding chases through the ancient forests of Sherwood. The film’s best quality is a scenery-chewing performance from Alan Rickman, so powerful Costner may as well have stayed on a ranch in the American west or whatever.
You’ve heard the legend of Robin Hood and his merry men, you’ve probably even heard the name Richard the Lionheart. But did any of this really happen? Was a Cult-leading satanist Sheriff really in charge of England, defied only by a rich man who has decided to slum it with the plebs? Join us on Reel History and find out!
Side note: The accompanying song by Bryan Adams is a crime against culture.

“That’s too much power for one man to have,” said police Captain Green when, with a mere wave of his hand, Malcolm X dispersed an entire crowd of the Nation of Islam.
It’s time we took in a Spike Lee joint!
“Malcolm X” tells the gripping story of one of the most influential figures in the American civil rights movement. Directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington in an Oscar-nominated performance, the film chronicles the transformation of Malcolm Little, a small-time criminal who becomes one of the most outspoken and polarizing leaders of his time. Born into poverty and racism, Malcolm X’s journey takes him from his troubled youth in Lansing, Michigan, to his tumultuous years in Harlem, New York. In prison, Malcolm discovers the teachings of the Nation of Islam and undergoes a profound spiritual awakening. Renaming himself Malcolm X, he emerges as a charismatic and uncompromising advocate for Black empowerment, challenging America to confront its legacy of oppression and inequality.
But as Malcolm’s influence grows, so does the resistance against him. The master begins to fear the apprentice as Elijah Muhammad wonders if he has found a star much brighter than his own. Painful revelations about the supposed prophet drive Malcolm to question much, bringing him to a breaking point with the Nation of Islam whereupon he eventually takes his place among the greatest civil rights leaders of the century. Denzel Washington delivers a tour de force performance as Malcolm X, capturing his charisma, intellect, and inner turmoil with impressive nuance.
So, join 3 white Europeans as we discuss this gripping and thought-provoking exploration of race and identity in 20th Century America.

In episode 4 of Season 4 we’re diving into the 2004 film adaptation of King Arthur, marketed as the epitome of historical accuracy but leaving much to be desired. With a star-studded cast led by Clive Owen and Keira Knightley, the film aimed to elevate the Arthurian legend to new heights but ultimately stumbled in its execution. Join us as we dissect the discrepancies between cinematic portrayal and historical reality, using this film as a launchpad to explore the enigmatic legend of King Arthur.
From the very first frame, where the claim “Historians Agree” sets the stage, we debunk the notion of consensus around the Arthurian legend and scrutinize the film’s depiction of native peoples, dubbed “Wodes,” even though they’re clearly Picts. Venturing beyond the silver screen, we delve into the origins of the Arthurian myth, tracing its evolution from ancient folklore to modern-day interpretations. Through discussions on Roman conquests, the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, and the tumultuous fall of Roman Britain, we unearth the historical foundations upon which the legend of King Arthur is built.
Sources
“The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon
“The Twelve Caesars” by Suetonius


“The First Kingdom: Britain in the Age of Arthur” by Max Adams

This is a Patreon preview – find the full Rasputin Special at patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast
We delve deep into the world of Grigori Rasputin, the Siberian mystic whose influence over the last Tsar of Russia and his family altered the course of history. Adding onto our Anastasia episode on the main feed, the Rasputin Special takes you on a journey through the life, legends, and controversies surrounding one of history’s most enigmatic figures.
Join us as we explore Rasputin’s humble beginnings in a small Siberian village, his rise to power within the Russian court, and his role as the confidante of Tsarina Alexandra. We’ll dissect the myths and unveil the truths behind his supposed mystical powers, his political influence, and his notorious lifestyle that both fascinated and scandalized the Russian aristocracy.

This is our PATREON’S CHOICE of Season 4 – a vote was put to our Patrons and Anastasia was the top pick! If you want to influence future topic selection, and get a Fabergé egg’s worth of bonus episodes for a mere 3 rubels, head to patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast
Step into the fantastical world of animated royalty and historical intrigue as we take on the tall tale of Anastasia Romanov. Hold onto your tiaras, because this isn’t just a fairy tale – we’re diving deep into the tumultuous history of the Romanov dynasty and the seismic events that led to their downfall.
We can’t resist the allure of rewinding all the way to the origins of Russia as a country – trust us, it’s relevant! To grasp the significance of the Romanovs and their iron-fisted reign, we need to take a step back, since this royal house held absolute sway over the Russian Empire for an astounding 300 years. We’ll explore a complex web of political unrest, economic disparity, and social upheaval, uncovering the myriad factors that contributed to the Romanovs’ downfall.
But amidst the opulence and power, there’s a lingering mystery that has captured imaginations for decades – the conspiracy theory of Anastasia Romanov’s survival. We delve into the fascinating lore surrounding Anastasia’s alleged escape from the clutches of revolutionaries, and why relatively recent historical evidence debunks this myth. Join us as we go beyond the animation into the annals of history and uncover the truths, myths, and mysteries surrounding one of the most fascinating dynasties in European history.
Oh, and if you think we forgot about Rasputin, please stay tuned for next week. 😉

Welcome to another Reel History Patreon Preview! You can find the full 1 hour bonus show at patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast, along with a dozen additional bonus shows, all available for merely 3 drachmas per month! This time we’re exploring the rediscovery of the ancient city of Troy by amateur archeologist/dynamite enthusiast Heinrich Schliemann. Forget about your modern-day archeology brushes and bring out the explosives, as this is a trip back in time to the 1800s.
Heinrich Schliemann (1822-1890) was like the Indiana Jones of his day, but somehow managing to take worse care of his findings than Indy and his antagonists. Schliemann wasn’t your average history buff – he was more like a wrecking ball, crashing through ancient sites with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. He made his fortune in business, then decided to blow it all up, literally, on his archaeological pursuits. First stop: Turkey. He’s convinced that Troy is real, so he goes full Rambo on this place called Hisarlik. Dynamite here, dynamite there, and voila! He’s got himself a “discovered” ancient city. The locals must’ve loved the fireworks show. You found a lot of shiny stuff, but at what cost, Heinrich?
Jokes aside – while Schliemann’s methods were about as subtle as a sledgehammer, and his interpretations mixed fact and ficiton frivolously, proper archeological methodology just didn’t exist at the time. The mistakes of Schliemann and his contemporaries is WHY we use those tiny brushes now; we learned from our mistakes. And despite all the critisism, his work helped raised interest in the classics, in archeology and (okay here’s another bad one) he may have popularised the swastika back in Germany? Oops?

What awaits you on this episode? GLORY! TAKE IT! ITS YOURS!
Yes, we are paraphrasing the awful dialogue delivered haplessly by Brad Pitt in the 2004 Wolfgang Petersen epic, Troy.
Loosely (very loosely) based on the Homeric poem, the Iliad, the movie explores the legendary Trojan War, a conflict sparked by the love affair between Paris, Prince of Troy, and Helen, Queen of Sparta. Starring Brad Pitt as the warrior Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, and Orlando Bloom as Paris, the film boasts a star-studded cast. Which sounds great, right? Sigh.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Bronze Age world, where the powerful Achaeans (Greeks) led by Brian Cox’s Agamemnon and Peter O’Toole’s Priam, King of Troy are on the brink of war. Agamemnon the ambitious king of Mycenae, seeks to expand his influence by conquering Troy. To achieve this, he manipulates the legendary warrior Achilles into joining the Greek forces. As the armies clash on the shores of Troy, the film portrays the brutal and visceral nature of ancient warfare.
Except not really.
But what is the Iliad actually about? What was life really like during the Bronze Age? Did Troy really exist? What about this horse you’ve heard about? Join us as we separate the REAL history from the REEL history!

Parrots, peg legs, jolly rogers and rum! Join us for a Patreon Preview that explains which of these tropes have a basis in reality and which are utter parrot’s guano. This is a preview and you can find the full bonus episode at patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast
Our Patreon has bonus episodes to go along with our main show; you can think of these as the director’s cut, as they cover topics we didn’t have time for on the main feed. So for example, for the first episode of season 4, Pirates of the Caribbean, we actually created TWO bonus episodes, each one hour long, and today we’re sharing part of one of these. On our Patreon you can also find our discussion on the Top 5 Pirate Women in history.
Please enjoy some extra pirate content, and we’ll see you back here with a regular episode on Thursday. Yarr!

Ahoy and welcome to the highly anticipated Season 4 premiere of Reel History! We’re back with another 10-episode season, releasing biweekly on Thursdays. Beyond our usual eps you’ll find bonus discussions delving deeper into these topics on the Reel History Patreon – thank you to our Patrons for bringing this season to life! Join now and get immediate access to over a dozen bonus episodes for as little as three doubloons a month: https://www.patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast
In this episode, we set sail on a thrilling adventure as we explore the Golden Age of Piracy through the lens of the iconic film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003). As the crew gathers in the studio, the excitement is palpable, and the rum is flowing.
Of course piracy isn’t something new or unique to the Caribbean, so we start with a brief history of ancient piracy – did you know the Latin word for the Irish basically means pirate? We explain the problem with privateers and sort out what the heck a buccaneer is before getting into the push and pull factors that led to a massive rise in piracy in the Caribbean during the 17th century. Learn how the coming of peace makes for idle hands, and how those hands tend to pick up muskets!
We delve into key figures such as Vane, Bellamy, Edward Teach (Blackbeard), Hornigold, and Jennings, providing listeners with an intimate look at the pirates who shaped this era. The narrative sails through the highs and lows of the Pirate Republic, with a focus on what led to its eventual decline. The retaking of Nassau is dissected, unraveling the events that marked the end of the pirate haven. And of course we can’t leave you without getting into the intriguing concept of the Pirate Code, including the infamous “right of parlay.” Are they guidelines or what?
Join us for this swashbuckling voyage, where fact and fiction entwine to reveal the fascinating truths behind the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Golden Age of Piracy.