Episode #199 – Was the Spanish Armada a Big Deal? (Part II)

The attempted invasion of England in 1588 was doomed even before the first ship left harbor. The Spanish plan was fatally flawed and pretty much every commander knew it. The plan was audacious, but it was also weirdly vague. The Spanish also made a fateful choice when they entered the English channel that essential ensured that the English would have a tactical advantage during the entire encounter. King Phillip II may have constructed the largest fleet in Atlantic history, but was England ever really in danger? Continue reading “Episode #199 – Was the Spanish Armada a Big Deal? (Part II)”

Latest Episodes

Episode #198 – Was The Spanish Armada a Big Deal? (Part I)

In 1588 King Phillip II of Spain constructed the largest fleet ever seen on the Atlantic in attempt to invade England. This attempt famously flopped. At the time this was celebrated as an English triumph in the face of impossible odds, and over the centuries English historians echoed this Elizabethan propaganda. This led to some in the Victorian era declaring that the defeat of the Armada had been one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the world. However, more recently the scholarly view of this event has changed. Has the reputation of the Spanish Armada been grossly inflated by patriotic myths? (more…)

Episode #197- How Bad Was Caligula? (Part III)

The reign of the Emperor Caligula has been presented as a cavalcade of bizarre and violent behavior. From declaring war on the ocean to building a five kilometer floating bridge so he could ride his horse over the sea, many of the most infamous stories about the emperor emphasize his mania. However, many of the most upsetting stories about Caligula likely are not true. One of the only eye-witness accounts of the emperor in action present him as arrogant, but hardly insane. If the worst stories about Caligula are fabrications, then why was he so hated? (more…)

Episode #196- How Bad Was Caligula? (Part II)

When the Emperor Gaius, better known as Caligula, was first elevated to the role of Princeps things seemed promising. He sought to repair the relationship with the Senate damaged by his predecessor, Tiberius. He ended the former emperor’s much abused treason trials. He invested in building projects, public infrastructure, and large entertaining spectacles. It seemed like he was trying to follow the model set by the first emperor Augustus. But, then at some point in his reign things changed. Before long Caligula would find himself at war with the men of the Senate. What caused this sudden shift in Caligula’s temperament? (more…)

Episode #195 – How Bad Was Caligula? (Part I)

The Roman Emperor Gaius, better known by his childhood nickname Caligula, is often counted among the worst rulers in the history of the world. According to some ancient sources his tumultuous four year reign was defined by wonton cruelty, sadistic sexual excess, and unchecked bloodlust. However, the ancient writers that tell us these tales are among the most untrustworthy sources from the Roman period. Was Caligula truly a monster, or has an unsuccessful emperor been transformed into an historically evil character by scandal obsessed historians? (more…)

Support Our Fake History On Patreon

Click HERE to head to our Patreon page and check out the rewards for the Patrons!

Buy T-Shirts, Mugs, and More!

Buy all sorts of cool Our Fake History gear HERE!

Buy Extra Episodes!

Click HERE to buy Extra Episodes!