237: The Trouble with Witches: Witches and the Boundaries of Power
For centuries, witches have occupied a space between fear and fascination, their presence signaling both power and peril. From the three haggard figures inMacbeth to the Fates of Greek mythology, women who wield influence beyond the expected have been cast as threats to order. But why? In this episode, we examine the historical and cultural forces that turned witches into symbols of chaos, control, and rebellion. Were they truly dangerous, or did they simply exist outside the boundaries of what society deemed acceptable? Join us as we explore the tangled legacy of witches, prophecy, and the fear of women who refuse to obey.
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17:49
236: Sex and the Empire: Euphemia, Theodora and the Scandalous Literary Tradition of Ancient Rome
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary lives of Euphemia and Theodora, two women who rose from obscurity to become empresses of the Byzantine Empire. Their stories—filled with ambition, resilience, and reform—challenge traditional narratives of power and privilege in late antiquity. From the sensational accounts of Procopius to the lasting legacies of their reforms, we’ll uncover how their lives were shaped by, and in turn, shaped the cultural and political landscape of their time.
Key Quotes:
"Euphemia, born a slave and once known as Lupicina, transformed her identity to embody the piety expected of an empress."
"Theodora’s reforms addressed marriage, dowry rights, and protections for women sold into slavery—legislation that echoed her own experiences."
"Procopius described Theodora as 'Theodora from the Brothel,' highlighting not just his disdain for her origins, but his fear of women who wielded power."
"The name Lupicina, linked to the Latin word for 'she-wolves,' connected Euphemia to both sacred Etruscan traditions and the lowest class of Roman society."
"In Justinian and Theodora’s marriage, Procopius saw not just a union of two people but a symbol of societal upheaval that blurred class distinctions."
Through the lens of Euphemia and Theodora’s lives, we’ll explore the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, the power of identity and narrative, and the ways in which women shaped the empire from behind the scenes. Join me as we unravel the truths and myths surrounding these two remarkable empresses.
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20:52
235: Augustus' Women: Imperial Women and their Quest to become the Empress of Rome
In this episode, we explore the lives of the women who shaped and supported the reign of Emperor Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. From political alliances forged through marriage to personal sacrifices and public displays of loyalty, these women played vital roles in Augustus' ascent to power. While Livia Drusilla eventually became the first Empress of the Julian Dynasty, the stories of the other women in Augustus’ life are equally compelling.
Key Quotes:
"Clodia Pulchra’s marriage to Octavian was emblematic of Rome’s practice of using matrimony as a political tool."
"Scribonia, Octavian’s second wife, was chosen for her aristocratic connections and political utility."
"Julia, Augustus’ daughter, lived a life of contradictions—venerated as a symbol of the imperial family yet exiled for rebellion."
"Livia embodied the ideal Roman matron while exercising immense behind-the-scenes political influence."
"Through marriages and alliances, the women in Augustus' life helped to solidify his rule and secure his legacy."
Uncover the intricate roles of Augustus’ women in consolidating power during one of history's most transformative periods. From the politically arranged marriages that strengthened alliances to the lasting influence of Livia, these women's stories reveal the human complexities behind the grandeur of Rome’s first emperor. Join us as we delve into their lives and legacies, unraveling the ways they shaped the foundation of the Roman Empire.
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25:37
234: Loves and Losses of Heracles, Son of Zeus
In this episode, we dive into the passionate, often heart-wrenching love life of Heracles, the demigod whose adventures went far beyond his legendary labors. Known for his superhuman strength, Heracles’ story is also woven with deep, complex relationships that reveal the hero’s vulnerabilities. From the loyalty of his male lover Iolaus to the tragic fate of his first wife Megara and the jealousy-driven actions of Hera, each relationship paints a vivid picture of love, loss, and redemption.
Key Quotes:
1. “The animosity that Zeus’ wife, Hera, harbored towards Heracles played a significant role in his life.”
2. “Heracles’ life was also filled with many loves and relationships.”
3. “What happened with Megara was less than clear as, although Euripides states that Heracles also shot and murdered Megara, Pseudo-Apollodorus claims that Megara managed to flee.”
4. “Heracles, this most manly of heroes, was about to face further humiliation when he was made to wear women’s clothes and help Omphale and her maidens spin.”
5. “Happy god! For he has done, His great work and he lives among the gods, Forever young, forever free from pain.”
Unearth the tumultuous love life of Heracles, the Greek hero whose epic romances and tragic losses shaped myths for centuries. Tune in to explore how love, rivalry, and loss intertwined to define the life of this storied demigod and see how these ancient tales continue to resonate today.
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25:01
233: Lysippos: Creating the Image of Alexander the Great
Soon after the study of the inscriptions of the Daochos Monument was published in 1897, an interest in the study of the sculptor Lysippos was renewed. The inscription on a statue base found at Pharsalos was discovered to be identical to a somewhat shorter epigram of Agias at Delphi, and the name Lysippos, presumably the statue’s sculptor, was written at the bottom of the Pharsalos inscription. When the statue of Agias at Delphi was reunited with its base, it became clear that the figure in Delphi was likely a replica of the one in Pharsalos. Like most of Lysippos’ works, the original statue was probably cast in bronze and predate the Delphi statue, although only by a few years. The research also reveals that the statues at Delphi were probably certainly sculpted by more than one artist, indicating a diversity of aesthetic influences at work. But Lysippos’ name was definitely recognizable.
Key Quotes:
"The Daochos Monument was a massive rectangular foundation with nine statues northeast of Delphi's Temple of Apollo terrace. Under each of the statues, barring one figure on the far right, there was an epigram describing the individual portrayed and listing their achievements."
"Lysippos was known as one of the three best Classical Greek sculptors of the 4th century BC, alongside Scopas of Paros and Praxiteles of Athens, playing a significant role in the artistic revolution of the Hellenistic period."
"Lysippos' statues were known for their thin proportions and their genuine naturalism. He studied nature and Polyclitus' Doryphoros canon of ideal male proportions, which he modified by constructing a smaller head and slimmer torso."
"It was Lysippos who sculpted Alexander the Great from the ruler’s childhood onward, and Alexander would not have any other sculptor portray him."
"According to Plutarch, Lysippos was the only one who succeeded in casting Alexander's distinguishing character and excellence in bronze, describing him as 'looking upwards with his face to the sky, as he used to stare with a slight inclination of the neck.'"
Discover the enduring legacy of Lysippos, the master sculptor who shaped the image of Alexander the Great and redefined art in the Hellenistic period. Dive into the world of classical Greek artistry and explore how Lysippos' innovations in naturalism and form influenced generations of artists. Uncover the secrets behind his statues, from the Daochos Monument to the iconic portrayals of Alexander. Visit MartiniFisher.com to learn more about this fascinating intersection of art and history (and see some images), and see how these timeless works continue to inspire today.
You will also find more images in the History Made Beautiful Instagram account.
Domina Tempora by Martini Fisher invites you to explore the elegance, influence, and hidden legacies of the ancient world. Through a refined lens, historian Martini Fisher uncovers the narratives that defined power, culture, and artistry across centuries. Join us as we uncover the timeless stories and lessons that continue to inspire modern luxury, leadership, and creativity.
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