Episode #115 – Who Was Mali’s Richest King? (Part II) In 1324 the Malian Emperor, Mansa Musa, made a pilgrimage to Mecca that would stun the Islamic world with its magnificence. If the sources are to be believed, the emperor traveled with an entourage 60 000 fellow pilgrims and untold quantities of pure West African gold. While travelling through Egypt his lavish spending flooded the country with so much gold that he apparently caused an economic crisis. Precious metals were devalued and Egypt fell into a recession that it would take years to recover from… or at least, so goes the story. Is it true that Mansa Musa had enough gold to destabilize one of the strongest economies in the medieval world? (more…)

Episode #114 – Who Was Mali’s Richest King? (Part I) One of the most pernicious historical myths to ever circulate is the wrongheaded belief that sub-Saharan Africa was uncivilized and devoid of history before the era of European colonialism. The sophistication and opulence of the Mali Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries completely shreds that idea. Many historians have pointed out that in the 1300’s Mali was wealthier, better organized, and more literate than most European societies. The Kings, or Mansas, of Mali may have even been the richest people to have ever lived. But are the tales of the Mansas’ wealth believable? (more…)

Episode #113 – Who is Kiev’s Most Vengeful Saint? There are few tales of revenge as epic as that of Olga of Kiev. In 945 AD Olga set out on a campaign of vengeance that would make a lasting mark on the history of Eastern Europe. However, there is good reason to believe it never actually happened. The source that contains the tale of Olga’s vengeance is among the most unreliable chronicles of the medieval era. What should we believe about one of Eastern Europe’s most merciless female rulers? (more…)

Episode #112 – Who Was The First Emperor of China? (Part III) After unifying the “Warring States” the first emperor of China turned his attention to an even more lofty goal: becoming an immortal. When describing the first emperor the ancient sources paint a picture of man consumed by narcissism and paranoia. We’re told that in his quest to defy death the first emperor put his trust in shady magicians and smooth talking charlatans. (more…)

Episode #111 – Who Was The First Emperor of China? (Part II) In Chinese folklore the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is never presented as a hero. Instead he is always presented as villain who is undone by his own arrogance and impiety. He is often introduced in folk tales as the “Wicked Emperor Qin Shi Huang”. However, historians believe that many of the most salacious stories about China’s first emperor may have been exaggerated or invented by later writers who did not care for his preferred philosophy. Has one of China’s most significant figures been the victim of fake history? (more…)

Episode #110 – Who Was The First Emperor of China? (Part I) If you were going to make a list of the most historically influential people to have have ever lived, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, should probably be in the top 10. In the mid 2nd century BC, the ruler of the State of Qin embarked on series of conquests that would unite China after centuries of discord. But despite this impressive achievement, the first emperor has been saddled with a particularly nasty historical reputation. Even the ancient Chinese historians did not remember him fondly. Does he really deserve this vicious reputation, or has he been the victim of fake history? (more…)