Two Friends Talk History

In this episode, Zofia is joined by fellow French Canadian and doctoral candidate, Celeste Du Bois, to discuss Roman curses and love magic in literature and in the archaeological evidence of curse tablets. We explore the challenges to studying religion from the bottom up (so to speak) and some of the intriguing ritual practices of people in the Greco-Roman. I  hope you enjoy the interview! Tangent...

In this special episode, Zofia is joined by Hettie and Makis Metaxas from Poros, Kefalonia, who have worked tirelessly on advocating for the conservation of one of the most important monuments of Kefalonia’s Bronze Age, which they also helped discover- the Tzanata tholos tomb!  We discussed their work to protect this important archaeological site just weeks before the Regional Governor of the Ioni...

In this episode, Zofia is joined by the creator of Hellenistic History website and outreach, Dr Elke Close, to discuss the Achaean League (koinon) of the Greeks during the second century BCE. We chat about the different tools she used to investigate ancient federalism from Polybius, epigraphy to numismatics, and ultimately, the showdown with Rome at the Battle of Corinth in 146 BCE. Tangents inclu...

In this episode, Zofia is reunited with Dr Briana King, a specialist in cult of Aphrodite and Greek erotica in the late-Classical period, to discuss the dynamic and variable roles that Hellenistic Queens played by focusing on queen Olympias of Macedon and Arsinoe II of Egypt. We explore their martial actions, power plays and divine associations.  Tangents include road tripping in Greece, Netflix s...

This week, Zofia is joined by Dr Alex Lee to discuss the popular religious processions that took place in northern and central Italy from 1399-1400 in response to the outbreak of deadly plague. These processions were called ‘Bianchi’ because of their adherent’s white robes.  We discuss Dr Lee's research into the religious responses from the community members as they went on processions, what...

In this episode, Zofia is joined by archaeologist and 3D-reconstruction specialist, Dr Lucia Michielin, to shine a light on her research into how the building practices of Romans considered lighting and its implications on home design.  We discuss changes to Roman technology and how increased accessibility to glass in the Imperial period was reflected in Roman homes, and how she navigated using se...

In this week’s episode, Zofia is joined by Alexandra Swann for a deep dive into Stoicism the implications of what this philosophy meant in antiquity, and how we can benefit from it now. With the  upcoming 1900th birthday anniversary of Marcus Arelius, we ask ourselves (WWMAD?) ‘What Would Marcus Aurelius Do?’ And explore how stoic wisdom guided the Roman Philosopher Emperor. Tangents include Youtu...

In this week’s episode, Zofia is joined by archaeobotanist, Alexandra Slucky, who discusses the importance of studying floral remains in archaeological excavations, and how these tiny pieces of the past communicate the connectivity of trade networks and their impact on culture.   Tangents include dysentery in the Middle Ages, the Post-Columbian exchange, rebranding the Silk Road to the vegan-frien...

This week's episode is Sex in the Ancient World where Zofia is joined by Dr Briana King to discuss how we can understand sexuality in antiquity, how people in the ancient world used erotic art in their daily lives, Spartan wedding rituals and more! Join us as we explore this tantalising and sometimes titillating topic together! Find us on Instagram Support us through Patreon Buy our merch on...

Things are changing here at Two Friends Talk History! Carrying on from series 1 in which Zofia and Liam explored the ancient world through stories and interviews, in series 2, Zofia invites new friends to talk history on Two Friends. Guests will continue to delve into global history topics  from new perspectives, share behind the scenes knowledge of working in heritage, history and more! You can s...

In this week's episode, Liam delves into 'The Anarchy' of 12th century England when Empress Matilda battled her cousin King Stephen for control of the English throne.  Meanwhile, Zofia navigates the twisted tale of some terrible Ptolemies: Cleopatra II, her daughter Cleopatra III and the husband they shared, Ptolemy VIII. The 2nd century BCE ruling dynasty of Egypt known for murders...

Hi Folks!  In this episode, Zofia and Liam strike North and explore the cold climes of Nunavut in Canada. Zofia interviews Jennie, a close friend from the Inuit community on Victoria Island, located deep within the Arctic circle. Liam and Zofia provide a historical background to the Inuit of the area before Zofia interviews Jennie who provides a fascinating account of growing up on the island as w...

Hi Folks! This week we are delving into Zofia's work at the ancient Roman archaeological site of Aeclanum.  Aeclanum was an important Roman located in south-central Italy and it prospered for hundreds of years before disappearing beneath the earth. Join us as we explore what it was like digging up an ancient city as well as the outreach done to encourage people to learn more about the site (i...

This week's episode is 'Mostly Magic'. Zofia explores the life of the 16th century occultist, necromancer, scientist and advisor to the Tudor court, John Dee, who flourished during a time when magic and science were inextricably linked. Liam meanwhile, looks at the Sami peoples of northern Scandinavia, how they were perceived as sorcerers and heretics by their neighbours and how the...

This week's episode is 'Killer Queens'. Liam explores the life of Queen Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, who joined the rebellion against the British East India Company in the mid 19th century. Zofia meanwhile looks at a different type of Queen, William Dorsey Swann, who led a fascinating life as a black, gay man during the 19th century and who was possibly the first identifiable &ap...

This week's episode is Where they Fear to Thread where we look into places off the beaten track... and for good reason! Zofia dives deep into ancient cave systems of Cobán, Guatemala, the location of none other than the Mayan underworld of Xibalba. Liam gives the history of North Sentinel Island in the Indian Ocean where trespassers are likely to be peppered with a few arrows. Tangents includ...

This week's episode is Greed & Grift where we discuss the terrible consequences of rich old dudes who can't be satisfied. Zofia dives back in time to the Roman Republic to explore the richest man you've probably never heard of: Marcus Crassus. Liam looks at the not so noble life of King Leopold II of the Belgians and his harrowing and brutal exploitation of the Belgian Congo (sp...

Join us as we explore Patrons of the Arts. Liam delves into the life of Tokugawa Masako, a 17th century Japanese empress who was a driving force behind an aesthetic for a new age. Zofia tells the story of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun who was a prominent French painter of the 18th century and was patronised by none other than Marie Antoinette. Tangents include: the scandal of showing teeth in paintings,...

Join us for our first ever episode. Zofia focuses on the Antonine plague that struck the Roman Empire during the 2nd century CE as well as the story of Glycon, the original snake oil man. Liam explores how the concoction of deadly diseases and viruses that Europeans brought to the New World resulted in catastrophic consequences for the peoples and societies of the Americas. Tangents include: appro...