021 - The Eternal Fires of Mount Chimaera and the Roots of the Persian War

Is this burning an eternal flame? Why yes. Yes, it is. Nestled in the hills of Lycia in southwestern Turkey, the Yanartaş of Mount Chimaera is a series of methane-fueled fires that have burnt for at least 2500 years.  Lycia has a fascinating history and is well worth a quick detour from our narrative, so let's take a look. Joining us is Roxanne from Mythology Translated, to share the myths of the chimaera and other fine folks.  We'll also talk Ionia, to set us up for the great conflict between Persia and Greece. And we'll have some sweet, sticky halva! Oh, and Santa Claus shows up. Sort of.