Cadaver Synod: Trial of a Dead Pope episode artwork

EPISODE · May 5, 2026 · 55 MIN

Cadaver Synod: Trial of a Dead Pope

from Gone Medieval

What could drive a pope to put a corpse on trial?In 897, Rome staged one of the Middle Ages’ strangest spectacles: the Cadaver Synod, where Pope Stephen VI exhumed his predecessor and put his body on trial. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Jessica Wärnberg to unpack the violent politics behind the outrage, the rival factions at stake, and why this gruesome event still fascinates today.MOREConclave: Picking PopesListen on AppleListen on SpotifyCharles IV, Holy Roman EmperorListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What could drive a pope to put a corpse on trial?In 897, Rome staged one of the Middle Ages’ strangest spectacles: the Cadaver Synod, where Pope Stephen VI exhumed his predecessor and put his body on trial. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Jessica Wärnberg to unpack the violent politics behind the outrage, the rival factions at stake, and why this gruesome event still fascinates today.MOREConclave: Picking PopesListen on AppleListen on SpotifyCharles IV, Holy Roman EmperorListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOW PLAYING

Cadaver Synod: Trial of a Dead Pope

0:00 55:34

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

TRY ME, III'M NEW LIII Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old one has gone, the new one is here. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 resurrected classic hushaohan action and adventure novels:The Outdoor Girls in Army ServiceThe Outdoor Girls Around the CampfireThe Odyssey for Boys and GirlsThe Outdoor Girls in FloridaThe Ranch Girls' Pot of GoldThe Red Cross Girls in BelgiumThe Red Cross Girls in the British TrenchesThe Red Cross Girls on the French Firing LineThe Red Cross Girls with Pershing to VictoryThe Red Cross Girls with the Italian ArmyThe Red Cross Girls With The Russian ArmyThe Red Cross Girls with the Stars and StripesThe Red RunnersThe Reluctant DragonReturn to Gone-AwayRick and RuddyRide Proud, Rebel!Rinkitink in OzRinkitink in Oz (version 2)Rip Foster Rides the Gray PlanetThe Road to OzThe Road to Oz (Version 2)Robinson Crusoe Written Anew for ChildrenRock Crystal (Version 2)The Roosevelt BearsRough and Ready OR Life Among the New York NewsboysThe Rover Boys at School<br / Boys Gone Wild Horatio Gould and Andrew Kirwan Boys Gone Wild is a podcast about men for men listened to mainly by women. Hosted by comedians Horatio Gould and Andrew Kirwan. Catfish Trash Talk Tracey Carnazzo Join comedians Tracey Carnazzo and Noelle Winters Herzog as they unravel the wildest and most shocking catfishing stories from the hit show *Catfish*. With their sharp humor and no-holds-barred commentary, Tracey and Noelle break down the most jaw-dropping twists, heartbreaking deceptions, and outrageous reveals. Whether it's fake identities, online love gone wrong, or unbelievable plot twists, *Catfish Trash Talk* serves up hilarious recaps and all the drama you crave. Perfect for fans who can't get enough of this addictive reality TV phenomenon!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Gone Medieval?

This episode is 55 minutes long.

When was this Gone Medieval episode published?

This episode was published on May 5, 2026.

What is this episode about?

What could drive a pope to put a corpse on trial?In 897, Rome staged one of the Middle Ages’ strangest spectacles: the Cadaver Synod, where Pope Stephen VI exhumed his predecessor and put his body on trial. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Jessica...

Can I download this Gone Medieval episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!