EPISODE · Apr 20, 2026 · 23 MIN
The Sneeze That Saved Rome
from The Rest of History · host Podcaster
In 590 AD, a mysterious plague was decimating Rome when Pope Gregory heard something extraordinary during a procession meant to beg God for mercy. What happened next became one of history's most famous gestures—but the real story involves a Germanic king's dinner party, a Byzantine spy, and the peculiar Roman obsession with sneezing etiquette. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In 590 AD, a mysterious plague was decimating Rome when Pope Gregory heard something extraordinary during a procession meant to beg God for mercy. What happened next became one of history's most famous gestures—but the real story involves a Germanic king's dinner party, a Byzantine spy, and the peculiar Roman obsession with sneezing etiquette.
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The Sneeze That Saved Rome
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