Have To Know History

Baseball feels as American as summer nights, hot dogs, and a game of catch in the backyard… but the real story of how it began is far more surprising.In this episode of Have To Know History, we go beyond the familiar myths and uncover the true origins of baseball—from ancient stick-and-ball games played in Egypt, Greece, and Rome… to chaotic medieval games… to the rise of professional teams in places you might not expect.Was baseball really invented by Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown?Why was the first professional team the Cincinnati Red Stockings… and not a team from New York or Boston?And how did small Midwestern teams like the Fort Wayne Kekiongas help shape the game we know today?This episode explores how baseball evolved—not from a single moment, but over time—and how it became something much bigger than just a game.Because in the end, baseball isn’t just about rules or teams…It’s about something humans have always done:Pick up a stick. Hit something. And see what happens next.🎙️ Have To Know History — history you just have to know.#JasonFreewalt #HaveToKnowHistory #BaseballHistory

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient Wonder of the World still standing — and the more we study it, the more questions it raises.Built over 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, this massive monument was once a gleaming white mountain in the desert, aligned with the stars and designed for eternity. But how was it built with such precision? Who were the workers really? And why is Khufu’s name almost completely missing from inside the pyramid?In this episode of Have To Know History, we explore:• how the Great Pyramid was actually constructed• the workers’ graffiti that links it to Khufu• the mystery of the empty granite box• the solar boats buried beside the pyramid• the engineering of the King’s Chamber• the star-aligned shafts and spiritual symbolism• and why this monument still matters todayThis isn’t just a tomb — it’s a cosmic monument built from engineering, mathematics, astronomy, and belief. And it’s the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

The men who assassinated Julius Caesar believed they were saving the Roman Republic.Instead, they accidentally created an emperor.In this episode of Have To Know History, we trace the political chaos that followed Caesar’s murder and led to the rise of Octavian, later known as Augustus, Rome’s first emperor. From Marc Antony’s explosive funeral speech to the doomed alliance of the Second Triumvirate, this is the story of propaganda, betrayal, civil war, and one young man who learned from Caesar’s mistakes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Caesar’s assassins completely misjudged public opinionHow Marc Antony turned a funeral into a political weaponWhy Octavian’s adoption changed Roman historyHow Antony and Cleopatra’s alliance doomed them bothWhat really happened at the Battle of ActiumHow Octavian avoided Caesar’s fate and took power legallyWhy the Senate willingly handed him absolute authorityJulius Caesar tried to seize power and was murdered for it.Octavian let the Senate give him power — and ruled for decades.A fast, clear, story-driven retelling of one of the most important turning points in world history.🎧 This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube:https://youtu.be/9ZQxrS4nfAU

If you could turn invisible, would you still do the right thing?In this episode of Have To Know History, we explore Plato’s famous story of the Ring of Gyges and the debate between Socrates and Glaucon over human nature, morality, and whether people are truly good — or simply afraid of getting caught.This ancient thought experiment asks a timeless question: who are you when no one can see you?This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

What if everything you think is real… isn’t?In this episode of Have To Know History, we break down Plato’s famous Allegory of the Cave from The Republic and explore what it reveals about truth, education, and how easily people can be shaped by what they are taught.From ancient Greece to the modern world of media and information, this powerful thought experiment challenges how we understand reality — and ourselves.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

The Olympic Games didn’t begin with gold medals, national anthems, or massive stadiums. They began nearly 3,000 years ago in ancient Greece as a sacred festival dedicated to Zeus — where city-states paused wars, athletes competed for honor, and victory meant glory, not money.In this episode of Have To Know History, we explore the true origins of the Olympic Games:• Why Greek city-states stopped fighting just to hold the Games• What events the ancient athletes actually competed in• Why competitors ran, wrestled, and fought completely naked• How the Olympic truce worked in the ancient world• The story behind the first marathon• Why the Games eventually disappeared — and how they were rebornFrom Olympia and the Temple of Zeus to pankration, chariot races, olive wreaths, and the idea of arete (excellence), this is the story of how the Olympics began — and why their influence still echoes every time the torch is lit.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

What is courage? What is love? What is beauty?More than 2,400 years ago, Socrates was asking the same questions we still struggle with today. In this episode of Have To Know History, we explore Socrates, the Socratic Method, and why asking questions — instead of accepting easy answers — became one of the most powerful tools in Western thought.Socrates believed wisdom begins by admitting what you don’t know. That belief made him famous… and ultimately led to his execution.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

What does it really mean to be romantic?Believe it or not, the word “romance” originally meant being Roman.In this episode of Have To Know History, we explore how the ancient Romans saw themselves as refined, polished, and civilized — and how that self-image shaped the meaning of romance, love, and even the Romance languages we still speak today.From Roman bathhouses and Latin poetry to the rise of Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian, this episode connects everyday words to ancient history in a way that will completely change how you think about love and language.We also look at how Latin evolved after the fall of Rome, why “barbarian” languages got their name, and how modern English is changing in similar ways today.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

Before he conquered Rome, before he became dictator, and long before his dramatic assassination, Julius Caesar made one decision that changed everything: he crossed the Rubicon.In 49 BC, Caesar stood on the edge of a small river that marked the legal boundary of his authority. Crossing it with his army was treason. Not crossing it meant losing everything — his power, his allies, his safety, and possibly his life.According to ancient writers, a mysterious “man of noble mien” appeared, grabbed a trumpet, and signaled the march forward… as if fate itself pushed Caesar across the line.In this episode, we explore:• what the Rubicon actually was• why crossing it was illegal under Roman law• how Caesar’s enemies backed him into a corner• the eerie story of the trumpet-blower• and how one river crossing ignited a civil war that ended the Roman RepublicOnce Caesar crossed that river, there truly was no turning back.For him — or for Rome.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.Julius Caesar, Crossing the Rubicon, Rubicon River, Roman Republic, ancient Rome, Caesar civil war, Caesar vs Pompey, Roman history, Caesar biography, world history podcast, Have To Know History, Jason Freewalt

Before Julius Caesar became the most famous Roman in history, he was kidnapped by Cilician pirates — who had no idea who they were dealing with.In this episode, we explore the unbelievable true story of how young Caesar:• mocked the pirates holding him hostage• demanded they raise his ransom because he was “worth more”• treated the pirates like his employees• promised he’d come back to punish them• and then actually returned with a fleet to make good on his promiseIt’s bold, hilarious, and a little terrifying — and it reveals the early personality of the man who would reshape Rome.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.Julius Caesar, Cilician pirates, Caesar kidnapping, Roman Republic, ancient Rome, Caesar biography, Roman history podcast, Have To Know History, Jason Freewalt, pirates of the Mediterranean, Caesar ransom story, early life of Caesar

Julius Caesar. Pompey. The Roman Senate. The Rubicon. The epic assassination.This is the dramatic story of how the Roman Republic collapsed — and how one ambitious general changed world history forever.In this episode of Have To Know History, we break down Caesar’s rise to power, his conquest of Gaul, his rivalry with Pompey the Great, and the fateful moment he crossed the Rubicon and plunged Rome into civil war. You’ll hear how political chaos, military ambition, corruption, and unstoppable popularity pushed the Republic to its breaking point and led to the fall of the Roman Republic.Perfect for listeners who love:• Roman history• Julius Caesar stories• Ancient civilizations• Myth-busting, fast-paced explanations• Short, engaging history podcastsIf you’ve ever wondered how Rome transformed from a republic into an empire, this is the episode for you.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz isn’t just a fantasy story — it may also be a hidden allegory about America in the late 1800s.In this episode, we explore how L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel reflects the Panic of 1893, the gold vs. silver debate, and the rise of the Populist movement.We break down the symbolic meaning behind:Dorothy and ordinary AmericansThe Scarecrow and farmersThe Tin Woodman and industrial workersThe Cowardly Lion and political powerThe Wicked Witches of East and WestThe Yellow Brick Road (gold standard)Silver shoes (the silver standard)Emerald City and illusionThe Wizard and leadership without real authorityWhether Baum meant it or not, the timing is remarkable—and the parallels are eye-opening.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

Long before Instagram or travel blogs, the ancient Greeks made the world’s first bucket list — the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Lighthouse of Alexandria, these incredible creations showed what humans could build with imagination, ambition, and divine inspiration.In this episode, Mr. Freewalt takes you on a journey through the ancient Mediterranean to uncover the stories behind each Wonder — what they were, how they were built, and why most of them have vanished.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.🎙️ Hosted by Jason Freewalt#History #SevenWonders #HaveToKnowHistory #JasonFreewalt #AncientWorld

This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Rome didn’t start with marble temples and mighty emperors. According to legend, it began with a jealous king, an abandoned pair of twins, a war god, and a wolf.In this episode, we dive into the myth of Romulus and Remus — and why the Romans needed this story.Here’s what we explore:🏛️ Rome’s not-so-glamorous real beginnings — a collection of rough shepherd tribes along the Tiber✍️ How the poet Virgil, under Emperor Augustus, invented a heroic origin linking Rome to the survivors of Troy👶 The twins Romulus and Remus — born of a Vestal Virgin and the god Mars🐺 The she-wolf who rescued and nursed them⚔️ The brothers’ return to overthrow a tyrant — and the deadly fight that followed👑 The founding of Rome, the Sabine Women, and Romulus’ rise as the first king🌩️ His mysterious death (or ascension) and transformation into the god QuirinusSo… is any of it true? Maybe not.But it tells us how the Romans wanted to see themselves — fierce, chosen by the gods, born from struggle and ambition.This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.Thanks for being here.

After the Greek city-states united to defeat the mighty Persian Empire, peace didn’t last long. Athens rose to power through the Delian League, transforming an alliance for defense into an empire of tribute, ships, and wealth. Sparta watched with growing resentment — and before long, the two greatest powers in Greece were on a collision course.In this Have To Know History – Story Time episode, I trace how Greek victory over Persia led to the bitter rivalry that tore Greece apart in the Peloponnesian War.🏛️ What you’ll hear in this story:How the Persian invasions united Greece at Marathon, Thermopylae, and SalamisHow Athens turned the Delian League into an empireWhy Sparta could no longer ignore Athenian dominanceHow jealousy, pride, and ambition led to the greatest Greek civil war in history🎙️ This is Have To Know History – Story Time, where I bring ancient events to life through dramatic storytelling and classroom energy.Thanks for listening — and remember, not all empires fall from enemies abroad… some crumble from within.

It’s one of the most famous last stands in history — 300 Spartans, a narrow mountain pass, and the might of the Persian Empire.In this Have To Know History – Story Time episode, I retell the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his small Greek force held the line against Xerxes’ massive invading army.But beyond the legend lies a deeper story — strategy, sacrifice, and how this desperate stand bought precious time for Greece to rally and change the course of history.🏛️ What you’ll hear in this story:The Persian invasion and Xerxes’ march through GreeceHow geography turned Thermopylae into the perfect choke pointThe bravery and sacrifice of Leonidas and his menThe traitor who revealed the hidden pass and sealed their fate🎙️ This is Have To Know History – Story Time, where I bring ancient events to life through dramatic storytelling and classroom energy.Thanks for listening — and remember, sometimes the smallest stand can change the world.

Croesus of Lydia was the richest king in the ancient world — his wealth legendary, his confidence unshakable. But when he sought advice from the Oracle of Delphi before going to war with Persia, a single prophecy changed everything.In this Have To Know History Story Time episode, Jason Freewalt tells the dramatic rise and fall of Croesus — from golden palaces to fiery ruin:The incredible wealth of the Lydian EmpireThe fateful prophecy: “If you cross the river, a great empire will fall”How Croesus misread the oracle’s words and doomed his own kingdomThe conquest of Lydia by Cyrus the Great and the Persian EmpireThis is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.🎧 Like what you hear? Follow the show and let me know if you’d like more Story Time retellings alongside regular episodes!

Helen of Troy — the legendary “face that launched a thousand ships.” For thousands of years, storytellers have claimed her beauty sparked the Trojan War. But was the war really fought over love, or was it about power, trade, and Mycenaean ambition?In this episode of Have To Know History, Jason Freewalt takes you from myth to archaeology, exploring:The golden apple of discord and Aphrodite’s fateful bribeThe abduction of Helen and the decade-long Greek siege of TroyArchaeological evidence at Hisarlik that reveals the real TroyThe Sea Peoples and the collapse of Bronze Age civilizationsAlong the way, we’ll ask: Was Helen truly a person, or a poetic stand-in for Greece itself?This is Have To Know History—history you just have to know.

BONUS STORY TIME with Mr. FreewaltThis is my own retelling of the Trojan War, inspired by Homer’s Iliad and told in one sitting — 17 minutes of dramatic storytelling that brings to life Achilles, Hector, Patroclus, Agamemnon, and the infamous Trojan Horse.This isn’t a textbook summary — it’s my version, the way I share it with my students: engaging, fun, and packed with the legendary moments that made this one of history’s greatest epics.In this STORY TIME you’ll hear:The rage of Achilles and his clash with AgamemnonThe tragedy of PatroclusHector’s stand at the gates of TroyThe cunning Trojan Horse and the fall of the cityThis is a Have To Know History BONUS episode — a full-length storytelling piece recorded while I prepare for my upcoming episode on Helen of Troy: The Face That Launched a Thousand Ships.🎥 Want to watch this STORY TIME with visuals? Check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tv4FrjbtLO4Thanks for listening — I hope you enjoy my version of this timeless story!

🎶 "Ring around the rosie, pocket full of posies..." We’ve all sung it. But what if this innocent-sounding nursery rhyme is actually about one of the deadliest pandemics in human history?In this episode of Have to Know History, we dig into the Black Death—the devastating plague that wiped out 1 in 3 Europeans in the 14th century—and explore the haunting connection (real or imagined) to the rhyme we all learned as kids. Was it really about plague sores, flowers to fight the smell of death, and mass cremations? Or is that just a spooky story we’ve told ourselves later?From medieval biological warfare at the siege of Kaffa to eerie plague doctor masks, unfinished cathedrals, and the dance of death in art, this is a gripping look at how one disease reshaped the world.🎓 This is Have to Know History—history you just have to know.🦠 Topics include:– The siege of Kaffa and early germ warfare– The spread of the plague via Genoese ships– Cultural effects, from art to labor revolts– The truth (and myth) behind “Ring Around the Rosie”🎧 Also available as a video episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@HaveToKnowHistory

Newlyweds jetting off for a week of sun and relaxation—it’s a tradition we call a honeymoon. But why? What do honey and the moon have to do with marriage?In this episode of Have to Know History, Jason Freewalt explores the surprising origins of the honeymoon. From Viking mead-drinking rituals and medieval marriage customs to Victorian bridal tours and modern beach getaways, this tradition has a sweeter—and stranger—history than you might expect.Was it really about love and romance? Or did it have more to do with fertility, family politics, and fermented honey?🎓 This is Have to Know History—where myths, traditions, and ancient mysteries come alive.

Alexander the Great’s Dad Tried to Kill Him? 👑⚔️Before he was Alexander the Great—the conqueror of Persia and builder of an empire that stretched to the edge of the known world—he was a teenage prince caught in a royal family full of drama. His father, Philip II of Macedonia, was a brilliant warrior and political mastermind. His mother, Olympias, was fiercely ambitious and determined to secure her son’s future.At one infamous wedding banquet, an awkward toast and a drunken stumble revealed just how divided father and son had become. Not long after, Philip was assassinated. Was it a lone act of revenge—or a conspiracy involving Alexander and his mother?This episode of Have to Know History uncovers the family intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles that shaped one of history’s greatest conquerors.

A mysterious Egyptian queen wrote to the king of the Hittites with a shocking request:“Send me one of your sons… so I can marry him.”Who was this queen? And why would **Tutankhamun’s widow—possibly Queen Ankhesenamun—**reach out to Egypt’s sworn enemy right after his death? What happened to the Hittite prince who answered the call?This is the tale of the Dahamunzu Affair—an ancient diplomatic scandal that nearly changed the course of history. In this episode, we uncover the clues hidden in Hittite letters, Egyptian artifacts, and the political storm that followed the boy king’s death.Featuring: Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun, Ay, Horemheb, and Šuppiluliuma I.🔍 This is Have to Know History—where the past gets personal, political, and just plain wild.Subscribe for more ancient mysteries, powerful women in history, and the strange-but-true stories you just have to know.

Henry VIII, Elizabeth I & the Shocking Origins of Virginia - Walter Raleigh, the Lost Colony, and the Queen Who Never MarriedHave To Know History - What do six wives, a lost colony, and a queen who never married have to do with the state of Virginia?This fast-paced 7-minute episode unpacks how one king’s obsession with a male heir reshaped religion, rattled Europe, and led—indirectly—to the naming of Virginia. From Henry VIII’s six wives to Elizabeth I’s iconic reign as the “Virgin Queen,” and the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, this is history with high stakes and royal drama. This is Have to Know History — short, surprising stories from the past that you just have to know. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of bold stories, bizarre twists, and unforgettable characters. ⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – Why Henry VIII Wanted a Son01:18 – The Break with the Catholic Church02:31 – Six Wives in Six Lines03:05 – Queen Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen04:20 – Sir Walter Raleigh & Roanoke05:54 – Virginia: A State Named for a Queen?#HenryVIII #ElizabethI #SirWalterRaleigh #TudorHistory #RoanokeColony #VirginiaHistory #USHistory #LostColony #ShortHistoryVideo #EducationalYouTube #HaveToKnowHistory #H2KH #HistoryWithPersonality

What if the Minotaur myth wasn’t just a story—but a memory of something real?In this second part of the Minotaur mini-series, we step beyond the myth and into the ruins of ancient Crete. I’ll walk you through what archaeologists have discovered at the Minoan palace of Knossos—an actual maze-like structure that might have inspired the legend. We’ll explore bull-leaping rituals, signs of human sacrifice, and one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the explosion of Thera around 1600 BC.Could that disaster have sparked a legend about a cursed king, a doomed island, and a monster in a maze? Maybe even the myth of Atlantis?This episode is packed with history, myth, and ancient mystery—and it’s all told the way I’ve shared it with my 7th grade students for years.🧠 For more myths, archaeology, and the surprising truths behind ancient stories—follow Have to Know History.🎥 You can also watch this series on YouTube, including original footage from Crete and AI visuals at: https://youtube.com/@HaveToKnowHistory🎶 For original music, visit my artist channel: @JasonFreewaltMusic

A monster in a maze. A genius inventor. A lovestruck princess. And an angry god who shakes the earth.This is the very first episode of Have To Know History, a podcast for anyone who loves myths, mysteries, and ancient stories that just might be true. Join Jason Freewalt as he walks you through the outrageous myth of the Minotaur—complete with cursed queens, deadly mazes, and some deeply questionable decisions from both gods and mortals.Originally part of the Have To Know History YouTube series, this audio version brings the same energy and storytelling—perfect for learning on the go.Coming soon in Part 2: We’ll explore the ruins of Knossos, bull-worship rituals, and a volcanic eruption that may have sparked the myth.Inspired by years of classroom storytelling, now shared with the world.