The Apple and The Hero

Send a textAnd we are at the end of season one! In this last episode we'll see the rising and falling of the great Julius Caesar. Did he want to save Rome, or was his plan to condemn it?You decide!

Send a textHere we are, almost at the end of the first season. We have one last path to thread on, and it's that of one of the greatest names in Roman history: Julius Caesar.His name and his deeds have traversed the centuries intact, and he also picked up more legends and myths that we can count.He's been hailed as a destroyer, for the Roman Republic breathed its last because of him, but also as a creator, for the Roman Empire would have never seen the light, had it not been for his actions.But what was Caesar: a savior or a destroyer? It's now your turn to answer!

Send a textWe're getting closer to the finish line for this deep dive into the Roman history of the monarchy and the Republic.Things are getting chaotic; the dividing lines between patricians and plebeians are getting more and more blurred, and champions of the plebs like the Gracchi brothers start popping up everywhere. Rome is on the brink of chaos, and civil war is soon to follow. In a society which still hadn't recouped its losses after Hannibal, Marius and Sulla's proscription lists mowed down even more Romans, trying to distinguish friends from foes. No corner of the Republic is safe. Will someone step up to save Rome?

Send a textDrunk on victories Rome had thought itself beloved by the gods. The young Punic general, Hannibal Barca, though, had demonstrated how far from divine graces the Romans really were. With dwindling legionaries and no experienced commander, could the Romans really rally up once again to destroy their enemy? Will the lead of one single man, as capable as Publius Cornelius Scipio was, be enough to revert the fortunes of the war?

Send a textWith the Samnites beaten and their territory conquered, Rome is finally ready to play the big game. Having gained access to the Mediterranean, the previously landlocked Romans are ready to leave their marks on history and win the title of rulers of the sea.The only problem? They will need to fight Carthage for the privilege!

Send a textNow the undisputed ruler of Latium, Rome is finally ready to confront the enemies lying just over her borders. Can she win, or will the Samnites take everything?And why is Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, suddenly sticking his nose in the Italian Peninsula?

Send a textDesperate times call for desperate measures and, sometimes, the only thing needed to get out of a situation is a strong leader. In this episode, we'll follow the lives of Cincinnatus and Camillus, two heroes who gave everything to save Rome during its darkest hours.

Send a textRome has decided: after exiling the last of the kings, the citizens have chosen a republic as their new government. But trouble is on the horizon as Tarquinius the Proud risks everything to get back the throne that was once his. Faced with the might of Etruscan King Lars Porsenna, will the new Roman res publica survive? 

Send a textLove him or hate him, Romulus started Rome on a path to greatness, but he was only the first one.Six other kings followed him, giving Rome its costumes, culture, laws, and religious ceremonies. The Seven Kings of Rome were much beloved by the Romans, each with their own quirky character. Did they exist? Does it matter? If you want to get a possible answer to these questions, jump aboard as we go meet: Numa, Tullus, Ancus, Tarquinius, Servius, and Tarquinius!

Send a textCouldn't get enough of Roman history after last episode? Then welcome back!In the last episode we've started our journey on the Roman cobblestones. We've discovered a link between the mighty Troy and the new power in Latium, and we've seen how even blood ties can be broken, when there's the chance of becoming a ruler. In this episode we're following Romulus, watching him as he navigates the complexities of a new city. We'll see how bold, and maybe slightly illegal, thinking will gain him followers and settlers, and how he transformed his little mud village into a powerhouse. If you're intrigued, then hop on! Let's go meet Romulus, the First King of Rome.

Send a textWe're finally here! This episode marks the beginning of a deep-dive into Roman history!We start, like all good stories, at the very beginning where we'll meet the heroes and heroines who were said to have founded one of the biggest empires in history.Of course, we'll meet the twins, Romulus and Remus, and their furry babysitter, the lupa; but we'll also see how, at the beginning of the Empire, a new story started to circulate, in an effort to nobilitate Augustus' pedigree as he prepared himself to become the first Emperor of Rome. If you can't get the Roman Empire out of your heard, then you're in the right place!Let's go together! As they say; all roads lead to Rome. 

Send a textIn this episode we continue with the captivating saga of Joan of Arc.Fresh from witnessing Charles VII's coronation, we now explore the complexities of her continued military leadership.Victories become elusive, political intrigue swirls, and Joan faces mounting criticism. We'll delve into the strategic missteps and shifting tides of the Hundred Years' War. Did Joan lose her divine favor, or was she betrayed by the very king she helped crown?The episode explores the heartbreaking events that led to Joan's capture by Burgundian forces. We'll witness her unjust trial, fuelled by political agendas and religious dogma. We'll unpack the accusations of heresy and the tragic execution that silenced her voice.Join me for a poignant exploration of the final chapter in Joan of Arc's extraordinary life.

Send a textThis episode plunges us into the extraordinary life of Joan of Arc, a young woman who defied expectations and changed the course of history.Born a peasant girl, Joan claimed divine visions urging her to lead the French army and crown Charles VII as king. We'll explore her early life and the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War, a brutal conflict that ravaged France.Witness Joan's unwavering faith and her meteoric rise to military leadership. From unconventional tactics to battlefield victories, we'll delve into the events that led to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims Cathedral, a pivotal moment in French history.

Send a textFrom Outlaw King to King of Scots: The Rise of Robert the BruceThis episode delves into the captivating story of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish nobleman who transformed from hunted outlaw to become King of Scotland and secure the nation's independence. We'll explore his early ambitions and struggles, the brutal defeats he faced at the hands of the English, and his unwavering determination that fueled his unconventional guerrilla warfare tactics.Witness his resilience in the face of adversity, including the crushing defeat at Methven, and the strategic brilliance that led to his decisive victory at the Battle of Bannockburn. This episode not only sheds light on the battles and strategies but also delves into the personal journey of a man who defied the odds and became a national hero.Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Robert the Bruce, a symbol of Scottish resilience and the fight for freedom.

Send a textFrom Uprising to Betrayal: The Story of William WallaceIn this episode we will walk into the life of William Wallace, a legendary Scottish warrior who became a symbol of resistance against English rule. This episode explores his rise from a nobleman seeking justice to a fearless leader who united the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence. We'll witness the pivotal Battle of Stirling Bridge, a decisive Scottish victory that cemented Wallace's place in history. We will also explore the political complexities, the brutal defeat at Falkirk, and the ultimate betrayal that led to Wallace's capture and tragic end.Prepare to be enthralled by a story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the fight for freedom.

Send a text To the Ends of the Earth - Alexander's AdventureIn the final chapter of our Alexander the Great series, we follow the conqueror on his relentless eastward march. Driven by boundless ambition, Alexander ventures deep into India, facing fierce resistance and exotic landscapes. Witness his army's grueling battles, their growing disillusionment, and the mutiny that finally halts Alexander's relentless expansion. This episode explores the complexities of Alexander's legacy: his insatiable thirst for conquest, his controversial rule, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his untimely death.Join me for a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, mortality, and the enduring enigma of Alexander the Great.

Send a textFrom Greece to Babylon - Alexander's Conquest of PersiaIn the thrilling second episode of our Alexander the Great series, we witness the clash of empires. Following years of meticulous planning and strategic maneuvering, Alexander embarks on a daring campaign to conquer the mighty Persian Empire. We'll delve into the pivotal battles, including the legendary encounter at Gaugamela, where Alexander's innovative tactics shattered the seemingly invincible Persian army. Discover the brilliance of Alexander's leadership, the courage of his troops, and the profound impact of this conquest on the course of history.Prepare to be captivated by the story of one of the greatest military campaigns ever undertaken.

Send a textIn the first episode of this three-part series, we delve into the formative years of Alexander the Great. Born into the Macedonian court of his ambitious father, King Philip II, Alexander's childhood was anything but ordinary. We'll explore his rigorous physical training, his encounter with the legendary horse Bucephalus, and the profound influence of his tutor, the renowned philosopher Aristotle. This episode lays the foundation for understanding the motivations and skills that would shape Alexander into one of history's most celebrated conquerors.Join me as we embark on a captivating journey into the early life of a legend.

Send a textIn this episode, we delve into a thrilling chapter of European history: the defiance of the Swiss people against the Habsburg dynasty in the 13th century. We'll explore the pivotal Battle of Morgarten, where a vastly outnumbered Swiss force dealt a crushing blow to the Habsburg army, marking a turning point in their fight for independence.But this episode goes beyond just tactics and fighting. We'll examine the legend of Arnold von Winkelried, a figure who sacrificed himself to clear a path for his countrymen to victory. Was he a real hero or a mythical creation? We'll explore the historical record and the enduring cultural impact of his story.

Send a textOn a small piece of parchment and its legend rests the entire country of Switzerland and the mystique which the centuries have afforded to this document have given it almost the same status as a religious relic.Let’s go back to the Middle Ages, when the meeting of three men in pasture started one of the longest alliances in Europe.Welcome, to the Oath of the Rütli!

Send a text“Beware, lest this very spot where we are now encamped get its name from the calamity that shall befall your army and transmit the memory of it to your children’s children!”Bold words, spoken by the chief of a small, almost forgotten tribe to none other than Julius Caesar.It was with such a declaration that Divico, chief of the Tigurini, sealed his fate and that of his people in life, eternalising them all into legend!Let's go meet the ancestors of modern Swiss people, who chose to die free rather than live under someone else's rule.

Send a text"Tierra, tierra!"When the lookout from the Pinta yelled that he had seen the coast, little did Columbus and his men know that what seemed 'terra incognita' had been already discovered and colonised centuries before.In this episode we follow the longships of the first people to discover and settle the New World.Welcome, to the Age of the Vikings!

Send a textChoices made by someone else have the power to shape our own lives. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. His father's choice had left Vlad III stranded at the Ottoman's court, preparing the soil for the horrors which were to come. In this second and last part, we're going to see how Vlad III gained the bloodthirsty nickname of "The Impaler" and how a simple invention shaped up the image we have of this voivode of Wallachia.

Send a textBloodthirsty monster or hero of a nation? Sometimes, in history, those are two sides of the same coin. The character we know now as the Prince of Darkness, the ultimate vampire, Dracula had a pretty human beginning.In this episode we're going to see the start of that story, how the choices of others shaped up the life of one child.Welcome to Wallachia, and the story of Vlad III Dracul!

Send a text“You must never come look for me on a Saturday, or everything will be lost to you forever!”These were the words spoken by Melusine, as she accepted the courtship of Raymondin count of Poitou. This kind of story, where one of the main characters accepts a proposal only if specific conditions are met is as old as it is familiar to us. We know that if the promise is upheld then love and fortune will abound, but if the vow is broken, then all is lost with or without the chance at redemption, depending on the tale.

Send a textIn the last episode we saw the beginnings of the story of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Now, in this second and final part we’re going to delve deeply into the explosive history of the 19th century in Europe and see how the charisma of one man - aided by the sacrifices and machinations of many others - have all played a part in unifying Italy for the first time since the Roman Empire!

Send a text"We either make Italy here, or we die!" With these words Giuseppe Garibaldi transcended history and reached legend! For the Italians he is the man who gave us Italy, but he would have described himself as a cosmopolitan hero fighting for the cause of freedom all over the world. In the first part of this two-parts episode we’re going to travel in South America and alongside Garibaldi fight the battles for freedom which gave him the name 'Hero of Two Worlds'.

Send a textWith a single shot he cleaved an apple in two and carved his place into history and legend! Most people in the Wester World have heard, even if just in passing, the name William Tell. But who was he really? Did he really manage to hit an apple on the head of his son?If you want these, and many more, questions answered, travel with me! We will delve into the history of the Apple Shot, how it evolved and we'll see the many objects used as target practice during the centuries. I'll introduce you the bowmen to whom William Tell owes his legend and we'll talk about the role this hero has had in the shaping of the Helvetic Confederation both in the past and today. 

Send a textHello fellow travellers, and welcome to The Apple and The Hero!If you are ready to explore a history that sometimes feels more like a comic book, then come with me Doctor Sara Orfali as I take you to meet the heroes, legends and myths on which Europe was founded. Join me at The Apple and The Hero, streaming from November 16, on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Youtube! Subscribe now and get the episodes as soon as they’re live!