Roman Saturnalia

In 1698, a 6’8” Russian giant went on a bender through an English gentleman’s estate. He trashed portraits, burned furniture and drunkenly rammed wheelbarrows through a prize-winning holly hedge. The giant in question was Peter the Great, and this wasn’t just a royal lads' holida ...  Show more

Ghost stories have haunted conversations since ancient times, from the Mesopotamians to the Romans to the Vikings. The medieval period was particularly awash with ghost stories - after all, it was an era of great plague, piety and corporal punishment. Ghost stories served as usef ...  Show more

The darkest nights of the year have long been the time for celebrations, from Yule and Mother Night, to Christmas and New Year's Eve. But where did these traditions come from? Who started kissing under the mistletoe? Why are trees decorated and brought into homes around this time ...  Show more

Many of the traditions that surround modern Christmas have their roots in Saturnalia and the Feast of Sol Invictus. 

Roman mythology and the Saturnalia festival. Io Saturnalia! This BONUS! episode is an episode of Ancient History Fangirl!Subscribe to Ancient History Fangirl wherever you get your podcasts, or visit: ancienthistoryfangirl.com. Attributions and licensing information for music used ...  Show more