Step into the fascinating world of ancient and historical wills.

From their earliest known origins in Egypt centuries before Europe and their development in Greece and Rome, trace the history of testamentary dispositions through Anglo-Saxon and English law. Discover the diverse and sometimes bizarre final wishes of individuals across the ages, revealing their customs, laws, and personal eccentricities.

This episode explores quaint and curious provisions found in historical testaments, including bequests for animals like horses and cats, detailed and unusual burial instructions, generous charitable trusts for travelers or the poor, and legacies ranging from coats of mail to gold girdles.

We'll also look at the wills of famous testators, such as Sennacherib, Plato, Aristotle, John of Gaunt, William Shakespeare, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and William Penn. Hear about the legal history, including the role of the church in probate and the introduction of concepts like executors. Even explore wills written entirely in poetry.

Join us for an insightful look at how the instinctive sentiment to dispose of property after death has manifested throughout human history, offering a unique window into the lives and final thoughts of those who came before us.

Torture, Terrors & Trials: Ancient Justice Uncovered
What if being accused meant you were already doomed? In this gripping episode, we unravel the harrowing realities of justice in ancient times—where pain was often the path to truth. Chapter 10, Ancient Punishments, takes you deep into the brutal legal codes of the Israelites, Egyptians, Romans, and early Europeans. From the twisted logic of the Inquisition to the dark horrors beneath the Shadow of Paris, discover how punishment wasn’t just about guilt—it was about power, fear, and control.

The ultimate timeout? Imagine running to a sacred place to escape the law. Join us as we explore the ancient and complex history of Sanctuary.

From biblical cities of refuge and individuals clinging to altar horns, through its adoption in ancient Greece and Rome, we trace how holy sites offered temporary safety. Delve into its formalized role in England, the 40-day limit, the dramatic act of abjuring the realm (choosing exile over facing justice), and the extraordinary powers granted to famous locations like Westminster Abbey.

Discover the constant struggle between religious privilege and royal power, the crimes people sought refuge for, and how this fascinating system eventually faded away. Was it a lifeline for the innocent, or a shield for criminals?

Tune in to unpack this enduring tension between justice and mercy.