The STRANGE History of the Potsdam Giants cover art

The STRANGE History of the Potsdam Giants

The STRANGE History of the Potsdam Giants

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Get early episodes & ad-free audio on Patreon: https://patreon.com/DrowsyHistorian


History remembers Prussia for its iron discipline and military brilliance. But hidden in that reputation is one of the strangest regiments ever assembled: the Potsdam Giants. These soldiers weren’t chosen for courage, loyalty, or tactical skill — they were chosen for being exceptionally tall.


In this episode, we explore the bizarre world of the Lange Kerls, a regiment prized by King Frederick William I not for battle, but for spectacle. From kidnappings and diplomatic “gifts” of tall men, to failed breeding experiments and endless ceremonial parades, the Potsdam Giants reveal the absurd lengths a monarch could go to indulge his obsession.


🛏️ Drowsy Historian’s Favorite Sleep Tools

Looking to upgrade your nighttime routine? These are a few things I personally use or recommend:

• Sleep Earbuds for Enhanced Immersion → https://amzn.to/4pVFoJy

• Blanket Soft Enough to Make the Plague Feel Tolerable → https://amzn.to/3GSOq8f

• Weighted Blanket for Pretending You’re a Mummified Pharaoh → https://amzn.to/4kVJCgE

• Sleep Mask Headphones For Total Historical Escape → https://amzn.to/4nWsNVn

• Book Light for Reading About Plagues at 2AM → https://amzn.to/4eSg0iu

• White Noise Machine for Blocking Out the 21st Century → https://amzn.to/3GJ9jTw


These are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show while staying cozy.


#History #Prussia #MilitaryHistory #StrangeHistory #DrowsyHistorian #Documentary #WeirdHistory

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.