Discover the truth behind history's most persistent and monstrous sexual slur.
Think you know how Russia’s greatest empress met her end? If you are still repeating the infamous stallion myth, you have fallen hook, line, and sinker for 18th-century wartime propaganda.
In this special episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with the brilliant Professor Kate Williams to completely dismantle the pervasive, malicious lies built to tear down powerful women in history. From Cleopatra being branded a mere "seductress" to Marie Antoinette's alleged scandals, powerful women have always faced intensely gendered character assassinations.
But Catherine the Great took the brunt of it.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- The Cold Hard Truth: Exactly how Catherine the Great actually died (peacefully in her bed at age 67 from a stroke!).
- The Origin of the Lie: How her British, French, and Polish enemies weaponized satirical gossip to reduce a massive global superpower to a monstrous joke.
- The Real Legacy: Why Catherine was actually a groundbreaking vaccine pioneer, a champion of state education, and a builder of public health infrastructure.
- Despot vs. Democrat: The fascinating dichotomy of an absolute ruler who implemented policies we now associate with modern democracies.
Stop letting 300-year-old "banter" dictate historical fact. It is time to respect one of Russia's most successful monarchs for her sharp political mind rather than a fabricated bedroom scandal.
Hear More From Kate Williams
· Grab the Book: Unpack the full history of how the images imposed on queens become all-consuming. Buy Kate's latest book, Regina: A New History of Women and Power, directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781474621359
· See Her Live: Kate will be speaking at the Chalke History Festival on Thursday, 25th June at 2:00 PM. Secure your spot and buy tickets now at the Chalke Festival Official Website: https://www.chalkefestival.com/
- Connect: Follow Professor Kate Williams on social media for more historical insights on social media at @KateWilliamsme
Recommended Episodes to Catch Next
If this deep dive into historical misrepresentation got your blood boiling, check out these related episodes:
- Episode 232: Elizabeth Norton rages about the Queens Regnant.
- Episode 199: Una McIlvenna rages the truth about Catherine de Medici.
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