History's Greatest Crimes

About History's Greatest Crimes

🔎 Uncover the crimes that shaped history. From daring heists and political scandals to conspiracies and cover-ups, History’s Greatest Crimes takes you deep into the world’s most infamous criminal events. Hosted by two historians, Dr. Michael and Dr. Alana, each episode dissects a historical crime, revealing its impact on society, the people involved, and the larger forces at play. 🎙️ Whether it’s the FBI break-in during the Ali-Frazier fight, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, or the Pentagon Papers, we go beyond the headlines to explore the context, the evidence, and the lasting consequences. With expert analysis, gripping storytelling, and a touch of suspense, we uncover the true stories behind history’s greatest crimes. 🔔 New episodes drop bi-weekly! Subscribe now and join us as we unravel the past—one crime at a time. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you listen. 🔗 Follow us for updates and exclusive content: 📌 Instagram: @historys_greatest_crimes 📌 Website: https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm (https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm) 📢 Got a case suggestion? Email us at [historys.greatest.crimes@gmail.com. History is full of crimes—let’s uncover them together. 🔥

Publisher

Michael and Alana

Category

history · history · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Mar 2025

Latest episode

30 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jul 2026

   The Brutal Reality of the American Revolution: The Tarring and Feathering of John Malcolm

   The episode delves into the infamous tarring and feathering of John Malcolm, a British customs official, which took place on January 25, 1774, amid the growing tensions between the American colonies and the British Crown. This violent act serves as a stark illustration of the tumultuous environment that characterized the pre-Revolutionary War period in America, where political terrorism and mob rule were employed as tools of revolutionary change. We examine how Malcolm's punishment was not merely a personal vendetta but a calculated manifestation of the collective anger towards British oppression and the perceived injustices of colonial governance. Furthermore, we explore the broader implications of such acts of violence on the revolutionary narrative, revealing the moral compromises that underpinned the American quest for independence. Through this examination, we highlight the intricate relationship between extrajudicial actions and the eventual emergence of a new political order, underscoring the complexities that shaped the founding of the nation. Hosts: Michael and Alana are professional historians with a passion for bringing the most captivating and often overlooked criminal events of the past to light. ✨ Connect with Us: Follow "History's Greatest Crimes" on social media for behind-the-scenes content, historical facts, and updates on future episodes! 👇 X (formerly Twitter): @podcasthgc (https://x.com/podcasthgc) Facebook: History's Greatest Crimes Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575891136349) 👍 Instagram: @historys_greatest_crimes (https://www.instagram.com/historys_greatest_crimes/)📸 Support History's Greatest Crimes: Love the show and want to dig deeper into history's most infamous crimes? Consider supporting us by subscribing to one of our tiers: 🙏❤️ Detective Tier: Get exclusive access to: History’s Greatest Crimes Discord Channel Early access to new episodes several days in advance👂🔓 Shout-outs on the podcast Special Agent Tier: Unlock all Detective Tier benefits PLUS: Special BONUS Episodes⭐ Subscribe here: 👉 https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm/support (https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm/support) The historical narrative surrounding the American Revolution has often been romanticized, obscuring the grim realities of violence and coercion prevalent during this tumultuous period. The episode delves into a notorious incident that occurred on January 25, 1774, in Boston, where John Malcolm, a British customs official, became the target of a brutal mob led by the Sons of Liberty. This episode not only recounts the harrowing details of Malcolm’s tarring and feathering—a public humiliation that involved being stripped and coated in boiling tar and feathers—but also situates this act within the broader context of colonial resistance against British oppression. The discussion illustrates how such acts of political violence served to galvanize public sentiment, demonstrating the lengths to which ordinary colonists would go to assert their discontent with British rule. Takeaways: The violent tarring and feathering of John Malcolm exemplifies the extreme tensions in pre-Revolutionary America, reflecting the complex interplay between loyalty to the Crown and colonial resistance. The actions of the Sons of Liberty, particularly their calculated political violence, demonstrate how revolutionary change was often achieved through intimidation and force rather than solely through Enlightenment ideals. The tarring and feathering incident underscores the brutal reality of colonial governance, revealing that mob violence served as a tool of political expression against British authority in the American colonies. The Coercive Acts of 1774, enacted in response to the Boston Tea Party and Malcolm's humiliation, inadvertently united the colonies, propelling them towards revolutionary action against British oppression. John Malcolm's tragic experience illustrates the moral compromises inherent in the American Revolution, highlighting a paradox where ideals of liberty were pursued alongside acts of violence and intimidation. The tensions between the British government and the American colonies intensified through a series of punitive measures, which ultimately led to the establishment of a revolutionary identity based on shared grievances and collective action. Companies mentioned in this episode: East India Company Boston Tea Party Sons of Liberty British Empire

2. 

   30 Jul 2026

   The Rape of Lucretia: The Dark Origins of Roman Democracy

   The episode delves into the tragic and pivotal narrative of Lucretia, whose assault catalyzed the transition of Rome from monarchy to republic. We explore how a singular act of domestic violence not only shattered her life but also served as a catalyst for a profound political upheaval, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic. In our discourse, we examine the complex interplay between personal trauma and political manipulation, as Lucretia's violation was subsequently appropriated by male political figures to incite revolutionary fervor. We also reflect on the enduring implications of her story, considering how the trauma of one woman became a foundational myth for a new governmental structure. Through this exploration, we aim to recenter Lucretia within the historical narrative, emphasizing her significance beyond the confines of her tragedy. Hosts: Michael and Alana are professional historians with a passion for bringing the most captivating and often overlooked criminal events of the past to light. ✨ Connect with Us: Follow "History's Greatest Crimes" on social media for behind-the-scenes content, historical facts, and updates on future episodes! 👇 X (formerly Twitter): @podcasthgc (https://x.com/podcasthgc) Facebook: History's Greatest Crimes Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575891136349) 👍 Instagram: @historys_greatest_crimes (https://www.instagram.com/historys_greatest_crimes/)📸 Support History's Greatest Crimes: Love the show and want to dig deeper into history's most infamous crimes? Consider supporting us by subscribing to one of our tiers: 🙏❤️ Detective Tier: Get exclusive access to: History’s Greatest Crimes Discord Channel Early access to new episodes several days in advance👂🔓 Shout-outs on the podcast Special Agent Tier: Unlock all Detective Tier benefits PLUS: Special BONUS Episodes⭐ Subscribe here: 👉 https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm/support (https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm/support) The narrative of Lucretia serves as a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal tragedy and political upheaval, encapsulating how the most intimate violations can catalyze monumental shifts in governance. The episode meticulously chronicles the events leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic, emphasizing that the horrific act of violence against Lucretia was not merely a tale of personal despair, but a rallying cry for the Roman aristocracy. Her tragic end, a result of Prince Sextus Tarquinius' predatory actions, ignited a revolution that dismantled the monarchy and birthed a new political order. However, the episode delves deeper, revealing how her narrative was co-opted by male political actors, transforming her suffering into a tool for legitimizing their ambitions. The discussion raises critical questions about the representation of women's experiences in history, particularly how Lucretia's story, while foundational in the annals of the Republic, ultimately underscores the patriarchal structures that sought to suppress her agency even in death. Takeaways: The podcast discusses the critical historical event of Lucretia's assault, which became a catalyst for the establishment of the Roman Republic. It emphasizes that Lucretia's tragic story was co-opted by male political figures to further their agendas and incite revolutionary action. The episode highlights the complex interplay between gender, power, and historical narrative in ancient Rome, particularly regarding women's roles. Listeners are urged to reflect on the implications of Lucretia's sacrifice and its impact on the evolution of republican governance. The discussion reveals how the repercussions of Lucretia's story extend into modern political thought, echoing through the founding of the United States. Ultimately, the podcast illustrates the paradox of liberty and oppression in the context of the birth of the Roman Republic, driven by a woman's suffering.

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   The Dreyfus Affair: A Study of Betrayal and Injustice

   The Dreyfus affair represents a pivotal moment in history, wherein the unjust conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French army, exemplified the intersection of anti-Semitism, nationalism, and institutional corruption. On January 5, 1895, Dreyfus endured a public degradation ceremony, a spectacle that not only stripped him of his military honors but also ignited a national crisis that threatened to divide France irreparably. This episode delves into the intricate web of evidence manipulation, media complicity, and the profound impact of societal biases that led to Dreyfus's wrongful conviction for treason. The ensuing decades of trials, public outcry, and political upheaval ultimately revealed the catastrophic failures of the military and legal system, highlighting the perilous consequences when institutional prestige is prioritized over individual rights. As we examine the legacy of the Dreyfus affair, we reflect on its enduring lessons regarding civil liberties and the dangers of unchecked governmental authority. Welcome to History's Greatest Crimes with your hosts, Michael and Alana, professional historians! 👋 Connect with Us: Follow "History's Greatest Crimes" on social media for behind-the-scenes content, historical facts, and updates on future episodes! 👇 X (formerly Twitter): @podcasthgc (https://x.com/podcasthgc) Facebook: History's Greatest Crimes Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575891136349) 👍 Instagram: @historys_greatest_crimes (https://www.instagram.com/historys_greatest_crimes/)📸 Support History's Greatest Crimes: Love the show and want to dig deeper into history's most infamous crimes? Consider supporting us by subscribing to one of our tiers: 🙏❤️ Detective Tier: Get exclusive access to: History’s Greatest Crimes Discord Channel Early access to new episodes several days in advance👂🔓 Shout-outs on the podcast Special Agent Tier: Unlock all Detective Tier benefits PLUS: Special BONUS Episodes⭐ Subscribe here: 👉 https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm/support (https://historys-greatest-crimes.captivate.fm/support) The public degradation of Captain Alfred Dreyfus on January 5, 1895, within the foreboding confines of the Ecole Militaire in Paris, marks a pivotal moment in the annals of French history and a profound commentary on the intersection of national identity, prejudice, and institutional failings. Dreyfus, an artillery officer of Jewish descent, was subjected to a calculated and public execution of his honor, amidst a frenzied atmosphere fueled by rampant anti-Semitism and the specter of national betrayal. The circumstances surrounding his wrongful conviction reveal a broader narrative of a nation in turmoil, grappling with its identity following the humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, and the resultant paranoia that enveloped the Third Republic. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this case, we uncover not merely a miscarriage of justice, but an orchestrated conspiracy that deftly maneuvered through the highest echelons of military authority, ultimately to preserve a tarnished reputation and shield a corrupt hierarchy from the repercussions of its own failings. Dreyfus's adamant declarations of innocence amidst the chaos and vitriol directed at him serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power and the fragility of civil liberties in the face of perceived national security threats. Takeaways: The Dreyfus Affair reveals the perilous intersection of nationalism and anti-Semitism in late 19th century France. Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish artillery officer, was wrongfully accused of treason due to rampant anti-Semitic sentiments. The case exemplifies how institutional corruption can prioritize self-preservation over individual rights and justice. Zola's bold interventions in the Dreyfus Affair demonstrate the profound impact of media on public opinion and justice. The affair ultimately catalyzed significant social and legal reforms in France, shaping modern civil liberties activism. The legacy of the Dreyfus Affair serves as a cautionary tale regarding the fragility of democratic principles in times of national anxiety.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

97

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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