Before Julius Caesar became the most famous Roman in history, he was kidnapped by Cilician pirates — who had no idea who they were dealing with.

In this episode, we explore the unbelievable true story of how young Caesar:
• mocked the pirates holding him hostage
• demanded they raise his ransom because he was “worth more”
• treated the pirates like his employees
• promised he’d come back to punish them
• and then actually returned with a fleet to make good on his promise

It’s bold, hilarious, and a little terrifying — and it reveals the early personality of the man who would reshape Rome.

This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.
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Julius Caesar. Pompey. The Roman Senate. The Rubicon. The epic assassination.

This is the dramatic story of how the Roman Republic collapsed — and how one ambitious general changed world history forever.

In this episode of Have To Know History, we break down Caesar’s rise to power, his conquest of Gaul, his rivalry with Pompey the Great, and the fateful moment he crossed the Rubicon and plunged Rome into civil war. You’ll hear how political chaos, military ambition, corruption, and unstoppable popularity pushed the Republic to its breaking point and led to the fall of the Roman Republic.

Perfect for listeners who love:
• Roman history
• Julius Caesar stories
• Ancient civilizations
• Myth-busting, fast-paced explanations
• Short, engaging history podcasts

If you’ve ever wondered how Rome transformed from a republic into an empire, this is the episode for you.

This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.
Thanks for being here.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz isn’t just a fantasy story — it may also be a hidden allegory about America in the late 1800s.

In this episode, we explore how L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel reflects the Panic of 1893, the gold vs. silver debate, and the rise of the Populist movement.

We break down the symbolic meaning behind:

• Dorothy and ordinary Americans

• The Scarecrow and farmers

• The Tin Woodman and industrial workers

• The Cowardly Lion and political power

• The Wicked Witches of East and West

• The Yellow Brick Road (gold standard)

• Silver shoes (the silver standard)

• Emerald City and illusion

• The Wizard and leadership without real authority

Whether Baum meant it or not, the timing is remarkable—and the parallels are eye-opening.

This is Have To Know History — history you just have to know.
Thanks for being here.