Roman Empire: History's First Serial Killer

Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast

Shane L. Waters, Wendy Cee, Gemma Hoskins

History, True Crime, Society & Culture

4.5 • 992 Ratings

🗓️ 5 June 2025

⏱️ 25 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In the shadowy corners of the Roman Empire, Locusta perfected the deadly art of murder. Known as history's first serial killer, her story marks the chilling beginning of one of history's deadliest professions. Season 36 of Foul Play examines into serial killers from across eras, unveiling the notorious figures whose dark actions shaped history. Locusta was a cunning woman of ancient Rome, skilled in herbalism and potions. Before she became infamous, she was a resourceful survivor in a ruthless world where power and ambition knew no morals. Her talent for creating poisons made her sought after by Rome's elite, shaping her destiny in a society infamous for its treachery. This episode matters because it highlights the intersection of historical events and individual malice, offering insights into how the power dynamics of the Roman Empire could allow such a figure to thrive. Understanding Locusta's story provides a window into ancient economics, politics, and crime, echoing themes still relevant today. Locusta's career began as court intrigues opened doors for her lethal skills. Rumored to have been involved in multiple political assassinations, including the infamous poisoning of Emperor Claudius, she became an unwitting icon in the grim saga of serial killers. Despite her capture and execution, her legend casts a long shadow, illustrating the Roman Empire's complex morality. During the Roman Empire, a period known for its technological advances and philosophical progress was paradoxically also a time of brutal power plays and political assassinations. Locusta operated in an era when a myriad of political factions vied for control, using subterfuge as much as swords. listeners will uncover how Locusta rose from obscurity to notoriety. We will explore the paths by which she avoided detection and thrived in a world teetering on the knife-edge of political chaos. Foul Play's immersive storytelling brings her life, and her era's dark underbelly, to vivid life. --- Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypod

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hello, friend. Welcome to Falplay. Throughout human history, certain individuals have committed
0:28.1	horrific acts that both terrify and fascinate us. From the streets of Victorian London to modern-day metropolises, serial killers have left their
0:40.7	dark mark on society, leading to significant changes in law enforcement and criminal psychology.
0:48.6	The term serial killer was coined in the 1970s, but these criminals existed long before we had a name for
0:56.6	them. In the late 1800s, Jack the Ripper became one of history's most notorious murderers,
1:04.7	killing at least five women in London's Whitechapel District. His identity remains unknown to this day,
1:13.9	making him one of crime history's greatest mysteries.
1:18.0	The 20th century saw a dramatic increase
1:21.2	and documented serial killers.
1:24.3	The 1950s brought us the story of Ed Gein, whose grotesque crimes inspired numerous horror films,
1:33.2	including Psycho and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
1:37.4	The 1970s witnessed a surge of serial killers, including Ted Bundy, who used his charm and good looks to lure victims,
1:48.0	and John Wayne Gacy, who killed 33 young men while maintaining a respectable facade as a community volunteer.
1:58.9	Law enforcement's approach to catching these criminals evolved significantly
2:04.7	over time. The development of criminal profiling began with the FBI's behavioral science
2:11.8	unit in the 1970s, revolutionizing how we hunt serial killers.
2:19.5	The emergence of DNA testing in the 1980s provided another powerful tool,
2:27.0	helping solve both active and cold cases.
2:33.0	Female serial killers, though less common, have also left their mark on history.
2:39.3	Eileen Warnas became one of the most notorious killing seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990.
2:47.9	Unlike many male serial killers who are motivated by sexual gratification,
2:52.8	female perpetrators often kill for financial gain or revenge,
	...

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