Hello, I'm Matt Lewis.

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Hello, I'm Dr. Eleanorianica and welcome to Gone Medieval from History Hit, the podcast that delves into the

greatest millennium in human history. We uncover the greatest mysteries, the gobsmacking details,

and the latest groundbreaking research from the Vikings to the Normans, from kings to popes, to the Crusades.

We delve into the rebellions, plots, and murders that tell us who we really were.

And how we got here.

Before we begin, a word of warning, this episode discusses sex work, sex trafficking, and brothels

in general ways. So you may wish to have a listen without little ears around in order to make

a decision if it's appropriate for them first.

The year is 532, and Constantinople, one of the greatest and most populous cities on earth, is in flame.

Rival factions of the city's two biggest chariot teams, the greens and the blues, are in the streets

baying for blood. Thousands have been killed, and the monumental buildings of the capital

of Eastern Rome are burning one after the other. The Emperor Justinian wishes to flee, but he's stopped by his Empress Theodora.

This is a woman who will not leave her city and her people, even if they threaten her life.

...