History Dispatches

Among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, none may be more mysterious than the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Described by ancient writers as a breathtaking oasis of terraces, trees, and flowing water rising above the Mesopotamian landscape, the gardens have captured imaginations for more than two thousand years. Yet despite their fame, no definitive archaeological evidence has ever confirmed their existence. Were the Hanging Gardens a remarkable feat of engineering built by a powerful king for his beloved queen, or are they a legend that grew larger with time? And were they even located in Babylon? In this episode, we'll explore the history, myths, and enduring mystery surrounding one of antiquity's most fascinating wonders.

Sources

"The Mystery of the Hanging Garden of Babylon: An Elusive World Wonder Traced" by Stephanie Dalley

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hanging_Gardens_of_Babylon.jpg

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On Nov 10, 1975, a storm swept over Lake Superior. For hours and hours, the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald was tossed and battered. Then, a little after 7:00 pm, contact was lost with one of the biggest and most celebrated vessels to ever sail the Great Lakes. This is the story of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald

https://shipwreckmuseum.com/edmund-fitzgerald/

Gordon Lightfoot's 'Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuzTkGyxkYI

Image: Credit: Greenmars - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edmund_Fitzgerald,_1971,_3_of_4_(restored;_cropped).jpg

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For 335 years the Netherlands - maybe - fought a long, protracted war against the Isles of Scilly, in the English Channel. It would drag on and on, costing a grand total of zero lives, and only ended when someone bothered to figure out if they were actually still at war. The is the story of the 335 Year War.

Sources

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/The-335-Year-War-the-Longest-War-in-History/

"Scilly at War" by R. L. Bowley

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abraham_Willaerts,_First_Dutch_War.jpeg

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On July 15, 1799, French soldiers discovered a large stone slab along the Nile Delta. They knew it was something special. But no one at the time realized it was the key to opening up the vast history of ancient Egypt. This is the story of the Rosetta Stone.

Sources

https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/everything-you-ever-wanted-know-about-rosetta-stone

https://arce.org/resource/rosetta-stone-unlocking-ancient-egyptian-language/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosetta_Stone

Image: @Hans Hillewaert - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rosetta_Stone.JPG

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Beneath the city of Paris lies a network of tunnels stretching hundreds of miles - many of which are not totally explored. Their origin dates back to the Middle Ages, and today are home to a massive cemetery. This is the story of the Catacombs of Paris.

Sources

https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en/history/site-history

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/strange-maps-paris-catacombs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mines_of_Paris

Image: Vlastula at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catacombes_de_Paris.JPG

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Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only. While supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details).

History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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