History of the Witch

It’s that time of year again, Halloween. A word which conjures up images of pumpkins, ghosts, and of course…witches.


But have you ever wondered what the ancient origins of witchcraft is? How did the black-hat-broomstick stereotype emerge? And what causes the waves of witch trials throughout history, right up to the present day?


Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Ronald Hutton to discuss the history of the witch.


This podcast was mixed and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.


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Episoder(400)

Sex & Scandal in 1920s Soho

Sex & Scandal in 1920s Soho

When and why did Soho become a hedonistic hotspot, the home of sex, drugs and music?Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Dan Snow to talk about post-WW1 London - when a dark underworld of shady characters ...

25 Feb 202531min

Inside Europe's Biggest Red Light District

Inside Europe's Biggest Red Light District

Between 1860 and 1925, tens of thousands of women worked in Dublin's Monto, the largest red light district in Europe.It was a world of narrow alleyways full of brothels busy with sex workers, at a tim...

21 Feb 202551min

The Dark History of BMI & Fatphobia

The Dark History of BMI & Fatphobia

Dark ideas and stigma around different body sizes really took hold in the Enlightenment.Very unenlightened, if you ask us.This started all sorts of awful movements, and one result was BMI - or Body Ma...

18 Feb 202546min

Inside the Magdalene Laundries

Inside the Magdalene Laundries

Societies all throughout history have tried to control female sexuality.Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes are two examples of this, where women were imprisoned against their will...

14 Feb 202549min

Valentine's Day in Ancient Rome

Valentine's Day in Ancient Rome

What are the origins of Valentine's Day?Perhaps the answer lies in a pagan festival that starts with a sacrifice in a cave above Ancient Rome.What connects the naked running through the streets of Rom...

11 Feb 202533min

Goat Testicle Transplants: The Bizarre History

Goat Testicle Transplants: The Bizarre History

Quack doctors have made some INCREDIBLE promises throughout history, but what good would a goat testicle transplant do for you?In the early 20th century, John R. Brinkley became a sensation for - you ...

7 Feb 202539min

Sex Lives of Spartans

Sex Lives of Spartans

When you hear the word Sparta, what do you picture?Well, put aside the images of the rippling six packs for just a moment, as there's a lot more to this workout-obsessed state of the ancient world tha...

4 Feb 202545min

Genghis Khan's Sex Life

Genghis Khan's Sex Life

As historical figures go, Genghis Khan has something of a reputation.Is there any truth to the rumours of him fathering so many children? What was life like in 12th century Mongolia? And how did he cr...

31 Jan 202539min

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