Episode 58: Greek Flavors and Ancient Prophecies

Smarticus Tells History

Ever wondered how a simple baked fish recipe can lead us on a journey through ancient Greek mythology? Join us as we blend culinary creativity with historical exploration, starting with a delightful and easy-to-follow Greek-style baked fish recipe from Greek Boston. There's plenty to savor, from our wine pairing tips to a quirky discussion about why some salmon are classified as white fish. Plus, I heard about our kitchen mishaps, like forgetting the tomatoes, and how we turned it around with some tasty suggestions like serving the dish over rice or with crusty bread.
Travel back in time to the mystical world of the Oracle at Delphi, where gods, myths, and epic tales converge. Listen as we breathe life into the myth of Apollo's victory over the serpent Python, the vibrant Pythian Games, and Apollo’s incredible dolphin transformation to recruit his priests. Discover the dual worship of Apollo and Dionysus and the fascinating evolution of the Delphic Oracle, supported by ancient sources like Hesiod and Homer. We'll also highlight the construction and destruction of the magnificent temples dedicated to Apollo, each with its unique story and significance.
Unveil the secrets of the revered Pythias and their profound impact on ancient Greek society. Learn about the rigorous qualifications and revered social status of these priestesses, along with the elaborate rituals they underwent to deliver their prophecies. As we unravel the mystery of the Oracle’s vapors with modern geological insights, we’ll explore how these enigmatic predictions influenced major decisions and left an enduring legacy, even as their power waned with the rise of Christianity. This episode is a rich tapestry of culinary delight and historical intrigue you won't want to miss!
Links:

Support our show on paypal or from our host: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SC5G5XFCX8MYW

https://www.buzzsprout.com/547567/support

Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmarticusTellsHistory

Start your podcast on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=486316

Recipe:

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/baked-greek-fish-psari-plaki/

Resources:

*Don’t make fun of me for all the Wikipedia links, I checked everything they said with other sources lol*

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Python-Greek-mythology

https://mikespassingthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/thoughts-on-the-image-of-the-oracle-at-delphi-a-demonstration-of-mythological-bias/

https://www.thecollector.com/oracle-of-delphi/

https://www.worldbook.com/behind-the-headlines/Mythic-Monday-Apollo-of-All-Trades#:~:text=Because%20Python%20was%20sacred%20to,shepherds%20to%20his%20overflowing%20r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9.

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

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

Support the show

Chapters

1. Fascinating History and Delicious Recipes (00:00:00)

2. Mythical Origins of the Delphic Oracle (00:07:35)

3. Pythia (00:13:30)

4. Mysterious Delphic Oracle and Geology (00:23:38)