List of History Bites episodes - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The following is an episode list of the Rick Green

Rick Green

Rick Green is a Canadian comedian, satirist, and writer. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo. From 1975 until 1979, he worked as a presenter at the Ontario Science Centre. In 1979, he helped found the Toronto-based comedy troupe The Frantics...

show, History Bites
History Bites
History Bites was a television series on the History Television network that ran from 1998-2003. Created by Rick Green, History Bites explored what would be on television if the medium had been around for the last 5,000 years of human history. Typically, a significant historical event was chosen...

, which ran from 1998-2004.

Season One

Title	Original airdate	#
The Gods Must Be Angry	Unknown	Pilot
A look at the Mount Vesuvius Mount Vesuvius Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, about east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years, although it is not currently erupting... eruption (79 AD).
The Black Death	October 1, 1998	101
A look at the Black Death Black Death The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. Of several competing theories, the dominant explanation for the Black Death is the plague theory, which attributes the outbreak to the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Thought to have... in Europe (1348 AD).
Caligula Is Croaked	October 8, 1998	102
A look at the Roman Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean.... Emperor Caligula Caligula Caligula , also known as Gaius, was Roman Emperor from 37 AD to 41 AD. Caligula was a member of the house of rulers conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Caligula's father Germanicus, the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, was a very successful general and one of Rome's most... (41 AD).
Dead Philosopher Walking	October 15, 1998	103
A look at the Greek Ancient Greece Ancient Greece is a civilization belonging to a period of Greek history that lasted from the Archaic period of the 8th to 6th centuries BC to the end of antiquity. Immediately following this period was the beginning of the Early Middle Ages and the Byzantine era. Included in Ancient Greece is the... philosopher Socrates Socrates Socrates was a classical Greek Athenian philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the accounts of later classical writers, especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon, and the plays of his contemporary ... (399 BC).
Great Fire Of London	October 22, 1998	104
A look at the Great Fire of London Great Fire of London The Great Fire of London was a major conflagration that swept through the central parts of the English city of London, from Sunday, 2 September to Wednesday, 5 September 1666. The fire gutted the medieval City of London inside the old Roman City Wall... (1666 AD).
Charlemagne	October 29, 1998	105
A look at the great Emperor Charlemagne Charlemagne Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Romans from 800 to his death in 814. He expanded the Frankish kingdom into an empire that incorporated much of Western and Central Europe. During his reign, he conquered Italy and was crowned by Pope Leo III on 25 December 800... (800 AD).
The Declaration Of Independence	November 5, 1998	106
A look at the American Declaration of Independence Declaration of independence A declaration of independence is an assertion of the independence of an aspiring state or states. Such places are usually declared from part or all of the territory of another nation or failed nation, or are breakaway territories from within the larger state... (1776 AD).
Magna Carta	November 12, 1998	107
A look at the signing of the Magna Carta Magna Carta Magna Carta is an English charter, originally issued in the year 1215 and reissued later in the 13th century in modified versions, which included the most direct challenges to the monarch's authority to date. The charter first passed into law in 1225... (1215 AD).
Pure Vandalism	November 19, 1998	108
A look at the Vandals Vandals The Vandals were an East Germanic tribe that entered the late Roman Empire during the 5th century. The Vandals under king Genseric entered Africa in 429 and by 439 established a kingdom which included the Roman Africa province, besides the islands of Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearics.... and the sacking of Rome (455 AD).
The French Revolution	November 26, 1998	109
A look at the French Revolution French Revolution The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years... , in the time just preceding the execution of Robespierre (1794 AD).
The Spanish Inquisition	December 3, 1998	110
A look at the Spanish Inquisition Spanish Inquisition The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition , commonly known as the Spanish Inquisition , was a tribunal established in 1480 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. It was intended to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms, and to replace the Medieval... (1492 AD).
Bjarney & Friends	December 10, 1998	111
A look at the Viking Viking The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to... Bjarni Herjólfsson Bjarni Herjólfsson Bjarni Herjólfsson was a Norwegian explorer who is the first known European discoverer of the mainland of the Americas, which he sighted in 985 or 986.-Life:... , who discovered North America (998 AD).
The Battle Of Waterloo	December 17, 1998	112
A look at the Battle of Waterloo Battle of Waterloo The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815 near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands... (1815 AD).
The Bloody Aztecs	December 24, 1998	113
A look at the fight between the Aztecs and Cortez Hernán Cortés Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro, 1st Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century... (1521 AD).

Season Two

Title	Original airdate	#
Gutenberg's Laptop	1999	201
A look at Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press Printing press A printing press is a device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium , thereby transferring the ink... (1455 AD).
Cartier Does Canada	1999	202
A look at the explorer Jacques Cartier Jacques Cartier Jacques Cartier was a French explorer of Breton origin who claimed what is now Canada for France. He was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, which he named "The Country of Canadas", after the Iroquois names for the two big... (1536 AD).
Ransomed By Vikings	1999	203
A look at the abduction of the Archbishop of Canterbury Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group... by the 'Scandinavian Mafia Mafia The Mafia is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct, and whose common enterprise is protection racketeering... ' (1011 AD).
Operation Desert Crusade	1999	204
A look at the Christian Christian A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament... Crusade to reclaim Jerusalem (1099 AD).
The Celibate Celebrity Of 1429	1999	205
A look at Joan of Arc Joan of Arc Saint Joan of Arc, nicknamed "The Maid of Orléans" , is a national heroine of France and a Roman Catholic saint. A peasant girl born in eastern France who claimed divine guidance, she led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War, which paved the way for the... (1429 AD).
The Big Sex Scandal	1999	206
A look at King David and his wife Bathsheba Bathsheba According to the Hebrew Bible, Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite and later of David, king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah. She is most known for the Bible story in which King David seduced her.... (970 BC).
The Sistine Ceiling	1999	207
A look at Michelangelo Michelangelo Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni , commonly known as Michelangelo, was an Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art... 's painting of the Sistine Chapel Sistine Chapel Sistine Chapel is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. It is famous for its architecture and its decoration that was frescoed throughout by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio... (1512 AD).
Saying No To Terrorism	1999	208
A look at Moses Moses Moses was, according to the Hebrew Bible and Qur'an, a religious leader, lawgiver and prophet, to whom the authorship of the Torah is traditionally attributed... (1200 BC).
Galileo Cops A Plea	1998	209
A look at Galileo's heresy Heresy Heresy is a controversial or novel change to a system of beliefs, especially a religion, that conflicts with established dogma. It is distinct from apostasy, which is the formal denunciation of one's religion, principles or cause, and blasphemy, which is irreverence toward religion... trial (1616 AD).
Worse Than Genghis Khan	1999	210
A look at Tamerlane, last and worst of the horseback barbarians (1402 AD).
The Commander In Chief Is A Eunuch	1999	211
A look at Cheng Ho, the eunuch Eunuch A eunuch is a person born male most commonly castrated, typically early enough in his life for this change to have major hormonal consequences... leader of a Chinese treasure fleet Treasure ship A Treasure ship is the name for a type of large wooden vessel commanded by the Chinese admiral Zheng He on seven voyages in the early 15th century in Ming Dynasty... (1403 AD).
A Woman For All Seasons	1999	212
A look at Hildegard von Bingen (1170 AD).
Bulbs, Boom & Bust!	1999	213
A look at the Dutch Tulip Bubble Tulip mania Tulip mania or tulipomania was a period in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for bulbs of the recently introduced tulip reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed... (1630s AD).
Cleo Can Kiss My Asp	1999	214
A look at Cleopatra, Antony Mark Antony Marcus Antonius , known in English as Mark Antony, was a Roman politician and general. As a military commander and administrator, he was an important supporter and loyal friend of his mother's cousin Julius Caesar... , and Octavian Augustus Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian... (31 BC).
My Canada Includes Quebec	1999	215
A look at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham Battle of the Plains of Abraham The Battle of the Plains of Abraham, also known as the Battle of Quebec, was a pivotal battle in the Seven Years' War... (1759 AD).
The Not-So-Great Wall Of China	1999	216
A look at the Great Wall of China Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in northern China, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups... (240 BC).
Invasion U.S.A.!	1999	217
A look at the invasion of Washington D.C. and the burning of the White House White House The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical... during the War of 1812 War of 1812 The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant... (1814 AD).
Spartans, Get Ready To Rumble!	1999	218
A look at the Battle of Thermopylae Battle of Thermopylae The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I over the course of three days, during the second Persian invasion of Greece. It took place simultaneously with the naval battle at Artemisium, in August... (490 BC), via a parody of WWE wrestling Wrestling Wrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position... .
Welcome To Oz	1999	219
A look at the transportation of prisoners to the colonies in Australia (1787 AD).
The Tiananmen Square Of 532 A.D.	1999	220
A look at Emperor Justinian (532 AD).
The Pregnant Pirates	1999	221
A look at the capture and trial of Anne Bonney and Mary Read Mary Read Mary Read was an English pirate. She is chiefly remembered as one of only two women known to have been convicted of piracy during the early 18th century, at the height of the Golden Age of Piracy.... (1720 AD).
The King Has Left The Building	1999	222
A look at Empress Catherine the Great and Pugachev's revolt (1774 AD).
Shakespeare In Love - Drake In Battle	1999	223
A look at the Spanish Armada Spanish Armada This article refers to the Battle of Gravelines, for the modern navy of Spain, see Spanish NavyThe Spanish Armada was the Spanish fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England to stop English... (1582 AD).
Everything You Need To Know About God	1999	224
A look at the Council of Nicaea First Council of Nicaea The First Council of Nicaea was a council of Christian bishops convened in Nicaea in Bithynia by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in AD 325... (325 AD).

Season Three

Title	Original airdate	#
Vikings à la Mode	2000	301
A look at the Viking Viking The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to... Rollo the Gangor Rollo of Normandy Rollo , baptised Robert and so sometimes numbered Robert I to distinguish him from his descendants, was a Norse nobleman of Norwegian or Danish descent and founder and first ruler of the Viking principality in what soon became known as Normandy... 's invasion of northern France (911 AD).
The Captain Who Couldn't Sail Straight	2000	302
A look at the British British people The British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants... explorer Henry Hudson Henry Hudson Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator in the early 17th century. Hudson made two attempts on behalf of English merchants to find a prospective Northeast Passage to Cathay via a route above the Arctic Circle... 's voyage to discover a passage to India (1611 AD).
Battle Of The Anti-Popes	2000	303
A look at the struggle between the Pope Gregory XII Pope Gregory XII Pope Gregory XII , born Angelo Correr or Corraro, Pope from 1406 to 1415, succeeded Pope Innocent VII on 30 November 1406.... and Pope Benedict XII (1409 AD).
Nero Business Like Show Business	2000	304
A look at the Roman Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean.... Emperor Nero (65 AD).
Truth Or Prayer, The Crusade Tour	2000	305
A look at Eleanor of Aquitaine Eleanor of Aquitaine Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Western Europe during the High Middle Ages. As well as being Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, she was queen consort of France and of England... 's Crusade (1147 AD) done as a parody of Madonna Madonna (entertainer) Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983... 's Truth or Dare.
Goodbye Tudor Rose	2000	306
A look at Catherine Howard Catherine Howard Catherine Howard , also spelled Katherine, Katheryn or Kathryn, was the fifth wife of Henry VIII of England, and sometimes known by his reference to her as his "rose without a thorn".... 's life and execution (1542 AD), done as a parody of the media coverage of Princess Diana's death, and of Elton John Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor... 's song Goodbye English Rose (based on Goodbye Norma Jean).
The Duelling Transvestite	2000	307
A look at the Chevalier d'Eon Chevalier d'Eon Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Timothée d'Éon de Beaumont , usually known as the Chevalier d'Éon, was a French diplomat, spy, soldier and Freemason whose first 49 years were spent as a man, and whose last 33 years were spent as a woman... (1776 AD).
Rebel With A Cause	2000	308
A look at the Roman Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean.... perspective of Jesus Christ's crucifixion (33 AD).
Dracula's Evil Twin	2000	309
A look at Prince Vlad of Wallachia Wallachia Wallachia or Walachia is a historical and geographical region of Romania. It is situated north of the Danube and south of the Southern Carpathians... (15th century AD).
Neolithic Park	2000	310
A look at discovery of agriculture Agriculture Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the... (6000 BC).
My Pharaoh Lady	2000	311
A look at Pharaoh Pharaoh Pharaoh is a title used in many modern discussions of the ancient Egyptian rulers of all periods. The title originates in the term "pr-aa" which means "great house" and describes the royal palace... Hatshepsut Hatshepsut Hatshepsut also Hatchepsut; meaning Foremost of Noble Ladies;1508–1458 BC) was the fifth pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt... (1500 BC).
Between Me & My Calvin	2000	312
A look at French theologian John Calvin John Calvin John Calvin was an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism. Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, he broke from the Roman Catholic Church around 1530... (1553 AD).
Alexander's Wartime Band	2000	313
A look at Alexander the Great (323 BC).
Monk On A Hot Tin Roof	2000	314
A look Savonarola, the priest who took over Florence Florence Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.... (1490 AD).
Glengarry Glen Baa	2000	315
A look at the Highland Clearances Highland Clearances The Highland Clearances were forced displacements of the population of the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. They led to mass emigration to the sea coast, the Scottish Lowlands, and the North American colonies... (1814 AD).
Saladin's Last Stand	2000	316
A look at the Muslim Muslim A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable... leader Saladin Saladin Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb , better known in the Western world as Saladin, was an Arabized Kurdish Muslim, who became the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria, and founded the Ayyubid dynasty. He led Muslim and Arab opposition to the Franks and other European Crusaders in the Levant... (1192 AD).
The Mounties' Comical Ride	2000	317
A look at the North West Mounted Police's first trek west (1874 AD) done as a parody of Cops COPS (TV series) Cops is an American documentary/reality television series that follows police officers, constables, and sheriff's deputies during patrols and other police activities... .
The Man Who Wouldn't Be King	2000	318
A look at the Puritan Puritan The Puritans were a significant grouping of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries. Puritanism in this sense was founded by some Marian exiles from the clergy shortly after the accession of Elizabeth I of England in 1558, as an activist movement within the Church of England... leader Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.... (1649 AD).
A New Angle On The Gods	2000	319
A look at Pythagoras Pythagoras Pythagoras of Samos was an Ionian Greek philosopher, mathematician, and founder of the religious movement called Pythagoreanism. Most of the information about Pythagoras was written down centuries after he lived, so very little reliable information is known about him... and his followers (560 BC).
When Irish Eyes Are Starvin'	2000	320
A look at the Irish Potato Famine (1840s AD).
Gladiators: Too Hot For TV	2000	321
A look at the Roman Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean.... sport of gladiatorial combat (100 AD).
The First Emperor	2000	322
A look at Sargon the Great, Emperor of Mesopotamia Mesopotamia Mesopotamia is a toponym for the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran.Widely considered to be the cradle of civilization, Bronze Age Mesopotamia included Sumer and the... (2500 BC).
There's Gold In Them Thar Beavers	2000	323
A look at Pierre-Esprit Radisson Pierre-Esprit Radisson Pierre-Esprit Radisson was a French-Canadian fur trader and explorer. He is often linked to his brother-in-law Médard des Groseilliers who was about 20 years older. The decision of Radisson and Groseilliers to enter the English service led to the formation of the Hudson's Bay Company.Born near... & Médard des Groseilliers Médard des Groseilliers Médard Chouart des Groseilliers was a French explorer and fur trader in Canada. He is often paired with his brother-in-law Pierre-Esprit Radisson who was about 20 years his junior... (1660s AD).
The Shootout At Fly's Photographic Studio	2000	324
A look at the Shootout at the OK Corral (1880 AD).

Season Four

Title	Original airdate	#
A Canterbury Murder Tale	April 8, 2002	401
A look at the murder of Thomas Becket Thomas Becket Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion... , the Archbishop of Canterbury Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group... (1170 AD) done as a parody of Law & Order Law & Order Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,... .
Francis & Me	April 9, 2002	402
A look at William Lyon Mackenzie William Lyon Mackenzie William Lyon Mackenzie was a Scottish born American and Canadian journalist, politician, and rebellion leader. He served as the first mayor of Toronto, Upper Canada and was an important leader during the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.-Background and early years in Scotland, 1795–1820:Mackenzie was... and the Upper Canada Rebellion Upper Canada Rebellion The Upper Canada Rebellion was, along with the Lower Canada Rebellion in Lower Canada, a rebellion against the British colonial government in 1837 and 1838. Collectively they are also known as the Rebellions of 1837.-Issues:... (1837 AD) done in the style of a Michael Moore Michael Moore Michael Francis Moore is an American filmmaker, author, social critic and activist. He is the director and producer of Fahrenheit 9/11, which is the highest-grossing documentary of all time. His films Bowling for Columbine and Sicko also place in the top ten highest-grossing documentaries... documentary Documentary film Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record... .
Rock & Roll Has Got To Go!	April 10, 2002	403
A look at music and youth in ancient Athens Athens Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state... (340 BC), done as a parody of a Beatles retrospective.
Leaving Norman	April 11, 2002	404
A look at the compilation of the Domesday Book Domesday Book Domesday Book , now held at The National Archives, Kew, Richmond upon Thames in South West London, is the record of the great survey of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086... (1086 AD) done as a parody of the Wayne Rostad CBC show On the Road Again On the Road Again (TV series) On the Road Again is a Canadian television series which aired from 1987 until 2007. Wayne Rostad was the program's host for its entire run. The series consisted of interview and documentary segments from various Canadian locations.... .
The Day The Island Stood Still	April 12, 2002	405
A look at the European discovery of North America European colonization of the Americas The start of the European colonization of the Americas is typically dated to 1492. The first Europeans to reach the Americas were the Vikings during the 11th century, who established several colonies in Greenland and one short-lived settlement in present day Newfoundland... from the point of view of the Native Americans Indigenous peoples of the Americas The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans... (1492 AD). Done as a parody of The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Love & Death	April 13, 2002	406
A look at Goethe and the fervour that accompanied his book, The Sorrows of Young Werther The Sorrows of Young Werther The Sorrows of Young Werther is an epistolary and loosely autobiographical novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, first published in 1774; a revised edition of the novel was published in 1787... (1780 AD). Parodies Star Trek fandom Trekkie A Trekkie or Trekker is a fan of the Star Trek franchise, or of specific television series or films within that franchise.-History:In 1967, science fiction editor Arthur W... .
Samurai Goodfellas	April 16, 2002	407
A look at the 47 Ronin (1703 AD) done in the style of The Godfather The Godfather The Godfather is a 1972 American epic crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the 1969 novel by Mario Puzo. With a screenplay by Puzo, Coppola and an uncredited Robert Towne, the film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard... .
Who Killed J.F.C.?	April 17, 2002	408
A look at the assassination of Julius Caesar Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman and a distinguished writer of Latin prose. He played a critical role in the gradual transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.... (24 BC) that suggests the assassination was the result of a lone knife man, rather than the official story that was a conspiracy. Done as a reversal of the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The Uncivil War	April 18, 2002	409
A look at the story behind Lincoln Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and... 's Emancipation Proclamation Emancipation Proclamation The Emancipation Proclamation is an executive order issued by United States President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War using his war powers. It proclaimed the freedom of 3.1 million of the nation's 4 million slaves, and immediately freed 50,000 of them, with nearly... (1864 AD), done as a parody of The West Wing.
Temptation Monastery	April 19, 2002	410
A look at Peter Abelard Peter Abelard Peter Abelard was a medieval French scholastic philosopher, theologian and preeminent logician. The story of his affair with and love for Héloïse has become legendary... (1140 AD), via his appearance on The Howard Stern Show.
Terror For The Sake Of Terror	April 22, 2002	411
A look at Ivan the Terrible (1582 AD) appearing on Oprah The Oprah Winfrey Show The Oprah Winfrey Show is an American syndicated talk show hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey. It ran nationally for 25 seasons beginning in 1986, before concluding in 2011. It is the highest-rated talk show in American television history.... .
Harpsichord Wizard	April 23, 2002	412
A look at Ludwig van Beethoven Ludwig van Beethoven Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of... (1839 AD). Done as a parody of an award show.
Xena's Evil Sister	April 24, 2002	413
A look at Boadicea and the Celtic revolt against Rome (61 AD) done as a parody of Thelma and Louise Thelma and Louise Thelma & Louise is a 1991 film co-produced and directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri, the film's plot revolves around Thelma and Louise's escape from their troubled and caged lives. It stars Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise, and co-stars Harvey Keitel as a... .
Kamikaze Save The Day	April 25, 2002	414
A look at the typhoon Pacific typhoon A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that develops in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean between 180° and 100°E. This region is referred to as the northwest Pacific basin. For organizational purposes, the northern Pacific Ocean is divided into three regions: the eastern , central , and... that saved Japan from the invading armies of Kublai Khan Kublai Khan Kublai Khan , born Kublai and also known by the temple name Shizu , was the fifth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire from 1260 to 1294 and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China... (1281 AD).
Domestic Terrorism	April 26, 2002	415
A look at Guy Fawkes Guy Fawkes Guy Fawkes , also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries, belonged to a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.Fawkes was born and educated in York... and the Gunpowder plot Gunpowder Plot The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in earlier centuries often called the Gunpowder Treason Plot or the Jesuit Treason, was a failed assassination attempt against King James I of England and VI of Scotland by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby.The plan was to blow up the House of... (1605 AD).
Where No White Man Has Gone Before	April 29, 2002	416
A look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition Lewis and Clark Expedition The Lewis and Clark Expedition, or ″Corps of Discovery Expedition" was the first transcontinental expedition to the Pacific Coast by the United States. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson and led by two Virginia-born veterans of Indian wars in the Ohio Valley, Meriwether Lewis and William... (1805 AD).
Goodnight Good Knights	April 30, 2002	417
A look at the Knights Templar Knights Templar The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon , commonly known as the Knights Templar, the Order of the Temple or simply as Templars, were among the most famous of the Western Christian military orders... (1307 AD).
Stairway To Heaven	May 1, 2002	418
A look at Emperor Nebuchadrezzar Nebuchadrezzar II Nebuchadnezzar II was king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, who reigned c. 605 BC – 562 BC. According to the Bible, he conquered Judah and Jerusalem, and sent the Jews into exile. He is credited with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and also known for the destruction... of Babylon Babylon Babylon was an Akkadian city-state of ancient Mesopotamia, the remains of which are found in present-day Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq, about 85 kilometers south of Baghdad... (590 BC).
Psychic Celebrity	May 2, 2002	419
A look at Nostrodamus's predictions (1555 AD) done as an infomercial Infomercial Infomercials are direct response television commercials which generally include a phone number or website. There are long-form infomercials, which are typically between 15 and 30 minutes in length, and short-form infomercials, which are typically 30 seconds to 120 seconds in length. Infomercials... .
Bewitched	May 3, 2002	420
A look at the Salem Witch Trials Salem witch trials The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex in colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693... (1692 AD). Done as a parody of Judge Judy Judge Judy Judge Judy is an American court show featuring former family court judge Judith Sheindlin arbitrating over small claims cases in small claims court...
Five Ring Circus	May 6, 2002	421
A look at the original Olympic Games Olympic Games The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate... (350 BC).
Gratuitous Sex & Violence	May 7, 2002	422
A look at the plays of William Shakespeare William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"... (1601 AD) via a parody of Entertainment Tonight Entertainment Tonight Entertainment Tonight is a daily tabloid television entertainment television news show that is syndicated by CBS Television Distribution throughout the United States, Canada and in many countries around the world. Linda Bell Blue is currently the program's executive producer... .
Out Wit, Out Walk, Out Eat	May 8, 2002	423
A look at the Donner Party Donner Party The Donner Party was a group of American pioneers who set out for California in a wagon train. Delayed by a series of mishaps, they spent the winter of 1846–47 snowbound in the Sierra Nevada... (1846 AD) as a parody of Survivor Survivor (TV series) Survivor is a reality television game show format produced in many countries throughout the world. In the show, contestants are isolated in the wilderness and compete for cash and other prizes. The show uses a system of progressive elimination, allowing the contestants to vote off other tribe... .
Ten Lost Days	May 9, 2002	424
A look at the switch from the Julian calendar Julian calendar The Julian calendar began in 45 BC as a reform of the Roman calendar by Julius Caesar. It was chosen after consultation with the astronomer Sosigenes of Alexandria and was probably designed to approximate the tropical year .The Julian calendar has a regular year of 365 days divided into 12 months... to the Gregorian calendar Gregorian calendar The Gregorian calendar, also known as the Western calendar, or Christian calendar, is the internationally accepted civil calendar. It was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom the calendar was named, by a decree signed on 24 February 1582, a papal bull known by its opening words Inter... (1582 AD).

Season Five

Title	Original airdate	#
The Osborgias	April 17, 2004	501
A look at Pope Alexander VI aka Rodrigo Borgia Pope Alexander VI Pope Alexander VI , born Roderic Llançol i Borja was Pope from 1492 until his death on 18 August 1503. He is one of the most controversial of the Renaissance popes, and his Italianized surname—Borgia—became a byword for the debased standards of the Papacy of that era, most notoriously the Banquet... and his scheming family Borgia The Borgias, also known as the Borjas, Borjia, were a European Papal family of Italian and Spanish origin with the name stemming from the familial fief seat of Borja belonging to their Aragonese Lords; they became prominent during the Renaissance. The Borgias were patrons of the arts, and their... (1500 AD). Done as a parody of The Osbournes The Osbournes The Osbournes is an American reality television program featuring the domestic life of heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and his family. The series premiered on MTV on March 5, 2002, and in its first season, was cited as the most-viewed series ever on MTV... .
Talkin' Turkey	April 24, 2004	502
A look at the first Thanksgiving celebration between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag (1621 AD) via parody of All in the Family All in the Family All in the Family is an American sitcom that was originally broadcast on the CBS television network from January 12, 1971, to April 8, 1979. In September 1979, a new show, Archie Bunker's Place, picked up where All in the Family had ended... .
Never Been Kissed	May 1, 2004	503
A look at Ulrich von Liechtenstein Ulrich von Liechtenstein Ulrich von Liechtenstein was a medieval nobleman, knight, politician, and minnesanger. He was born in 1200 in Murau, located in present day Austria. After the usual noble training as a page and a squire to Margrave Heinrich of Istria, he was knighted by Duke Leopold VI of Austria in 1223... , a knight who toured Europe in a white dress and blonde wig promoting courtly love Courtly love Courtly love was a medieval European conception of nobly and chivalrously expressing love and admiration. Generally, courtly love was secret and between members of the nobility. It was also generally not practiced between husband and wife.... appears on Live with Regent and Kelli Live with Regis and Kelly Live! with Kelly is a syndicated American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. The show has aired since 1983 in New York City and 1988 nationwide. Tony Pigg has been the show's announcer since its inception... . (1227 AD).
The Politics Of Puffy Pants	May 8, 2004	504
A look at the Reign of Terror Reign of Terror The Reign of Terror , also known simply as The Terror , was a period of violence that occurred after the onset of the French Revolution, incited by conflict between rival political factions, the Girondins and the Jacobins, and marked by mass executions of "enemies of... in France (1794 AD). Done as a parody of a Seinfeld Seinfeld Seinfeld is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, lasting nine seasons, and is now in syndication. It was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the latter starring as a fictionalized version of himself... episode. Jerry's girlfriend want him to wear a not-puffy shirt The Puffy Shirt "The Puffy Shirt" is the second episode of the fifth season of the American NBC sitcom Seinfeld. It was the 66th episode and originally aired on September 23, 1993. Larry David, the creator of the show, cites this episode as one of his favorites in the series.-Plot:George is upset because he is... and he can't refuse or she will accuse him of being counter-revolutionary and he will be guillotined.
I Pray The Fifth	May 15, 2004	505
A look at the Cathars (1244 AD) via parody of McCarthyism McCarthyism McCarthyism is the practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence. The term has its origins in the period in the United States known as the Second Red Scare, lasting roughly from the late 1940s to the late 1950s and characterized by... .
A.D.D. In 1510 AD	May 22, 2004	506
A look at Leonardo Da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was an Italian Renaissance polymath: painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer whose genius, perhaps more than that of any other figure, epitomized the Renaissance... (1495 AD).
The Truth Is Out There	May 29, 2004	507
A look at the Battle of Little Big Horn (1876 AD) via parody of The X Files.
Marco & Nick's Excellent Adventure	June 12, 2004	508
A look at Marco Polo Marco Polo Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant traveler from the Venetian Republic whose travels are recorded in Il Milione, a book which did much to introduce Europeans to Central Asia and China. He learned about trading whilst his father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo, travelled through Asia and apparently... and his book Il Milione The Travels of Marco Polo Books of the Marvels of the World or Description of the World , also nicknamed Il Milione or Oriente Poliano and commonly called The Travels of Marco Polo, is a 13th-century travelogue written down by Rustichello da Pisa from stories told by Marco Polo, describing the... (1302 AD).
Tax This!	June 19, 2004	509
A look at the American Revolution American Revolution The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America... (1776 AD) done as a parody of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In is an American sketch comedy television program which ran for 140 episodes from January 22, 1968, to May 14, 1973. It was hosted by comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin and was broadcast over NBC... .
Queen Takes Queen, Checkmate	June 26, 2004	510
A look at the rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I (1587 AD) as seen on The Jerry Springer Show The Jerry Springer Show The Jerry Springer Show is a syndicated television tabloid talk show hosted by Jerry Springer, a former politician, broadcast in the United States and other countries... .
Got You Dead To Rights	July 3, 2004	511
A look at the incredible story of a Pope Formosus Pope Formosus Pope Formosus was Pope of the Catholic Church from 891 to 896. His brief reign as Pope was troubled, and his remains were exhumed and put on trial in the notorious Cadaver Synod.-Biography:... , who was dug up and put on trial in the Cadaver Synod Cadaver Synod The Cadaver Synod is the name commonly given to the posthumous ecclesiastical trial of Catholic Pope Formosus, held in the Basilica of St... (897 AD). Done as a parody of The Practice The Practice The Practice is an American legal drama created by David E. Kelley centering on the partners and associates at a Boston law firm. Running for eight seasons from 1997 to 2004, the show won the Emmy in 1998 and 1999 for Best Drama Series, and spawned the successful and lighter spin-off series Boston... .
Girls! Girls! Girls!	July 10, 2004	512
A look at the Mormon's early practices of polygamy Plural marriage Polygamy was taught by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than half of the 19th century, and practiced publicly from 1852 to 1890.The Church's practice of polygamy has been highly controversial, both within... (1857 AD) done as an episode of The Bachelor.
To Boldly Go...	July 17, 2004	513
A look at Spanish Conquistador Conquistador Conquistadors were Spanish soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under the control of Spain in the 15th to 16th centuries, following Europe's discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492... Francisco Pizarro Francisco Pizarro Francisco Pizarro González, Marquess was a Spanish conquistador, conqueror of the Incan Empire, and founder of Lima, the modern-day capital of the Republic of Peru.-Early life:... 's journey to Peru Peru Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.... (1529 AD). Done as an episode of Star Trek Star Trek Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise... .
A Win-Win War	July 24, 2004	514
A look at the War of 1812 War of 1812 The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant... (1812-1814 AD) via a parody of Crossfire Crossfire (TV series) Crossfire was a current events debate television program that aired from 1982 to 2005 on CNN. Its format was designed to present and challenge the opinions of a politically liberal pundit and a conservative pundit.-Format:... .
A Newtiful Mind	July 31, 2004	515
A look at Isaac Newton Isaac Newton Sir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."... (1690 AD). Done as a parody of an Ebert & Roper review of A Beautiful Mind A Beautiful Mind (film) A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 American drama film based on the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. The film was directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. It was inspired by a bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-nominated 1998 book of the same name by Sylvia Nasar... .

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