Episode Details

What can a cemetery teach us about the people who came before us — and what can the history of poison and medicine tell us about the way we understand death today?

In this episode, I'm joined by Rae, who is completing a Master of Ancient History specialising in poison and medicine. Her research spans death and dying across the ancient and more recent historical world. Rae also gives cemetery tours at Brighton Cemetery, where she helps bring the stories of the people buried there back to life.

We talk about the hidden stories held within cemeteries, how researchers uncover the lives behind gravestones, and why cemeteries can act as community memory. Rae also shares her fascination with poison and medical history, including arsenic-based green dye, the history of women's medicine and the forgotten contributions of women such as Metrodora.

But this conversation ultimately comes back to grief. Rae challenges the idea that people in ancient societies were somehow indifferent to death simply because it was more common. Looking at historical evidence, we explore how deeply people have always cared about the people they lost — and what history can teach us about death, health and ourselves.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

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