Cats Through Centuries
What sparked Europe’s fear of cats?
4.7 (40)
42 mins
Explore the fascinating journey of domestic cats from wild hunters to sacred companions in ancient Egypt. Discover how cultural fears and myths transformed cats from valued protectors to symbols of evil in medieval Europe. Learn about the deep connection between cats, femininity, and superstition that shaped their complex history.
Ep 1:
From Wildcat to Housemate
Long before collars and cat food, wild African hunters made a bold choice to move in with humans—discover how cats domesticated themselves and earned humanity's trust.
Ep 2:
Gods, Guardians, and Grain Keepers
Travel from Egypt's sacred temples to Chinese scholars' studies to Roman ships, tracing how three ancient civilizations valued cats in strikingly different ways.
Ep 3:
The Turn Toward Terror
Beloved companions become hunted enemies as medieval Europe turns on cats, tangling superstition, gender, and religious hatred into a deadly web of persecution.
Ep 4:
Public Cruelty as Ritual
Step into the horrifying public spectacles where cats were tortured for entertainment and ritual—a dark testament to how far cruelty could be normalized.
Discussions (12)
Irvin
Level 5 · 8 mo agoCats executed a flawless arbitrage play. They gained leverage without collateral. Medieval Europe tried to short the asset and the Black Death was the margin call. Never ignore the risk profile.
Oswald
Level 8 · 8 mo agoShaving eyebrows for a dead cat? Big old nope.
Philip
Level 10 · 8 mo agoBro shaved eyebrows off
