Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: "Affair to Remember" - Detailed Summary

Episode Overview

In the episode titled "Affair to Remember," Aaron Mahnke delves into two captivating historical narratives that unravel tales of power, deception, and intrigue. The first story transports listeners to the opulent yet treacherous court of King Louis XIV of France, where poison and superstition intertwined with politics. The second narrative shifts to the tumultuous era of the Roman Empire, highlighting the rise and fall of Emperor Carausius amidst political machinations and betrayal.

1. The Poisonous Court of King Louis XIV

Introduction to Excess and Intrigue

The episode begins by setting the scene in the lavish court of King Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. His reign was marked by opulence, extravagant parties, grand feasts, and high-stakes gambling, all of which required substantial funds to maintain his favor among the nobility.

The Scandal of Supernatural Proportions

A turning point occurs with a mysterious break-in at the laboratory of Captain Goudin de Sainte Croix. Though no burglars were found, authorities discovered a red leather trunk containing incriminating letters between Goudin and Marie de Brinvilliers, a married noblewoman. These letters revealed a sinister collaboration between the two:

"Marie and Goudin's shared passion trying to develop the perfect poison" ([00:36]).

Marie de Brinvilliers: The Poisoner

Marie’s actions were far from mere infidelity. She and Goudin had meticulously crafted tasteless, odorless poisons, which they initially tested on poor hospital patients. Their murderous experiments escalated as Marie poisoned her own family members to inherit their wealth, allowing her to maintain her status in court and settle Goudin’s debts. Her eventual capture after four years in disguise unveiled the horrifying extent of their crimes.

The Aftermath: Fear and Witchcraft

King Louis XIV was deeply shaken by Marie's execution, fearful that poison could be used against him without trace. This fear blurred the lines between poisoners and practitioners of witchcraft. Consequently, Louis established a task force headed by the chief of Paris police to eliminate any suspected poisoners or witches within the court. This led to the infamous "Affair of the Poisons," where over 400 individuals were charged, and 36 were executed by 1682.

Madame de Montespan and the Height of the Scandal

The scandal reached its zenith when a sorceress implicated Madame de Montespan, the king’s favorite mistress, in dark magic practices. Claims included:

"Madame de Montespan had used the black arts for years to get to the top" ([05:15]).

These accusations forced King Louis to confront the possibility that his closest confidante was involved in witchcraft, shaking the very foundations of his court.

Conclusion of the Poisonous Era

By concluding the Affair of the Poisons, King Louis XIV attempted to restore order and curb the pervasive fear of witchcraft and poisoning. The episode highlights the volatile interplay between power, fear, and superstition in one of history's most magnificent courts.

2. Emperor Carausius and the Tumultuous Roman Empire

Rise of a Pirate to Emperor

Transitioning from French history, Mahnke narrates the story of Carausius, originally a pirate from a Celtic offshoot tribe in what is now northern France. His naval prowess earned him the position of commander of the northern fleet under Emperor Maximian.

Defiance and Usurpation

Instead of fulfilling his duty to suppress piracy, Carausius exploited his position to amass wealth by capturing pirates and integrating their loot into his fleet. This defiance led Maximian to order his execution, forcing Carausius to flee and seize control of Britain and northern France. His strategic alliances with local tribes beyond Hadrian's Wall fortified his rule, making him a formidable usurper.

Recognition and Political Maneuvering

By 290 AD, faced with Carausius's stronghold, Emperor Diocletian and Maximian were compelled to acknowledge him as the third emperor of Rome. This unprecedented move underscored the fragility and complexity of Roman imperial politics.

The Fall of Carausius

In 293 AD, Diocletian and Maximian sought to eliminate Carausius by appointing new Caesars to confront him. However, before this plan could fully materialize, Carausius was assassinated by one of his own subordinates, only to be succeeded by another self-proclaimed emperor. The ensuing chaos eventually led to Carausius's downfall as Roman forces reclaimed control, culminating in Diocletian becoming the sole emperor who retired peacefully.

Reflections on Power and Stability

Mahnke concludes this segment by reflecting on the precarious nature of power in ancient Rome:

"While that may sound true to us peasants, history would actually suggest otherwise" ([08:45]).

The high mortality rate among emperors and the constant political upheaval made the notion of being a ruler in Rome both perilous and short-lived, contrasting sharply with the fleeting stability achieved by Diocletian.

Notable Quotes

• Marie de Brinvilliers on Poison Development:

  "Marie and Goudin's shared passion trying to develop the perfect poison" ([00:36]).

• Madame de Montespan's Alleged Dark Arts:

  "Madame de Montespan had used the black arts for years to get to the top" ([05:15]).

• Reflection on Royal Peril:

  "While that may sound true to us peasants, history would actually suggest otherwise" ([08:45]).

Conclusion

"Affair to Remember" offers a compelling exploration of how power dynamics and personal ambitions can lead to dark and intricate plots within the corridors of influence. From the poisoned intrigues of King Louis XIV's court to the volatile rise and fall of Emperor Carausius, Aaron Mahnke masterfully weaves stories that reveal the unsettling truths behind historical grandeur.

Listen to the Episode

For a deeper dive into these fascinating stories, subscribe to Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities on Apple Podcasts or visit the Curiosities Podcast website. Stay curious!