Chronical History

Xannah Moniq

Chronical History with Xannah Moniq invites you to explore the fascinating history of mental health, chronic illness, and disabilities through a unique lens. Each episode combines intimate storytelling with a touch of mystery, revealing the often-overlooked aspects of these significant topics.

The title, Chronical History, cleverly plays on the words “chronic” and “chronicle,” reflecting both the enduring nature of these conditions and the rich, narrative exploration of their histories. Xannah guides you through these tales whilst bringing historical narratives to life in a way that's empathetic, engaging, and enlightening.

Join Xannah as she uncovers the hidden chapters of history and brings a new perspective to the experiences that have shaped our understanding of mental health and chronic illness.

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Episodes

Disabilities in Ancient Rome: Legal Rights Recognized but Physical Perfection Highly Valued
Nov 5 2024
Disabilities in Ancient Rome: Legal Rights Recognized but Physical Perfection Highly Valued
Ancient Rome may have revered strength and perfection, but what happened to those who didn’t fit the mold? In this fast-paced episode, host Xannah Moniq takes you on a journey through the paradox of disability in the Roman Empire. Discover the surprising legal protections for disabled citizens, the stigma they faced, and the stories of resilience that flourished in the shadow of Rome’s obsession with the ‘ideal body.’ From legal rights to societal prejudice, this episode of Chronical History dives deep into a history you’ve never heard before.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sources/References        1.        Garland, Robert. The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World. Cornell University Press, 1995.        2.        Lavan, Myles. “The Roman Law of Disabilities: Infirmitas and Legal Protections.” Journal of Ancient Law, vol. 23, 2010.        3.        Harris, William V. “Mental Disorders in the Classical World.” Journal of Roman Studies, vol. 105, 2015.        4.        Rose, Martha A. The Staff of Oedipus: Transforming Disability in Ancient Greece and Rome. University of Michigan Press, 2003.        5.        Barrow, Robin. The Romans. Yale University Press, 1995.        6.        Kyle, Donald G. Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome. Routledge, 1998.Send us a textNEW EPISODE EVERY TUESDAYCHRONICAL HISTORY MEDIA ATTRIBUTION
Sparta and Eugenics: Early forms of eugenics through the exposure of disabled infants
Oct 22 2024
Sparta and Eugenics: Early forms of eugenics through the exposure of disabled infants
In this riveting episode of “Chronical History,” join Xannah Moniq as she delves into the harsh and fascinating world of ancient Sparta. Discover how the Spartan commitment to creating the ultimate warriors extended to a brutal practice of infant exposure, where disabled or deemed unfit babies were left to die. Explore the philosophical and societal motivations behind this practice, and uncover the legacy it left on Spartan society. From legendary lawgiver Lycurgus to the broader implications of eugenics, this episode offers a compelling look at how ancient practices continue to echo in modern ethical discussions. Tune in for a deep dive into the stark realities of Sparta and the lessons they hold for today.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sources/References1. Cartledge, P. (2003). Sparta and Lakonia: A Regional History 1300 to 362 BC. Routledge.• Provides a detailed historical account of Sparta, including its societal practices and beliefs.2. Hodkinson, S. (2000). Property and Wealth in Classical Sparta. Classical Press of Wales.• Discusses the economic and social structures of Sparta, including aspects related to their harsh practices.3. Lazenby, J. F. (2004). The Defence of Greece 490-479 BC. Aris & Phillips.• Covers the broader context of Sparta’s military practices and societal values.4. Plutarch. (1914). Life of Lycurgus. Harvard University Press.• A primary source for the legendary reforms attributed to Lycurgus, providing insight into Spartan laws and practices.5. Xenophon. (1893). Constitution of the Lacedaemonians. Harvard University Press.• Offers descriptions of Spartan society and its institutions, including practices related to infant exposure.6. Hanson, V. D. (2005). The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Ancient Greece. University of California Press.• Provides context on the military practices of Sparta and how they influenced Spartan society.Send us a textNEW EPISODE EVERY TUESDAYCHRONICAL HISTORY MEDIA ATTRIBUTION
Disabilities in Ancient Greece: Mixed views, with some philosophers advocating exclusion
Oct 15 2024
Disabilities in Ancient Greece: Mixed views, with some philosophers advocating exclusion
In this episode of “Chronical History,” host Xannah Moniq dives into the complex and often contradictory views on disabilities in ancient Greece. Explore how philosophers like Plato and Aristotle shaped societal attitudes, advocating for both exclusion and inclusion. From the myths of Hephaestus to the personal stories of figures like Epictetus, discover how disabilities were perceived and managed in Greek daily life, art, and philosophy. Join us as we navigate the moral and philosophical debates surrounding physical differences in one of history’s most influential civilizations.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sources and references1. Plato. The Republic. Translated by Allan Bloom, HarperCollins, 1991.• In The Republic, Plato discusses the ideal state and his views on physical and mental perfection, including references to how those with disabilities should be treated in his vision of an ideal society.2. Aristotle. Politics. Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Dover Publications, 2000.• Aristotle’s Politics offers a detailed discussion on citizenship and the role of individuals in the state, touching upon his views of natural hierarchy, which indirectly affects the perception of disabilities.3. Garland, Robert. The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World. Cornell University Press, 1995.• This book provides a comprehensive analysis of how physical deformities and disabilities were perceived and treated in both ancient Greek and Roman societies.4. Epictetus. The Discourses. Translated by Christopher Gill, Penguin Classics, 2008.• Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher who lived with a physical disability, discusses inner freedom, resilience, and the idea that true limitation lies in the mind, not the body.5. Sophocles. Philoctetes. Translated by David Grene, University of Chicago Press, 1991.• The tragic play Philoctetes focuses on a hero abandoned due to his disability, providing a rich exploration of suffering, isolation, and redemption.6. Sparta and Infanticide: Plutarch. Life of Lycurgus, in Parallel Lives. Translated by Bernadotte Perrin, Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1914.• Plutarch’s account of Spartan practices, including the exposure of infants with disabilities, offers insight into how certain Greek city-states dealt with physical imperfections.7. Bosworth, A.B. Alexander and the East: The Tragedy of Triumph. Clarendon Press, 1996.• This book provides additional context about figures like Hephaestus and the role of physical disabilities in myth and society.Send us a textNEW EPISODE EVERY TUESDAYCHRONICAL HISTORY MEDIA ATTRIBUTION
Disabilities in Ancient Hindu Texts: Karma and reincarnation related to disabilities
Oct 8 2024
Disabilities in Ancient Hindu Texts: Karma and reincarnation related to disabilities
In this episode of “Chronical History,” host Xannah Moniq explores how disabilities were perceived in ancient Hindu texts through the lens of karma and reincarnation. Journey through the sacred Vedas, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the wisdom of the Puranas to uncover stories of individuals whose physical differences were seen as part of their soul’s journey. Let's discover how disability was woven into the spiritual and social fabric of ancient India.Research“Disabilities in Ancient Hindu Texts: Karma and Reincarnation”:        1.        Doniger, Wendy. The Laws of Manu. Penguin Books, 1991.        •        This book provides a comprehensive translation and commentary on the Manusmriti, one of the ancient legal texts of Hinduism, which includes discussions on karma, dharma, and societal roles, including perspectives on disabilities.        2.        Bryant, Edwin. The Bhagavata Purana: Sacred Text and Living Tradition. Columbia University Press, 2007.        •        This text explores the stories within the Bhagavata Purana, including narratives like those of Dhruva and Kubja, and discusses their significance in the context of Hindu beliefs.        3.        Kinsley, David. Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition. University of California Press, 1988.        •        Provides insights into the mythological and theological aspects of Hindu deities, including those associated with healing and disabilities.        4.        Narayan, R. K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 2000.        •        A modern retelling of the Mahabharata, capturing key stories like those of Dhritarashtra and Shakuni, highlighting their roles and the moral lessons associated with their disabilities.        5.        Van Buitenen, J. A. B. The Mahabharata, Volume 1: Book 1: The Book of the Beginning. University of Chicago Press, 1973.        •        This volume provides a detailed translation and analysis of the Mahabharata, including the contexts in which characters with disabilities are presented.        6.        Goldman, Robert P. The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India, Volume I: Balakanda. Princeton University Press, 2005.        •        Offers a scholarly translation of the Ramayana, including the narrative of Jatayu and other significant stories that illustrate the ancient Hindu views on duty and disability.        7.        Olivelle, Patrick. The Ashtavakra Gita: The Heart of Awareness. Shambhala Publications, 1990.        •        A translation and commentary on the teachings of Ashtavakra, a sage with disabilities, emphasizing the spiritual messages beyond physical form.        8.        Rocher, Ludo. The Puranas. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 1986.        •        An academic overview of the Puranas, detailing their content, including stories and teachings related to disabilities, karma, and reincarnation.Send us a textNEW EPISODE EVERY TUESDAYCHRONICAL HISTORY MEDIA ATTRIBUTION
Ancient Mesopotamian Perspectives: Divine signs or punishment
Sep 24 2024
Ancient Mesopotamian Perspectives: Divine signs or punishment
In this episode of Chronical History, host Xannah Moniq starts the ancient section of this series by exploring the intriguing perspectives on disability in ancient Mesopotamia. Delve into a world where disabilities were seen as divine signs or punishments from the gods, shaping the lives and destinies of individuals. Join Xannah as she uncovers the rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and societal implications surrounding disabilities in one of the world’s earliest civilizations. Discover how these ancient views reflect timeless questions about human nature and the divine._________________________________________________________________Primary Texts and Translations:The Epic of Gilgamesh - This ancient Mesopotamian epic offers insight into how the gods were perceived to interact with humanity, including themes of divine punishment and the human condition.Code of Hammurabi - This Babylonian legal text includes laws that reflect societal attitudes towards disabilities and health, including how they were treated in legal and social contexts.Scholarly Books and Articles:Heeßel, N. P. (2007). Babylonian Liver Omens: The Chapters Manzāzu, Padānu and Pān tākalti of the Babylonian Extispicy Series Mainly from Aššurbanipal’s Library. (Cuneiform Monographs). This book provides detailed information on how physical anomalies were interpreted as divine omens in Mesopotamian extispicy (divination by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals).**Scurlock, J. A., & Andersen, B. R. (2005). Diagnoses in Assyrian and Babylonian Medicine: Ancient Sources, Translations, and Modern Medical Analyses. *This book includes translations of medical texts from ancient Mesopotamia, offering insights into how disabilities and diseases were understood and treated as part of divine punishment or signs.**Stol, M. (1993). Epilepsy in Babylonia. *In this study, Stol discusses how epilepsy, often seen as a divine affliction, was treated and perceived in ancient Mesopotamian society.Journal Articles:Finkel, I. L. (1991). “On Some Dog, Snake, and Scorpion Omens.” Iraq, 53, 65-79. This article discusses the role of omens, including physical disabilities, as interpreted in Mesopotamian texts.**Leick, G. (2003). “Mesopotamian Cosmology.” The Oxford Companion to World Mythology. *This article provides a broader context for understanding the religious and cosmological beliefs that influenced perceptions of disability in ancient Mesopotamia.Cultural and Religious Studies:**Black, J., Green, A. (1992). Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary. *This work provides a comprehensive look at the religious and symbolic meanings attributed to various physical and spiritual conditions, including disabilities.**Oppenheim, A. L. (1977). Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a Dead Civilization. *This book offers a thorough overview of Mesopotamian culture, including religious practices and the interpretation of physical anomalies as divine messages.Send us a textNEW EPISODE EVERY TUESDAYCHRONICAL HISTORY MEDIA ATTRIBUTION
Compassion in Prehistory: Caring for the Disabled
Sep 17 2024
Compassion in Prehistory: Caring for the Disabled
Join host Xannah Moniq on “Chronical History” as we delve into the untold stories of humanity’s past. In this episode, we journey back thousands of years into prehistoric times to explore how our ancestors viewed and cared for individuals with disabilities. Discover the compassionate side of early humans through fascinating archaeological findings and learn how their deep sense of community and empathy helped them thrive in harsh environments. Tune in for a captivating look at the roots of our humanity._________________________________________________________________1.“The Shanidar Neanderthals” by Erik Trinkaus:•This book provides an in-depth study of the Neanderthal remains found in Shanidar Cave, including Shanidar 1, and discusses the implications of their injuries and care.2.“Shanidar 1: A Neanderthal Case of Crippledness” by Erik Trinkaus and Thomas D. Robins:•This academic paper, published in the “American Journal of Physical Anthropology,” provides a detailed analysis of Shanidar 1 and the evidence for care and compassion in Neanderthal communities.•Link to Paper3.“The Prehistory of Compassion” by Penny Spikins:•An article discussing the evolutionary roots of empathy and compassion, and how early humans cared for their disabled members.•Link to Article4.“Care in Prehistory: Evidence of Caring for the Infirm and Injured in Prehistoric Societies” by Lorna Tilley and Tony Cameron:•This paper reviews archaeological evidence for care practices in prehistoric societies and explores their implications for understanding early human social structures.•Link to Paper5.“Compassionate and Complex: The Social Lives of Neanderthals” by Rebecca Wragg Sykes:•An article that explores the complexity of Neanderthal social lives, including evidence of compassion and care.•Link to Article6.“Dmanisi and the Earliest Fossils Outside of Africa” by David Lordkipanidze:•A study on the early Homo erectus remains found in Dmanisi, Georgia, including the evidence for care provided to individuals with disabilities.•Link to Paper7.“Ancient Surgery: Evidence, Ideas, and Future Directions” by John T. Flynn:•This article provides an overview of ancient surgical practices, including trepanation, and discusses the implications for early human healthcare.•Link to ArticleSend us a textNEW EPISODE EVERY TUESDAYCHRONICAL HISTORY MEDIA ATTRIBUTION