The Legend of Joan, Popess of Rome

Historical Blindness

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Reformation, a story was told of the first female Pope, who had hidden her sex and been elevated to the highest position within the Church by accident. The story of Pope Joan is a total myth, but even today it serves as a useful lesson to illustrate the historical roots of the sexism and misogyny that still keeps women out of leadership positions.

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Find a transcript of this episode with source citations and related imagery at www.historicalblindness.com.

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Some music on this episode was licensed under a Blue Dot Sessions blanket license at the time of this episode's publication. Tracks include "Cicle DR Valga," "Jadie Grange," "Preston and Carle," "Delicates," "Calisson," "Palms Down," and "Black Ballots."

Additional music, including "Remedy for Melancholy," is by Kai Engel, licensed under Creative Commons.

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