Cats, Conspiracy, and Papal Fiction: Debunking the Great Cat Massacre Myth

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You've heard the story: Pope Gregory IX declared war on cats, linking them to satanic heresy in a 1233 papal bull that triggered widespread feline extermination. But here's the twist - historians now believe this dramatic tale is mostly medieval urban legend. While anti-cat sentiment existed in medieval Europe, there's little evidence of an official papal campaign against cats. This episode unpacks how historical myths get created, spread, and believed - exploring the thin line between fascinating storytelling and historical fact. Discover how a compelling narrative can sometimes overpower historical accuracy, and why we love a good story, even when it might not be entirely true.

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