28. The Sicilian Vespers, Sicily, Easter 1282

Published: Nov. 4, 2020, 5 a.m.

On Easter Monday, 1282, the Sicilians revolted against the French government that had been in place since 1266; in the course of a few weeks 4,000 to 8,000 French people were slaughtered, depending on what source you are reading. We explain how things got to such a pass, and Michelle has a lovely trip down a rabbit hole wherein she discovers the awesomeness of Stephen Runciman.\xa0 George Orwell makes a cameo appearance.