Episode #172- Who Was The African Samurai? (Part II)
Our Fake History
English - February 08, 2023 01:35 - 1 hour - 118 MB - ★★★★★ - 3.2K ratingsHistory Education education entertainmentone eone history myths Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
In the 1580's Japan was a on the precipice of a massive transformation. For over a century the country had been embroiled in war, but by 1581 the end seemed to be in sight. The powerful Lord Oda Nobunaga was on the path to unifying the fractured nation. It was at this time that a remarkable man from East Africa, known as Yasuke, came into his service. Nobunaga would take a shine to this foreigner and would eventually honour him with a ceremonial sword and a monthly stipend. For many historians this makes Yasuke the first ever foreigner born Samurai. Legend has it that he played a pivotal role in Oda Nobunaga's final living moments. Should we trust these stories of Samurai derring-do? Tune-in and find out how a loosely tied top knot, a public scrubbing, and the slippery definition of "samurai" all play a role in the story.