Henry VIII, Elizabeth I & the Shocking Origins of Virginia - Walter Raleigh, the Lost Colony, and the Queen Who Never Married

Have To Know History - What do six wives, a lost colony, and a queen who never married have to do with the state of Virginia?

This fast-paced 7-minute episode unpacks how one king’s obsession with a male heir reshaped religion, rattled Europe, and led—indirectly—to the naming of Virginia. From Henry VIII’s six wives to Elizabeth I’s iconic reign as the “Virgin Queen,” and the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, this is history with high stakes and royal drama. This is Have to Know History — short, surprising stories from the past that you just have to know. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of bold stories, bizarre twists, and unforgettable characters.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 – Why Henry VIII Wanted a Son

01:18 – The Break with the Catholic Church

02:31 – Six Wives in Six Lines

03:05 – Queen Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen

04:20 – Sir Walter Raleigh & Roanoke

05:54 – Virginia: A State Named for a Queen?

#HenryVIII #ElizabethI #SirWalterRaleigh #TudorHistory #RoanokeColony #VirginiaHistory #USHistory #LostColony #ShortHistoryVideo #EducationalYouTube #HaveToKnowHistory #H2KH #HistoryWithPersonality

What if the Minotaur myth wasn’t just a story—but a memory of something real?

In this second part of the Minotaur mini-series, we step beyond the myth and into the ruins of ancient Crete. I’ll walk you through what archaeologists have discovered at the Minoan palace of Knossos—an actual maze-like structure that might have inspired the legend. We’ll explore bull-leaping rituals, signs of human sacrifice, and one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the explosion of Thera around 1600 BC.

Could that disaster have sparked a legend about a cursed king, a doomed island, and a monster in a maze? Maybe even the myth of Atlantis?

This episode is packed with history, myth, and ancient mystery—and it’s all told the way I’ve shared it with my 7th grade students for years.

🧠 For more myths, archaeology, and the surprising truths behind ancient stories—follow Have to Know History.

🎥 You can also watch this series on YouTube, including original footage from Crete and AI visuals at: https://youtube.com/@HaveToKnowHistory

🎶 For original music, visit my artist channel: @JasonFreewaltMusic

A monster in a maze. A genius inventor. A lovestruck princess. And an angry god who shakes the earth.

This is the very first episode of Have To Know History, a podcast for anyone who loves myths, mysteries, and ancient stories that just might be true. Join Jason Freewalt as he walks you through the outrageous myth of the Minotaur—complete with cursed queens, deadly mazes, and some deeply questionable decisions from both gods and mortals.

Originally part of the Have To Know History YouTube series, this audio version brings the same energy and storytelling—perfect for learning on the go.

Coming soon in Part 2: We’ll explore the ruins of Knossos, bull-worship rituals, and a volcanic eruption that may have sparked the myth.

Inspired by years of classroom storytelling, now shared with the world.