EP 79 The Deadly Art of Liberation: Aqua Tofana

Come with us on a journey of deadly liberation as a popular apothecary brews a recipe for freedom, liberating over 600 women from abuse at the hands of those who should have protected them. 

The Enigmatic Liberator of Rome

Step into the shadows with us as we uncover an enigmatic figure. A woman whose name became synonymous with both villainy and heroism. Learn about her notorious creation, Aqua Tofana, and its chilling role in upwards of 600 cases of marital unrest.

We’ll delve into the depths of 17th-century apothecaries and explore the sinister allure of Aqua Tofana. Packaged as a harmless cosmetic powder or devotional vial, this lethal concoction held the power to alter the course of lives with just a few drops.

Giulia packaged her Aqua Tofana in devotional vials with the image of Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of unmarried people

A Silent Revolution

Six hundred women in our story decided it was time for a revolution. A revolution that challenged the patriarchal norms of the time. Our heroine/villain offered a glimmer of hope to these oppressed women. Discover the complexities of justice, compassion, and moral ambiguity in the face of desperate circumstances.

As we peel back the layers of history, one question lingers: Was our protaganist a heroine or a serial killer? Or possibly both? Explore the intricacies of her story and ponder the blurred lines between justice and crime, liberation and oppression.

Listen Now

Join host Leigh as she navigates the murky waters of Food & Crime, unraveling the captivating tale of Giulia Tofana and the deadly art of liberation. Tune in to the full episode now and let us know your verdict.

Episode Transcript

🎧 Click here for the full, interactive transcript of this episode 🎧

• A Woman to Know: Giulia Tofana

• Guilia Tofana: World’s Most Dangerous Apothecary 

• The Role of Women During the  Italian Renaissance 

If you’re an enjoy reading Gregory Maguire or a historical fiction fan, I think that you will enjoy Deborah Swift’s trilogy about our heroine/devious serial killer, Giulia Tofana. This is historical fiction so much imagination was applied. 

• The Poison Keeper by Deborah Swift
  Purchase: Amazon 

• The Silkworm Keeper by Deborah Swift
  Purchase:  Amazon 

• The Fortune Keeper by Deborah Swift
  Purchase:  Amazon 

Join us in two weeks as we regale you with another story of a woman next door. A woman made popular through her fortune telling, love potions, and family planning - of sorts.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, we would love to have you join our supporting subscribers. Whether it’s a one-time gift, a monthly or yearly subscription, or sharing the publication with a friend (or three), we appreciate your support of our work.

We would love to connect with you

• Follow us on Instagram @asweeat,

• Join our Family Recipes, Traditions, and Food Lore community on Facebook

• Subscribe to the As We Eat Journal

• Listen to the As We Eat Podcast

Do you have a great idea 💡 for a show topic, a recipe 🥘 that you want to share, or just say “hi”👋🏻?  Send us an email at connect@asweeat.com

Review As We Eat on Podchaser or Apple Podcast. We would like to know what you think.

---

As a member of affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps us to continue to bring you stories, history, and personal musings about food, cuisines, traditions, and recipes