319. Heist of St Nicolas: The Medieval Mafia Who Stole Santa (Part 2)

In this episode of Empire, hosts Afua Hirsch and William Dalrymple are joined by Sam Dalrymple, author of Shattered Lands, to discuss the story of how St. Nicholas's relics were stolen from Myra in 1087 and the subsequent spread of the St. Nicholas cult. The discussion covers the motives behind the heist, the roles of Italian sailors and Venetians, and the transformation of St. Nicholas into Santa Claus through Dutch and American traditions, including the influence of Coca-Cola on Santa's image. The hosts explore the blending of pagan and Christian elements, the economic impact of relics, and the evolution of related customs.