Skip to main content
Back to Show
Rogue History

This Gender Nonconforming Secret Agent Almost Caused a War

Season 2 Episode 4

Not only was Chevalier d’Eon a respected diplomat, trusted spy, and cunning secret agent, they also were a pioneer of publicly expressing gender fluidity in 18th-century France. From an undercover mission in a Russian court to gathering intelligence against Great Britain to blackmailing a King with information that could have caused a war, d’Eon was a master of their craft.

Support Provided By
Season
How The Aztec Empire Was Built By Spies
7:43
A network of traveling merchant-spies were essential to the expansion of the Aztec Empire.
The Secret Group That Planned Insurrection Against Slavery
7:37
The largest enslaved insurrection in US history was planned for 1856– and then called off.
These Hidden Figures Cracked an Impossible Soviet Code
9:56
A group of women mathematicians uncovered Soviet spies– but received none of the credit.
The Misunderstood Legacy of Ninjas
10:06
Ninjas are famous in popular culture, but behind the stereotypes lie a legendary history.
How A Spanish Chicken Farmer Tricked Hitler
9:27
“I wanted to start a personal war with Hitler. And I wanted to fight with my imagination.”
Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Spying on His Community
9:09
This musician spied on Black socialists then criticized the government for being racist.
Spy Balloons Have A Longer, Weirder History Than You Think
10:17
A year into the Civil War, the Union Army unveiled their secret weapon: spy balloons.
The Truth About Hunting for Pirate Treasure
9:50
One pirate’s tale of buried treasure led to generations of treasure hunting.
The Obscure History of Japanese Sea Lords
9:29
Sea Lords were as vital to medieval Japan as samurai, so why were they called “pirates?”
Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?
9:12
Though often overlooked, the Barbary pirates played a huge role in U.S. and world history.
Why Did Pirates Eat That? (feat. Tasting History)
9:22
When fresh food ran out, pirates found creative ways to survive long weeks at sea.
Did Pirates Really Sing Sea Shanties? It’s Complicated
8:36
This is what pirate music actually sounded like.
Active loading indicator