Case 138: The Batavia
During the 17th century, The Netherlands became one of the world’s foremost economic powers thanks to its advances in science, art, and commercial trade. Then known as the Dutch Republic, its wealth and power flourished through the importing of goods from overseas, with huge ships sent to Asia and Africa to bring back textiles, teas, grains, and spices. A popular proverb among the Dutch during this period was: “Jesus Christ is good, but trade is better.”
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Erin Munro - research, writing
Mike Migas - production, scoring
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - scoring
Milly Raso - creative direction
Comments (31)
I somehow missed this episode. I loved it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had never heard this story. It's so sad, but it shows both the best and the worst of humanity. I don't believe that it would have made any difference if Pelsar had left a leader or not. His chosen leader most likely would've been quickly overthrown by the other mutineers. I hope Lucretia ended up happy after all that. And the poor preachers daughter. Thank you for sharing this! I'd love for casefile to cover more historical events like this.
Never heard of this before. Now I want to visit Batavia’s Graveyard! Lots of noticeable re-recorded sections in this ep. Casey - was the neighbour mowing his lawn again? 🤣
Loved this story so much. Listened to it twice. My favorite book is kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson and I have read that so many times and have so many antique books of it. You did an amazing job and this is one of my favorites!
What can I say?! Holy crap that is a harrowing story
Wow - I have to say that this was my favorite episode of Casefile yet. As you may be able to see from my username, I am very interested in Maritime history but I had not actually heard of this case before. I am really surprised there hasn't been a film or tv show made, but then I saw Russell Crowe's production company is pursuing it (or were in 2017). This was such a well told story though by the casefile team - I can't imagine what hell those people left on the island with Cornelius had to go through. Once again, thank you for such a brilliant episode!
I loved this! Awesome. I also heard the aforementioned slip of 1931 glad someone posted that.
Wow. I had heard of aTge Batavia, but I did not know it was this terrible. I have heard of there being some lighter Aboriginal people found when settlements were made, but those two were probably not the only ones who became stranded on the western coast of the continment and joined the local tribes. This is up there with Casefike's best. Poor people, I am sorry for them. I am glad the murderers got their just desserts.
Damn, Cornelius is the true original Lord of the Flies
This might be a new favorite episode for me. Absolutely fascinating.
Not my type of episode but I continue to respect the research on historical cases and appreciate the willingness to incorporate variety in the episode types.
I wonder if this was Dan Simmons inspiration for his novel The Terror! Wow. Just wow.
This is probably one of my favorite episodes to date. I like that it was historical. Very detailed. Kept me enthralled the entire time. Thanks for showing us something a little different.
Wow what a story! Thanks for giving light to this historical massacre
That’s 3 from 3 great episodes to start 2020, Casey and the team are still the high water mark in true crime podcasting
Generally, I enjoy cases that are historical. Because there’s so much information that helps set the scene and transport you to the place of the case. Not the scene of the crime. That’s very different lol I really enjoyed this case, for that reason :)
I'm so glad you decided to do an episode on the Batavia after all! I thought it would suit the podcast, even if it wasn't quite your usual setting :)
Great episode as always 👌👍. My only comment would be the audio change in Casey’s voice at 1:00:36 & at 1:13:05, it just sounds a bit odd compared to the rest of the episode. Very minimal issue, just thought I’d mention it.
What a great, historical episode! Nice job, team! 💕
Thank you Bella
Wow we’re just gonna start it off like that, huh?? 😂 ...what a wild ride. Can’t say much else, damn. I love these historical episodes so much. ❤️ immediately relistening. Thank you so much!!!
Thank you Jason
1:09:22 .... Apparently one of the mutineers lived to more than 300 years old.
I caught that, too. Whoops. 😆
This is a superb episode and such an interesting case, I can't believe I've never heard of it before! Easily one of the best episodes yet, thank you for posting!
Thank you Katarzyna
This episode had me saying WTF out loud a few times now! Good work team!
Thank you Mine
Another one?! Wooooo!!!!
Thank you Megan
WOAH. What a surprise. I logged on at the same time this was posted. Can’t wait to listen, thanks for the early as upload. Legends <3
Thank you Maya