Auguste Rodin | The Burghers of Calais

Auguste Rodin | The Burghers of Calais

Published: January 16, 2026

Duration: 8:38

Today's mini-episode is rebroadcast of one of my favorites, Auguste Rodin and his sculpture of The Burghers of Calais. The story behind the piece is an inspiring tale that defines courage. During the Hundred Years' War, the English had the city of Calais surrounded. As the days went on and the French army was unable to break the siege, the townspeople were forced to begin negotiating terms of surrender. They were told the town would be spared if 6 burghers (a burgher was a title, so these were the town leaders) would sacrifice themselves. Six men stepped up. While they...