Pocahontas: life of the week

Camilla Townsend uncovers the real Pocahontas, a young Powhatan woman who navigated diplomacy, captivity and empire

Published: February 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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Pocahontas's life is shrouded in myth – but how much of that lore is true? Speaking to Emily Briffett, historian Camilla Townsend brings us face to face with the real Pocahontas, revealing how she acted as a diplomatic bridge in a fragile encounter with English colonists – and considering the way in which her legacy still shapes our view of American history.

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Authors

Emily BriffettSenior content producer (podcasts)

Emily Briffett is senior content producer (podcasts) at HistoryExtra

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