HistoryExtra podcast
Immediate
The HistoryExtra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.
HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 29min
Liberating WW2 Naples: triumph and tragedy
Historian Keith Lowe, known for his deep insights into World War II, discusses the tumultuous liberation of Naples. He delves into the city's suffering under German occupation and the fierce resilience of its citizens. The podcast reveals the severe typhus epidemic the Allies faced, leading to groundbreaking public health strategies. Lowe also explores the economic chaos post-liberation, highlighting how cash-rich soldiers exacerbated local hardships while residents took pride in their uprisings. The fascinating mix of heroism and despair paints a vivid picture of Naples during this pivotal time.
31 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 53min
1066: the battle for England | 1. Vikings, Normans and rebellious Anglo-Saxons
David Musgrove, an expert on the Norman Conquest, and Marc Morris, a historian of medieval England, delve into the roots of the pivotal year 1066. They discuss the turbulent early 11th century, marked by Danish invasions and the struggles of rulers like Æthelred the Unready. The dynamics of royal succession, treachery among the English nobility, and the polarizing legacy of figures like Erle Godwin are explored. Their engaging conversation sheds light on how these events shaped England's political landscape leading to the Norman invasion.
10 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 36min
Churchill's prewar crisis meetings
Katherine Carter, an author and expert on Churchill's Citadel, discusses the fascinating transformation of Chartwell into a wartime hub. Insights are shared on how Winston Churchill hosted luminaries like Albert Einstein and T.E. Lawrence for crucial discussions. Their conversations helped shape his views on the looming war. Explore the intimate dynamics of dinner table diplomacy and how these influential visits informed Churchill's strategies amid rising tensions with Nazi Germany.
13 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 56min
Henry VII: life of the week
Nathen Amin, a historian and author, joins Emily Briffett to unveil the complexities of Henry VII's reign. They challenge the popular image of Henry as a miser by discussing his strategic political maneuvers and significant family ties. The conversation spans his Welsh heritage and the transition from medieval to Renaissance England, emphasizing his role as a unifying monarch. They also reflect on the lasting impact of his tenure, which set the groundwork for his son, Henry VIII, and the future of the monarchy.
Sep 22, 2024 • 46min
Tokyo 1946: the war crime trial that shaped Japan's future
Gary Bass, a historian and author of the acclaimed book on the Tokyo war crime trials, discusses the pivotal 1946 tribunal that shaped Japan's post-war identity. He delves into the complexities of justice with a diverse panel of judges and the controversial omission of Emperor Hirohito from proceedings. The discussion highlights the dramatic testimonies, the fraught decision-making process, and the legacy of the trials, revealing how they influenced Japan's global reputation and regional relationships in the aftermath of World War II.
6 snips
Sep 21, 2024 • 40min
The Stuarts: everything you wanted to know
Anna Keay, a leading expert on the Stuart dynasty, dives into the fascinating history of this tumultuous era. She discusses the complexities of James I's intimate relationships and his enigmatic sexuality. The conversation also grapples with Charles I's costly missteps that led to his downfall and the English Civil War. Keay explores the profound influence of French royalty on the Stuarts and examines the legacy and eventual decline of the dynasty amidst a backdrop of turbulent politics and societal change.
Sep 19, 2024 • 35min
Hidden environmental histories of the last 500 years
Sunil Amrith, an expert on historical environmental impacts, joins Ellie Cawthorne to explore fascinating intersections of human actions and ecological changes over the last 500 years. They discuss how major events like colonialism and war have contributed to environmental degradation. The conversation delves into the links between the transatlantic slave trade and land exploitation, as well as the devastating ecological costs of the World Wars. Finally, they address the critical lessons history can teach us in tackling today’s climate crisis.
Sep 18, 2024 • 50min
Ancient Egypt | 5. a lost world?
Campbell Price, an expert curator and Egyptologist, dives into our enduring fascination with ancient Egypt. He discusses the darker colonial roots of Egyptology and the Victorian obsession that fueled it. The groundbreaking discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb is explored, along with the ethical challenges of representing Egyptian heritage today. Price challenges misconceptions about ancient Egypt as a lost world, advocating for a richer, inclusive narrative that honors its complex legacy and reviews the impact of cultural exchange throughout history.
Sep 17, 2024 • 38min
Congo, Cold War & CIA plotting: the 1961 assassination that shook Africa
Stuart A Reid, author of the Cundill History Prize-shortlisted *The Lumumba Plot*, joins Elinor Evans to dissect the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first Prime Minister. They delve into the chaotic aftermath of Congo's independence and the chilling role of the CIA in Lumumba's execution. The conversation also touches on the political climate of the time, Dag Hammarskjöld's peacekeeping efforts, and enduring repercussions of Lumumba's legacy, including the haunting fate of his remains and the impact on Congo's history.
Sep 16, 2024 • 49min
Viking trade, Titanic and Olympic rings: history behind the headlines
Hannah Skoda, a historian delving into various historical topics, joins Rana Mitter, a modern history expert and commentator, to explore captivating historical narratives. They discuss Viking trade networks and their global implications, revealing insights from the Galloway hoard. The ongoing debate over the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower highlights themes of historical preservation. Lastly, they uncover startling discoveries from the Titanic wreck, intertwining its legacy with modern exploration ambitions.
