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
6 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 35min
Our 10,000-year quest for equality
Darrin M McMahon, author of 'Equality: The History of an Elusive Idea', explores humanity's complex quest for equality. He discusses the intriguing notion that hunter-gatherer societies might have been the most equal in history. The conversation dives into how the French and American Revolutions shaped modern views of equality, while revealing the paradox of realm hierarchies disguising societal inequalities. McMahon delves into the roles of world religions, highlighting both their contributions and contradictions regarding equality in today's context.
Sep 2, 2024 • 32min
Michelangelo: life of the week
Catherine Fletcher, a Renaissance history expert, and Rachel Dinning, an arts advocate, dive into Michelangelo's extraordinary life. They discuss the significance of masterpieces like the statue of David and the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. Fletcher highlights Michelangelo's complex relationship with the Medici family and shares insights into his dual identity as a sculptor and painter. Listeners will also learn about the emotional depth of Michelangelo's personal life and the lasting impact of his work on both art and culture.
Sep 1, 2024 • 30min
The Battle of Megiddo: ancient Egypt's greatest victory?
Nicky Nielsen, an expert in ancient battles and Egyptian history, dives into the enthralling Battle of Megiddo where Pharaoh Thutmosis III faced a formidable coalition. The discussion reveals how Thutmosis used unexpected strategies, like navigating the treacherous Aruna Pass, to emerge victorious. Nielsen critiques historical narratives shaped by Egyptian propaganda and explains how this battle solidified Egypt's status as a regional superpower. He also contrasts the fame of various pharaohs, shedding light on their military and diplomatic achievements.
Aug 31, 2024 • 40min
Prehistoric stone circles: everything you want to know
Join Vicki Cummings, co-author of the upcoming 'Stone Circles: A Field Guide', and David Musgrove as they unravel the mysteries of prehistoric stone circles. Discover how these monumental structures were built and their significance in Neolithic society. Cummings shares insights into the challenges of dating these ancient sites and the communal efforts behind their construction. Musgrove emphasizes the celestial alignments and the evolving purposes of these circles, highlighting their role in rituals and social gatherings.
Aug 29, 2024 • 43min
The plague that brought the Roman empire to its knees
Colin Elliott, an author and expert on the Antonine Plague, delves into the chaos that swept through the Roman Empire around AD 165. He discusses the initial prosperity of the empire before the plague struck, revealing how it catalyzed fear, scapegoating, and social unrest. Elliott draws parallels to modern pandemic responses, highlighting the devastation to military and labor, and how emperors' leadership styles influenced public perception. Ultimately, he questions whether the plague was the sole cause of the empire's decline or just a catalyst for existing vulnerabilities.
Aug 28, 2024 • 45min
Ancient Egypt | 2. everyday life
Join Egyptologist Campbell Price as he unpacks the everyday life of ancient Egyptians. Discover where they shopped for food and the surprising use of crocodile dung in healing practices. Explore family structures, romantic relationships, and the dynamics of childhood in this fascinating society. Delve into leisure activities, like the board game Sennet, and learn about their unique work week and diverse occupations. Price paints a vivid picture of life along the Nile, revealing the rich tapestry of social roles and cultural practices.
Aug 27, 2024 • 33min
False rumps & rotten teeth: 400 years of bizarre beauty practices
Join Margarette Lincoln, an author who explores women's historical beauty quests, and Ellie Cawthorne as they discuss 400 years of bizarre British beauty practices. Delve into the shocking use of toxic substances like lead and arsenic, and discover how societal pressures shaped women's extreme measures, including corsetry and insect-laden wigs. They also uncover the evolution of beauty standards from the Victorian era to today, revealing the relentless pursuit of youth and the significant impact on women's health and self-image.
Aug 26, 2024 • 33min
Emperor Vespasian: life of the week
In this engaging discussion, Guy de la Bédoyère, a Roman history expert, shares insights about Emperor Vespasian, who rose from humble beginnings to restore order in a chaotic empire. He recounts Vespasian's military conquests, including his crucial role in Britain and the suppression of the Jewish Revolt. The conversation also touches on his pragmatic leadership and the grand architectural achievements, like the Colosseum. Overall, it's an exploration of how Vespasian's reforms and wit shaped the legacy of Rome.
5 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 41min
An audacious escape from slavery
Ilyon Woo, a Pulitzer-prize winning author, dives into the remarkable story of Ellen and William Craft, an enslaved couple who ingeniously disguised themselves to escape bondage in 1848. They undertook a perilous journey of over 1,000 miles, facing immense dangers and clever tactics to evade capture. Woo explores their motivations, the audacity of their disguise, and the resilience required to navigate a perilous path to freedom. Their story not only highlights incredible bravery but also marks a significant legacy in the fight for justice and autonomy.
6 snips
Aug 24, 2024 • 48min
The Abbasid caliphate: everything you wanted to know
Hugh Kennedy, a historian specializing in the Islamic world's history, joins Emily Briffett to explore the Abbasid caliphate's fascinating past. They discuss how the Abbasids rose to power and established Baghdad as a cultural capital. The conversation highlights the vibrant intellectual life during the Golden Age, featuring influential scholars and poets. They also touch on the complex coexistence of different religious communities and the factors leading to the caliphate's decline, culminating in the impactful Mongol invasion.
