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
May 16, 2024 • 36min
The real Lady Whistledown & the golden age of gossip
Professor Hannah Greig, the historical consultant to the series Bridgerton, explores the scandalous world of Georgian gossip sheets and the mysterious Lady Whistledown. They discuss the origins of Regency celebrity gossip, the impact of print culture on society, and the accessibility of news in the elite circles of the era.
4 snips
May 15, 2024 • 32min
WW2's greatest battles | 5. Guadalcanal
Military historian James Holland discusses the battle of Guadalcanal in WW2, highlighting the strategic significance of the island, logistical challenges faced by both the Japanese and American forces, the importance of Henderson Field, and the ultimate victory of the US in the Pacific theater.
6 snips
May 14, 2024 • 42min
A surprising history of sex between men
Historian Noel Malcolm uncovers a complex history of same-sex relationships in early modern Europe and the Ottoman world. He explores societal attitudes towards male-male sexual encounters, the evolution of same-sex relationships across European history, and the influence of Italian writings and English literature. Podcast discusses the transition from church to secular laws on sodomy, highlighting the nuances and complexities of historical sexual behaviors.
20 snips
May 13, 2024 • 41min
History Behind the Headlines: student protests down the centuries
Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter discuss the evolution of student protests, drawing parallels between historical events like the St Scholastica's Day Massacre and modern social justice movements. They explore crowd-sourced projects on Jane Austen's connections and the rediscovery of an 11th-century astrolabe. The podcast also highlights the interconnectedness of medieval Europe with Southeast Asia and the emerging geopolitical significance of the region.
May 12, 2024 • 38min
Tudor ladies-in-waiting: the women who served Henry VIII's queens
Dr. Nicola Clark, author of The Waiting Game, discusses the challenges faced by Tudor ladies-in-waiting serving Henry VIII's queens. Topics include loyalty, power dynamics, secret communication methods, and the evolving roles of these women across different reigns.
May 11, 2024 • 48min
Ancient Greek theatre: everything you wanted to know
Classicist Sarah Nooter answers top questions about ancient Greek theatre, covering audience preferences, crowd behaviors, and the influence of Dionysus. The podcast explores the origins and development of Greek theater, Athens' cultural flourishing, the Festival of Dionysia, tragedy performances, and different genres like tragedy, comedy, and Seder plays.
7 snips
May 9, 2024 • 28min
The Tattooist of Auschwitz: is it ok to fictionalise the Holocaust?
Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, discusses the controversies of fictionalizing the Holocaust. The discussion touches on the challenges of accurately portraying historical events, the ethical debate of fictionalizing tragedies, and the importance of conveying the true horror and significance of the Holocaust through storytelling.
May 8, 2024 • 36min
WW2's greatest battles | 4. El Alamein
Military historian James Holland discusses the significance of the Battle of El Alamein in WW2, highlighting charismatic leaders, the challenges of desert warfare, and the pivotal role of deception and strategy. The podcast explores the strengths and weaknesses of British and Axis forces, combat tactics in the desert, and the factors leading to the Allies' victory at El Alamein.
May 7, 2024 • 27min
Shardlake: bringing the Tudor murder mystery to the screen
Peter Wagstaff, the historical consultant for Disney+'s new Tudor drama Shardlake, discusses the 16th-century whodunnit set during the dissolution of the monasteries. They explore the portrayal of a lawyer solving crimes in Tudor society, the authenticity in historical narratives, and the unique detectives of Shardlake series.
17 snips
May 6, 2024 • 37min
Kublai Khan: life of the week
Historian Nicholas Morton discusses Kublai Khan's reign, blending Mongol and Chinese influences, military campaigns, cultural exchanges, technological advancements, and the decline of the Mongol Empire. Learn about the remarkable life of this powerful leader who changed the course of history.
