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
Feb 19, 2024 • 37min
Slavic Myths: vampires werewolves – and cabbages
Authors Noah Charney and Svetlana Slapšak discuss the intriguing world of Slavic myths, revealing how these stories continue to influence daily life and shape nations. They explore the diversity of Slavic folklore, the symbolism of cabbage, and the captivating tales of vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures.
12 snips
Feb 18, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Roman army: everything you wanted to know
Emily Briffett, an ancient historian, and Adrian Goldsworthy delve into the life of Roman soldiers, discussing their diet, impact on conquered regions, and training methods. They also explore the nickname of a Roman centurion and the soldiers' feelings towards being sent to Britain.
Feb 17, 2024 • 43min
Chanel: glamour and controversy on the Riviera
Coco Chanel's experiences on the French Riviera and the era of Nazi occupation. The transformation of the Riviera from a winter retreat to a luxurious summer resort. The early life of Coco Chanel and her breakthrough into the fashion world. The impact of World War II on the Riviera and contrasting lifestyles and human behavior in the face of German invasion.
Feb 16, 2024 • 42min
Victorian death rituals
Guest Judith Flanders discusses the Victorian fascination with death and the customs and rituals surrounding it. Topics include the process of dying in the 19th century, the care of long-term illnesses, the evolution of funeral practices, the commercialization of grief, photography as a way to preserve memories, and Queen Victoria's unconventional mourning rituals.
Feb 15, 2024 • 39min
Conspiracy | 5. Legends of the Knights Templar
Delving into conspiracy theories surrounding the Knights Templar, from accusations of witchcraft and Satanism to their alleged escape to America after persecution. Exploring the appeal of scandalous storytelling, lack of evidence supporting these theories, and challenges faced by historians in debunking misconceptions.
Feb 14, 2024 • 31min
Happily ever after? Love and marriage in Austen's era
Explore the historical accuracy of Jane Austen's love stories and their adaptations. Discover the dynamics of age gaps in Regency relationships. Uncover the limitations and creative ways Regency couples navigated marriage restrictions. Learn about weddings, honeymoons, and early marriage in Austen's era. Discuss the portrayal of Regency partnerships and examples of successful relationships.
Feb 13, 2024 • 37min
History Behind the Headlines: the Post Office, US elections and Alexander the Great
Explore the intricate details of the Post Office scandal and its implications. Discover the historical importance of postal systems and the heroic efforts of postal workers. Delve into the Trump campaign's plan to change Schedule F and its historical precedence. Learn about the conflict between spoils systems and meritocracy, and strategies to prevent corruption. Finally, dive into the highly competitive civil service exams in China and the debate surrounding digitizing historical documents.
Feb 12, 2024 • 38min
Drag: a British history
Jacob Bloomfield, author of 'Drag: A British History', explores the origins and cultural significance of drag in Britain, tracing its roots from the Victorian era. He discusses the paradox of British culture's love for drag despite its perceived taboo, highlighting stories of influential drag performers. The podcast also explores the unique approaches of Dan Lino and Arthur Lukin, who portrayed Dames in British theater, and delves into the history and adaptability of drag as an art form.
12 snips
Feb 11, 2024 • 59min
Medieval Ireland: everything you wanted to know
Discover the fascinating medieval period of Ireland with topics including the island's geography and regional identities, the unique history of Ireland and the introduction of Christianity, the ancient secular laws of Ireland and the rich collection of saga materials, the languages spoken in medieval Ireland and the role of magic, folklore, and myth, the mythological literature and folklore traditions of ancient Ireland, and the extensive number of vernacular saints in medieval Ireland.
Feb 9, 2024 • 32min
Peking to Paris: the world’s first great motor race
Historian Jon Bauckham discusses the world's first great motor race, the Peking to Paris race of 1907. The podcast explores the origins of the race, the reactions and opinions towards it, the competitors and their vehicles, the impact of technology on travel, and the historical context in which the race took place.
