HistoryExtra podcast
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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
Jan 28, 2024 • 43min
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: everything you wanted to know
In this podcast, public historian Bettany Hughes answers listener questions about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. She discusses the engineering genius of the Great Pyramid, the intriguing backstory of the hanging gardens of Babylon, and the symbolism behind each wonder. The podcast also explores the connection between the Statue of Zeus and the Olympic Games, the mausoleum of Halikonassus built for King Mozzles, and the Temple of Artemis. The chapter concludes with a discussion on a potential eighth ancient wonder and the speaker's desire to travel back in time to witness the peak of ancient wonders.
Jan 26, 2024 • 34min
Nicholas Winton: the 'British Schindler'
Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker, rescued hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. The podcast discusses the challenges faced during their rescue, Winton's role in WWII, and the impact of his sudden fame. It highlights the importance of celebrating his achievements and how his story can inspire positive change.
Jan 25, 2024 • 36min
Conspiracy | 2. Was Pearl Harbor an inside job?
The podcast explores the conspiracy theories surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack, including the idea that the US had advanced knowledge through intercepted codes. It also discusses the factors that fueled these theories, examines why conspiracy theories around historical events have become prevalent, and touches upon the failures and miscommunications leading up to the attack.
8 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 35min
Ireland's tangled relationship with empire
Historian Jane Ohlmeyer discusses Ireland's complex relationship with empire, from being a 'laboratory of empire' to how imperialism influenced clothing. Topics include Irish land confiscation, exploitation of Irish labor, Ireland as a colonial laboratory, agents of empire, and Ireland's influence on the British Empire.
Jan 23, 2024 • 31min
Life of the Week: Harold Godwinson (Harold II)
David Musgrove explores the life of Harold Godwinson, the king defeated by William the Conqueror. They discuss the famous arrow to the eye story, Harold's rise to power, the Battle of Hastings, and Harold's alleged allegiance to William. They also delve into Harold's character, his reputation as a ruthless leader, and speculate on alternate history outcomes if he had won. The potential consequences of Harold's survival and the future challenges for England are also explored.
Jan 22, 2024 • 31min
Britain's long love affair with sport
Exploring Britain's obsession with sports, from medieval tournaments to the mega-bucks of the Premier League. The podcast discusses the origins of international sport, the connection between medieval tournaments and military training, the rise and fall of women's football, the dominance of horse racing in British sporting life, and the historical origins and popularity of boxing among the Jewish community in Britain.
20 snips
Jan 21, 2024 • 32min
The Silk Road: everything you wanted to know
Explore the origins and significance of the Silk Road, the varied experiences of traveling the route, and the benefits and drawbacks of this ancient trade network. Delve into the heyday of the Silk Road in the 13th and 14th centuries, and learn about its long-term impact and current popularity.
14 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 30min
The Renaissance: an explosion of creativity
Art critic and writer Jonathan Jones explores the Renaissance and its enduring significance. Topics include the spread of Renaissance ideas beyond Italy, the revolutionary shift in art and thinking, the origins and concept of the Renaissance, and the impact on religion and the Counter-Reformation.
Jan 18, 2024 • 26min
Conspiracy | 1. Was Elizabeth I a man?
Tudor historian Tracy Borman explores the conspiracy theory surrounding Queen Elizabeth I's gender. The lack of evidence, role of misogyny, and scrutiny of physical bodies are highlighted. The podcast also includes a discussion on Nicole Kidman's early struggles and an upcoming episode with her.
Jan 18, 2024 • 2min
Conspiracy | Series 2 Trailer
Expert historians delve into popular conspiracy theories like the JFK assassination, the Knights Templar and the Roswell incident in the second series of Conspiracy from HistoryExtra.
