

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

Dec 16, 2023 • 27min
Caesar | 3. Master of his fate
The last decade of Julius Caesar’s life was dominated by civil war, his romance with Cleopatra and his quest for ultimate power. In episode three of our new series on Julius Caesar’s rise and fall, Rob Attar is joined by Professor Philip Freeman, Dr Jane Draycott and Dr Volker Heuchert to explore Caesar’s final years as the storm clouds were gathering around him.The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 16, 2023 • 21min
Caesar | 4. Honourable men
Prof. Barry Strauss and Prof. Philip Freeman discuss the characters of Brutus, Cassius, and Decimus who orchestrated the assassination of Julius Caesar. They explore the motivations and backgrounds of the key ringleaders, the growing opposition towards Caesar, and incidents leading up to his assassination including his relationship with Cleopatra.

Dec 16, 2023 • 31min
Caesar | 6. The evil that men do
In this podcast, Dr Jane Draycott tells the story of Antony and Cleopatra’s war with Octavian, while Professor Philip Freeman, Professor Catherine Steel and Professor Barry Strauss reflect on the legacy of the Ides of March. The podcast explores the love story between Antony and Cleopatra, the rivalry between Octavian and Antony, the rise of Octavian as Rome's first emperor, and the significance of Julius Caesar's death and its impact on history.

Dec 16, 2023 • 28min
Caesar | 5. The dogs of war
Experts in ancient Roman history and archaeology discuss the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, including the division and civil war that ensued. They explore the mistakes made by the conspirators, Mark Antony's role, the consequences of Caesar's funeral, and the ultimate downfall of Brutus and Cassius in battle against Antony's superior military strategy.

6 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 32min
Netflix's The Crown: history and storytelling
The head of research for Netflix's The Crown discusses the show's method of depicting historical events and emotions. They explore managing production requests and balancing historical accuracy with storytelling. They also discuss the development of character arcs and the relationship between the British royal family and the press. Lastly, they explore the importance of historical drama in understanding the past and present.

Dec 14, 2023 • 2min
Boston Tea Party: Igniting a revolution | Trailer
Learn about the pivotal moment of the Boston Tea Party in American history, its impact on the Revolutionary War, and its symbolic importance in shaping the nation.

4 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 28min
Boston Tea Party | 1. Tea and taxes
Explore the significance of tea in the Boston Tea Party and its role in the American Revolution. Delve into the importance of tea in the colonial economy and its symbolic meaning in the colonies. Discover the growing political unrest in Britain's North American colonies and the rallying cry for the colonists. Uncover the events surrounding the Boston Massacre and its connection to the Boston Tea Party.

Dec 13, 2023 • 28min
Georgian grand houses: the forgotten women who built them
Amy Boyington, author of Hidden Patrons: Women and Architectural Patronage in Georgian Britain, reveals the forgotten roles of women in Georgian architecture. She discusses their contributions as patrons, liaisons, and even designers of grand houses. Topics include the autonomy and influence of women, their involvement in landscape architecture and charitable school construction, as well as their impact on interior decoration.

Dec 12, 2023 • 51sec
Introducing Life of the Week
A new podcast series explores the fascinating lives of historical figures, from ancient pharaohs to modern daredevils.

Dec 12, 2023 • 32min
Life of the Week: Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa, 14th-century Mali emperor and one of the world's wealthiest people, left a larger legacy than his famous pilgrimage to Mecca. Topics include his immense wealth, rule, interest in exploration, and questions surrounding his succession, the various sources available for studying him and the history of Mali, the vast extent of the Mali Empire, Mansa Musa's influence on architecture, the mystery surrounding his death, and his cultural and educational legacy.


