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 11, 2023 • 1min
Caesar: Death of a Dictator | Trailer
In this podcast, expert historians discuss the dramatic events leading to Julius Caesar's assassination and how it ultimately led to the transformation of Rome into an empire.
Dec 11, 2023 • 23min
Victoria's armpit and 'giant' bones: body parts that changed history
Dr. Suzie Edge explores the intriguing stories of body parts that have shaped history. She discusses preserved body parts throughout history, including Rasputin's supposed member and Galileo's middle finger. The podcast also delves into significant body parts like Charles Burney's bones and Napoleon's member, as well as Queen Victoria's armpit abscess and its impact on medical advancements. Other fascinating stories include Jenkins' severed ear symbolizing a conflict between nations and Henrietta Lax's unconsenting contribution to medical research. The podcast also discusses surprising stories like Louis XIV's abscess and how a surgeon named Felix created a new hole.
21 snips
Dec 10, 2023 • 54min
The American Gilded Age: everything you wanted to know
Learn about the Gilded Age in the US, the explosion of industry, influential industrialists, and their philanthropy. Explore the impact of monopolies and trusts, railroad expansion, and efforts to unionize. Discover how literature shaped the perception of society during this era and how industrialization transformed the Wild West.
Dec 8, 2023 • 42min
Books and war: from James Bond to leaflet bombing
Andrew Pettegree discusses the surprising ways in which the written word has shaped, and been shaped by, conflicts in the last few centuries. Topics include the role of books in war, leaflets in psychological warfare, the influence of literature on leaders during WWII, and the durability of books and history of libraries.
Dec 7, 2023 • 29min
Shakespeare: Past Master | 4. Hamlet
The podcast explores the theme of death in Shakespeare's play Hamlet, including the cultural context of the time and the characters' relationships with mortality. It discusses the evolving content and reception of Hamlet throughout different generations, and the cultural significance of the play, particularly its association with white masculinity.
Dec 6, 2023 • 34min
Medieval manners: social etiquette in the Middle Ages
Explore the importance of social etiquette in the Middle Ages, including the value placed on good manners, proper behavior at the dinner table, and the rules and rituals of social etiquette. Discover the behavior and rules of monarchy during the Middle Ages, and the variations in manners and rules across different regions.
Dec 4, 2023 • 50min
Marshal Pétain: Vichy France in the dock
Julian Jackson discusses the trial of Marshal Philippe Pétain and its role in French history. Topics include Petain's role in World War I, French strategic errors in WW2, Vichy France leaders, challenges of the trial, and the complicated legacy of the Vichy regime in France.
Dec 3, 2023 • 41min
1950s Britain: everything you wanted to know
Explore the perception versus reality of 1950s Britain, including the impact of World War II, the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Suez Crisis. Learn about the influence of Queen Elizabeth II on women in public life, the effects of immigration and internal migration, and the unexpected independence of colonies in the British Empire. Discover how the Suez Crisis impacted Britain's global standing and alignment with the United States.
Dec 1, 2023 • 46min
The dangerous road to the Bastille
Explore the 40 years leading up to the French Revolution, filled with war, scandal, financial crisis, and scientific advancements. Highlights include the Parisians' perception of the end of the War of the Austrian Succession, the impact of the Seven Years' War on Paris, the spring uprising of 1750, and the influence of the Enlightenment period.
Nov 30, 2023 • 31min
Shakespeare: Past Master | 3. Julius Caesar
This podcast explores how Shakespeare's Julius Caesar offers insights into both the ancient world and the politics of his own era. It discusses the accuracy of the play's depiction of ancient Rome and the historical influences on Shakespeare's portrayal of characters. The podcast also explores the genre of Shakespeare's history plays and delves into the timeless themes and complexities of Julius Caesar.
