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
Nov 29, 2023 • 28min
Du Fu: China's greatest poet
Du Fu, China's greatest poet, is discussed in this podcast. The podcast explores the cultural significance of his poetry, the dissemination of his works, and his observations and reflections on the hardships faced by the people in ancient China. Michael Wood, the author of a book on Du Fu, shares insights about the poet's life and works.
Nov 27, 2023 • 31min
Cities that turbocharged art history
Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and author of The Power of Art, explores artistic hubs throughout history, discussing factors that contribute to their flourishing, the role of individuals in art history, the artistic traditions of the Benin Kingdom including the tragic history of Benin, and the art scene in Delhi during the Mughal Empire.
Nov 26, 2023 • 43min
Astronomy history: everything you wanted to know
Explore the captivating history of astronomy, including its connection to astrology and the use of the nomon device. Discover the contributions of ancient Greeks to astronomy and the role of astronomy in navigation and mapping territories. Dive into the fascinating history of the expanding universe and the Big Bang theory.
Nov 24, 2023 • 38min
The dark side of Dickens
Charles Dickens, master of managing his personal brand, tells dark stories about his family, childhood, and sex life. Helena Kelly challenges the traditional biography, unraveling lies and inconsistencies. They discuss Dickens' close bond with John Forster, connections between his novels and real-life experiences, gaps and inconsistencies in his biography, and the influence of his personal life on his fiction.
Nov 23, 2023 • 25min
Shakespeare: Past Master | 2. Romeo and Juliet
Expert on Romeo and Juliet, Sophie Duncan, discusses Shakespeare's portrayal of youth in the Tudor era. Topics explored include young love, rival families, historical significance, influence of youth in later productions, enduring relevance, and favorite productions of Romeo and Juliet.
4 snips
Nov 23, 2023 • 22min
Thanksgiving: everything you wanted to know
Explore the two origins of Thanksgiving, the challenges faced by the Pilgrims, traditional Thanksgiving food and the role of women, the survival of the colonists with the help of indigenous peoples, and the evolution of Thanksgiving traditions.
Nov 22, 2023 • 40min
The dangers of medieval travel
Professor Anthony Bale, author of A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages, discusses the reasons for medieval travel and the risks faced by travelers. Topics include unexpected encounters, the reliability of travel accounts, travel safety in medieval Venice, and the risks of illnesses and shipwrecks. The experiences of women travelers and travel beyond western Europe are also explored.
Nov 20, 2023 • 49min
The Princes in the Tower: has the mystery been solved?
Philippa Langley, author of The Princes in the Tower, discusses new discoveries made by The Missing Princes Project and challenges the belief that Edward V died, presenting evidence supporting the idea that he was alive with a stronger claim to the throne. They also explore a remarkable archival discovery and discuss a witness statement written by Richard Duke of York, detailing his experiences from leaving sanctuary to arriving at his aunt's court in 1493.
Nov 19, 2023 • 48min
The Pre-Raphaelites: everything you wanted to know
Learn about the scandalous lives and art of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, including Elizabeth Siddal's near-death experience, the shocking Rosetti painting, and the disturbing exhumation of Siddal's body by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Nov 17, 2023 • 27min
Resistance in the Second World War
Author Halik Kochanski discusses her book Resistance, exploring different types of resistance against Nazi occupation across Europe during WWII. Topics include motivations for resistance, the role of women in resistance movements, and the complexities of identifying the enemy within resistance groups.
