HistoryExtra podcast

Immediate
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Nov 16, 2023 • 39sec

Shakespeare Trailer

Experts analyze Shakespeare's plays to uncover their depiction of historical events and provide insights into Tudor era and the perception of history at that time.
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Nov 16, 2023 • 31min

Shakespeare: Past Master | 1. Henry V

Jerry Brotton, expert insights, Shakespeare's Henry V, explores nationalism, complexities, and ambivalence. Discusses war justification, kingship, relevance in today's political climate.
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Nov 15, 2023 • 28min

George Orwell’s forgotten wife

Eileen O'Shaughnessy, George Orwell's first wife, played a vital role in his career and convinced him to write Animal Farm. Anna Funder reveals O'Shaughnessy's hidden life and discusses how women have facilitated the success of their husbands from the shadows.
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Nov 13, 2023 • 26min

Magic books: a global history

Explore the origins of written magic, its intersection with religion, and its presence in popular culture. Delve into the debate on ritual magic in medieval Europe. Discover the earliest forms of written magic in Mesopotamia and its accessibility. Learn about the impact of the printing press on magic books. Discuss the coexistence of magic, religion, and science throughout history.
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Nov 12, 2023 • 58min

Norse myths: everything you wanted to know

Exploring Norse myths and their influence on daily life, historian Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough answers listener questions about the pantheon of Norse myths, from the creation of the world to Ragnarok. Topics include the role of prophecy, female burials, and the wide-reaching influence of Norse mythology beyond Scandinavia. Additionally, the podcast delves into specific Norse myths such as the Giant Testicle-Skavi Laugh Challenge and Thor's Missing Hammer, as well as the enduring popularity and interpretation of Norse mythology.
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Nov 10, 2023 • 32min

Medieval Stalingrad: The siege of Calais

Dan Jones discusses the brutal siege of Calais during the Hundred Years' War and reveals why those trapped inside the city considered turning to cannibalism. The podcast explores the historical significance of the siege, the condition of the English Army after the Battle of Crecy, and the strategic importance of the town. It also discusses the blockade tactics used during the siege, the hardships faced by the citizens, and the negotiations for surrender.
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5 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 48min

The First Crusade | 5. The end or the beginning?

In this final episode of the First Crusade, the crusaders reach their ultimate goal of capturing Jerusalem. The challenges they face, including the city's walls and political divisions within the army, are explored. The significance of Jerusalem's capture is discussed, along with factors contributing to the crusaders' success and the evolution of the concept of jihad during the Crusades. The podcast also examines the short-term success of the crusade for the Byzantines and the complex legacy of the crusades.
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Nov 8, 2023 • 29min

The Munich Putsch: Hitler’s bungled revolution

Explore the failed coup attempt by the Nazi Party known as the Munich Putsch and its influence on Hitler's rise to power. Learn about the aftermath of the coup, Hitler's trial and lenient sentence, and his time in prison where he wrote Mein Kampf. Discover the mystery surrounding Hitler's early life and potential army sponsorship of the Nazi party.
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Nov 6, 2023 • 38min

Women’s history: from 1066 to Margaret Thatcher

Novelist Philippa Gregory explores 900 years of women's history, from the Norman invasion to securing the right to vote. She discusses the impact of global conflicts, job market, deadly diseases, and societal perceptions on women's lives. Topics include inheritance rights, women's roles in the 1500s, changing views of women, early marriage manuals, and women's relationships throughout history.
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Nov 5, 2023 • 57min

Ancient Egyptian pyramids: everything you wanted to know

Exploring mysteries of Egyptian pyramids, including design, construction, new passageways, and the enigma of the Great Sphinx. Debunking slavery myth, discussing labor, tools, and techniques used. Examining the connection between the layout of the Giza pyramids and the constellation Orion. Describing the structure and internal components of pyramids, as well as preservation efforts by the Egyptian government.

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