

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/
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/
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


