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
7 snips
Sep 17, 2023 • 33min
Scandals that shocked Georgian Britain
Historian and author Emily Brand discusses scandalous affairs, messy duels, corrupt law-enforcers, and vengeful ghosts that captivated Georgian Britain. She explores the dissemination of scandals through personal correspondence, word of mouth, and print culture. The scandalous personal life of a prime minister, scandals involving a sex scandal between MP William Beckford and aristocrat William Courtney, and the significance of scandals as historical sources are also covered.
Sep 16, 2023 • 36min
British parliament: everything you wanted to know
Explore the history of Britain's Parliament, from medieval practices to strange traditions. Learn about the Gunpowder Plot and its impact, the relationship between the monarch and Parliament, and three dramatic speeches that shaped British politics.
Sep 14, 2023 • 35min
When poison pen letters caused chaos
Discover the fascinating history of anonymous letters and their role in driving social change. Explore the connection between the prepaid penny post and the surge in anonymous letter writing. Investigate a mysterious letter questioning the death of a young man in 1894. Learn about the emotional impacts and consequences of receiving poison pen letters. Examine the media attention and perception surrounding poison pen letters in the early 20th century.
Sep 13, 2023 • 42min
Great Reputations: Cleopatra
Egyptian queen Cleopatra's life, relationships, beauty, and perception throughout history. Challenges of understanding her reign. Evolution of Cleopatra's depictions in art and film, highlighting physical attractiveness. Contrast between Shakespeare's portrayal and acceptance of female pharaohs. Cleopatra's use of religion and motherhood. Importance of focusing on her actions and motivations.
Sep 12, 2023 • 39min
Secrets of the Anglo-Saxon bone chests
Cat Jarman, author of The Bone Chests, explores the significance of the bone chests in Winchester Cathedral, revealing insights about the early kings of Wessex and the politics of the Anglo-Saxon period. The podcast discusses the development of religious buildings in Winchester, the practice of moving and reusing bones during the Anglo-Saxon period, and the influential role of Queen Emma. It also delves into the controversial story of Carrotabook and the advancements in DNA technology for identification.
Sep 11, 2023 • 26min
Jane Austen’s passion for fashion
Fashion historian, Hilary Davidson, delves into the wardrobe of Jane Austen, debunking the notion of her dowdiness. They discuss Austen's personal style, cherished jewelry, fabrics used in her gowns, clothing colors, sustainability, and how her fashion choices reveal a deeper understanding of her life.
Sep 10, 2023 • 26min
The brain behind the Dambusters raid
Explore the significance and contributions of Barnes Wallace, the man behind the Dambusters raid. Learn about the origins and military value of Operation Chastise, the psychological impact of the raid on Britain, and the multifaceted legacy of Barnes and Wallace.
Sep 9, 2023 • 33min
Spanish flu: everything you wanted to know
Learn about the origins and global spread of the Spanish flu, the limited medical treatments available, public health initiatives and precautions, resistance to these measures, and the challenges faced by undertakers. Also, find out how the death toll of the Spanish flu compares to that of World War One.
Sep 7, 2023 • 42min
Women who shaped the Roman empire
Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire Through the Eyes of Its Women, joins Elinor Evans to explore the role of women in the Roman empire. They discuss the challenges of uncovering women's stories, the integral role of women in Roman society, the founding story of Rome involving the abduction of Sabine women, the challenges in studying early Roman history, the complex portrayal of Claudia in Roman politics, and Julia Felix's luxury leisure complex in Pompeii.
Sep 6, 2023 • 58min
Great Reputations: Oliver Cromwell
This podcast explores the controversial life and legacy of Oliver Cromwell, discussing topics such as his religious zealotry, his campaign in Ireland, the execution of King Charles I, and the varied views of him held by different groups of people. It also delves into the challenges of judging historical figures based on modern standards.
