Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
65 snips
May 1, 2024 • 59min
145. Victoria & Albert (Ep 2)
Discover the whirlwind romance between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, igniting public interest despite initial doubts. Navigate through tumultuous times in the 1840s, including assassination attempts against Victoria and the devastating Irish Potato Famine. Delve into the complexities of royal family dynamics and societal perceptions surrounding their marriage. Explore the contrasting vibrancy and poverty of Victorian London, revealing the shadows behind a glamorous era. Uncover how love and political strife intertwined during one of history's significant royal unions.
44 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 54min
144. The Making of Queen Victoria (Ep 1)
Explore the fascinating early life of Queen Victoria, from her isolated upbringing to her tumultuous relationship with her mother. Discover her awkward first meeting with Prince Albert, complete with humorous mishaps. Delve into the significance of her coronation and how she navigated the complexities of being both a constitutional monarch and a ruler of the vast British Empire. Unpack the duality of her legacy, marked by monumental events and personal challenges, shaping both Britain and its global relationships.
72 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 55min
143. Isabella of Castile: The Spanish Inquisition, the Conquest of Granada, and Columbus
In this engaging conversation, historian Brian Catlos, author of "Kingdoms of Faith," dives into the transformative era of Isabella of Castile. He discusses the troubling rise of the Spanish Inquisition and the impact of Isabella's reign on Spain's once-thriving multicultural society. Catlos sheds light on the fall of Granada as a pivotal moment in history, revealing the complex dynamics of power, religion, and ambition in 1492. The episode also touches on Isabella's influential legacy as a formidable female ruler in a male-dominated world.
68 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 47min
142. Isabella of Castile: Uniting Spain
In this engaging discussion, historian Brian Catlos sheds light on Isabella of Castile, a monarch known for her complex legacy as both a powerful queen and a controversial figure. The conversation covers Isabella's dramatic rise to power and the significant role she played in uniting Spain through her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon. Catlos explores the darker aspects of her reign, including the Inquisition and religious purges, while contrasting her historical impact with that of Akbar’s Mughal India, ultimately revealing the tangled dynamics of leadership in medieval Iberia.
43 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 39min
141. Nur Jahan: The Most Powerful Mughal Woman
Explore the remarkable life of Nur Jahan, the powerful Mughal Empress who took charge as her husband, Jahangir, succumbed to vices. From hunting tigers to leading armies on elephants, she broke gender norms in a male-dominated era. Dive into her intricate political maneuvers and her significant architectural contributions, including a tomb that influenced the Taj Mahal. Discover how she navigated the complexities of power, especially during a coup attempt, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time.
54 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 43min
140. Nur Jahan: The Light of the World
Discover the remarkable journey of Nur Jahan, the Mughal Empress who defied the odds to gain power in a male-dominated society. Explore how she influenced governance and shaped a prosperous Mughal era while also learning about her fascinating origins. Delve into the romance and drama of the Mughal court, including the tragic love story of Prince Salim and Anarkali. The episode also teases a thrilling mystery involving a missing racehorse, intertwining the worlds of history and animal rights.
47 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 47min
139. Mrs Genghis Khan
Marie Favereau, author of "The Horde" and an expert on the Mongol Empire, discusses the fascinating life of Börte, Genghis Khan's wife. Their marriage solidified powerful alliances that were crucial in his rise to power. Favereau highlights the often-overlooked role of women in Mongol society, showcasing their influence and empowerment. She also dives into Genghis Khan's early life challenges, Börte's abduction, and the complexities of their relationship, offering a nuanced view of history that redefines traditional narratives.
50 snips
Apr 8, 2024 • 43min
138. The Graceful Reed: Ruling the Islamic Empire
Hugh Kennedy, an expert on the Islamic Caliphate, dives into the riveting life of al-Khayzuran, who transformed from a slave to the Queen Mother of the Abbasid Caliphate. Their discussion reveals how she navigated and influenced politics across a vast empire during her time. From her surprising rise to power to the intricate family dynamics that led to her son’s throne, Kennedy sheds light on al-Khayzuran's complex legacy and the cultural renaissance of Baghdad. Her story is a captivating blend of intrigue, influence, and power.
59 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 56min
137. Empress Theodora: Making Heaven on Earth
Peter Sarris, a Professor at Cambridge and expert on Empress Theodora, shares insights into the extraordinary life of this Byzantine icon. He reveals how Theodora transformed her tumultuous past into a powerful legacy, advocating for women's rights and influencing legal reforms alongside Emperor Justinian. Their ambitious projects, like the magnificent Hagia Sophia, are explored, as is the political chaos within Constantinople that they navigated. Sarris also discusses Theodora's complex legacy and her eventual canonization, shedding light on her role as both a ruler and a beacon of charity.
56 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 42min
136. Empress Theodora: From the Brothel to the Throne
In this discussion, Peter Sarris, a renowned expert on Byzantine studies, dives into the incredible life of Empress Theodora. Born in a brothel, she transformed from a struggling performer to co-empress alongside Justinian. The conversation touches on the fierce theological debates of early Christianity and the vibrant socio-political climate of Constantinople marked by rival factions. Sarris also explores Theodora's complex legacy, her impactful partnership with Justinian, and how their relationship shaped the empire.
