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
58 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 57min
135. Helena: Queen of the World and Finder of the One True Cross
In this fascinating discussion, Peter Sarris, a Professor at the University of Cambridge specializing in Late Antiquity, sheds light on the remarkable life of St. Helena. Born into poverty, she ascended to power as the mother of Emperor Constantine and played a crucial role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire. They explore her legendary discovery of the true cross, the shifting social status of women in ancient Rome, and the impact of her legacy on Christian pilgrimage. The complexities of her relationships and the tumult of her family further enrich her extraordinary story.
53 snips
Mar 26, 2024 • 42min
134. Cleopatra: The Would-Be Empress of Rome
Cleopatra's journey from a foreign queen entangled with Julius Caesar to an ambitious partner of Mark Antony unfolds with rich historical context. Their opulent encounters exemplify the delicate balance of power and romance. As political tensions rise with Octavian, the romance turns tragic, showcasing their doomed alliance. The podcast also highlights Cleopatra's powerful legacy, particularly her symbolic, operatic demise, and its cultural implications, painting a vivid picture of a remarkable woman navigating the treacherous waters of Roman politics.
70 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 47min
133. Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile
Stacy Schiff, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, joins the hosts to explore the life of Cleopatra, the mesmerizing Queen of the Nile. Discover how Cleopatra, ascending to the throne at just 18, captivated both Egypt and Rome with her remarkable intellect and charm. The discussion delves into her complex identity as a Greek and Egyptian ruler and her strategic political alliances, particularly with Julius Caesar. Schiff highlights the tumultuous events of her reign, revealing the intricate power plays and the legacy of this commanding figure in history.
30 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 47min
132. Journey to Nalanda and the Library of Jewels
Embark on a thrilling journey as a monk faces bandits and storms while seeking the renowned university of Nalanda. Experience the tension between Hinduism and Buddhism, including moments of cooperation and strife. Discover a remarkable tale of a captured monk whose meditation spawns an unexpected storm, saving him from sacrifice. Delve into the influence of a concubine who elevated Buddhism's status in the Chinese court. This adventure intertwines ancient knowledge with the resilience of faith amidst adversity.
24 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 36min
131. Buddhism Goes to China
Dive into the fascinating journey of Buddhism as it spreads from India to China amidst political turmoil. Explore the legendary tale of the Monkey King and the pivotal role of Xuanzang, who journeyed to Nalanda seeking authentic teachings. Discover how Buddhism transformed Chinese culture, faced skepticism, and navigated the coexistence with Confucianism and Taoism. The discussions reveal the rich tapestry of history, cultural exchanges, and the enduring impact of these spiritual philosophies on society.
29 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 46min
130. India meets Rome: Making the Image of the Buddha
Explore the fascinating Kushan Empire, where Buddhism took root and thrived under its rulers. Discover how the Kushans, influenced by Roman art, transformed the depiction of the Buddha from abstract symbols to human-like statues. Uncover the cultural crossroads of Mathura, a hub of spiritual exchange, and trace the routes through which Buddhism spread to China. Reflect on the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas and learn about key figures like Kumara Jeeva, who bridged the gap between Indian and Chinese Buddhism.
101 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 51min
129. Ashoka: The Great Buddhist Emperor of India
Explore the transformative journey of Emperor Ashoka, who morphed from a brutal conqueror into a peace-loving Buddhist missionary after grappling with guilt. Hear about the grandeur of his empire, Pataliputra, and its cultural exchanges with Greek thinkers. Dive into the significance of Ashoka's rock edicts as early written statements and the influence of Buddhism on Indian identity. Discover how Ashoka helped spread Buddhism beyond India and the maritime ventures that intertwined Hindu and Buddhist ideas across Southeast Asia.
59 snips
Mar 5, 2024 • 55min
128. The Life of the Buddha
Discover India's rich cultural legacy as it became a renowned exporter of ideas, influencing vast regions from 250 BC to 1200 AD. Follow the transformative journey of Siddhartha Gautama, who abandoned luxury for enlightenment under a sacred tree. Explore the nuances of early Buddhist teachings that draw parallels with music, emphasizing balance in life. Uncover the connections between Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism and admire the artistry of ancient Buddhist caves that narrate profound stories. Join the exploration of Buddhism's global journey!
28 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 43min
127. Inventing Curry: The British Taste for India
Discover how British tastes shifted from Indian cuisine to European influences during colonial times. Queen Victoria fostered an appetite for Indian flavors, leading to the rise of curry powder imports and the birth of Indian restaurants in Britain. Marvel at the blending of culinary traditions that produced iconic dishes, such as chicken tikka masala and coronation chicken. Explore the complex legacies of these cultural exchanges and how they transformed British dining, as well as the passionate debates around the origins of beloved Indian dishes.
21 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 52min
126. Punch & Chilli: The East India Company at the Table
Discover the spicy history of the East India Company and its influence on culinary traditions. Delve into the humorous contrasts of British and Indian food practices during colonial times. Listen to engaging anecdotes about extravagant feasts and social hierarchies, revealing disparities in food consumption. Uncover the journey of black pepper and chili and their impact on cultural identity. This lively exploration highlights the delightful intertwining of flavors that continues to shape contemporary cuisines.
