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
78 snips
Jun 13, 2023 • 50min
56. Tacky's Revolt: Causes of the Rebellion
Vincent Brown, a Harvard historian and author of 'Tacky's Revolt,' delves into the grim realities of slavery and the significant uprising it sparked. He shares personal narratives that highlight the horrific conditions endured by enslaved people in Jamaica. The discussion uncovers the brutal tactics of slaveholders like Thomas Thistlewood and the complex interplay between empathy and analysis in recounting these tales. Brown also examines the economic motivations behind slavery in the Caribbean, revealing the interconnections with global conflicts and resistance movements.
138 snips
Jun 8, 2023 • 47min
55. The Fall of the Royal African Company
Explore the Royal African Company’s grim legacy and its monopoly over the slave trade. Discover the brutal realities of human trafficking and the stark economic implications for Britain. Unravel the intricate themes of slavery in 'Robinson Crusoe' against the backdrop of political tensions during the Glorious Revolution. Dive into the transition to a competitive slave market and the dehumanizing racial hierarchies that emerged. Finally, examine the dual role of faith and profit in the moral complexities of the slave trade.
88 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 41min
54. Royal African Company: Slavery Inc
Discover the Royal African Company's pivotal role in the brutal transatlantic slave trade and its impact on Britain's economic expansion. Explore the complexities of labor sourcing in colonial West Africa, and examine the troubling ties between wealth, nobility, and slavery. Unravel the saga of sugar as a driving force behind European colonial ambitions, while also reflecting on the lasting legacy of slavery in contemporary society. Delve into naval advancements that fueled colonial pursuits and marked a dark chapter in history.
72 snips
May 30, 2023 • 52min
53. Barbary Corsairs: Raiding the British isles
Nabil Matar, a Professor at the University of Minnesota, specializes in the early modern relations between Britain and the Islamic world. He dives into the intriguing history of Barbary slave raids on the British coast, revealing the complexities of Britain's ties to North Africa during the Elizabethan era. Matar discusses the absurd tale of a British captive turned cook in Algeria, alongside the often-overlooked phenomenon of British individuals converting to Islam. He sheds light on the dynamics of slavery and international relations, unraveling a fascinating chapter of history.
99 snips
May 23, 2023 • 57min
52. The Slave who Ruled
In this riveting conversation, historian Manu Pillai sheds light on Malik Ambar, an Ethiopian slave who ascended to power in India during the 16th century. They explore the dynamics of slavery in India, revealing Malik's rise from a young slave to a formidable military leader against the Mughal Empire. The discussion also unveils innovative guerrilla tactics employed by Malik and highlights the complex legacy of African influences within India's history. Pillai's insights challenge perceptions of slavery and identity, making for a captivating listen.
84 snips
May 16, 2023 • 51min
51. Vikings: Slavs to Slaves
Cat Jarman, an archaeologist and author specializing in Viking history, joins the discussion. They unravel the fascinating story behind a red bead linking Viking communities to India and explore the unexpected depth of the Viking slave trade. The conversation dives into grim burial rituals and how archaeological methods reshape our understanding of Viking society, particularly the roles of women and enslaved individuals. Jarman also highlights the legacy of Ood the Deep-Minded, showcasing resilience in a harsh world.
77 snips
May 9, 2023 • 57min
50. Rome: A Slave Society
Mary Beard, a Professor of Classics at Cambridge and an expert on ancient Rome, delves into the intricate world of slavery in the Roman Empire. She explores the harsh realities faced by slaves, including the brutal slave trade during Caesar's conquests and the complex relationships between slaves and their masters. Beard contrasts historical perspectives on freedom and rebellion, shedding light on figures like Spartacus and the often-overlooked complexities of daily life for those enslaved. This discussion challenges notions of Roman exceptionalism and encourages reflection on modern parallels.
93 snips
May 4, 2023 • 57min
49. The Dawn of Everything
David Wengrow, an esteemed archaeologist and anthropologist, delves into the complexities of ancient societies and the roots of slavery in conversation with the hosts. He challenges conventional beliefs about hierarchy, suggesting prior egalitarian cultures existed even before agriculture. Wengrow unveils fascinating findings from archaeological sites, like the comfort of pyramid builders, and sheds light on the intricate labor dynamics of ancient Egypt. His insights weave a rich tapestry, questioning what we think we know about history and social structures.
25 snips
May 2, 2023 • 16min
48. The History of Slavery
Dive into the haunting history of slavery and its enduring consequences. Discover the unsettling ties between slavery and British colonialism, and the current debates on reparations. Explore the striking experiences at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where the impact of slavery is felt deeply. The conversation also questions whether empires inherently foster systems of oppression, and reflects on how the legacy of slavery continues to shape our modern world.
64 snips
Apr 27, 2023 • 42min
47. Rebels Against the Raj
In this insightful discussion, Ram Guha, the author of "Rebels Against the Raj," sheds light on the Westerners who bravely joined India's fight for freedom. He introduces remarkable figures like Annie Besant and B.G. Horniman, highlighting their diverse motivations and complex legacies. The conversation delves into the personal journeys of these activists, showcasing their remarkable contributions against colonialism. Guha also emphasizes the significance of international support during India's independence struggle, making for a compelling narrative on unity in resistance.
