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
48 snips
Apr 25, 2023 • 51min
46. The Mau Mau, the court case, and the hidden documents
Caroline Elkins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and Harvard professor, dives deep into the harrowing history of the Mau Mau Uprising and the British colonial abuses in Kenya. She recounts her journey from facing skepticism over her documentary evidence to uncovering 300 hidden boxes of crucial records that validate her findings. The conversation delves into the brutal tactics used by colonial powers, the ongoing struggle for justice among Kikuyu survivors, and the implications of these revelations on contemporary views of colonial history.
14 snips
Apr 20, 2023 • 39min
45. Successors to the Romans, progressive harems, and living Ottomans
The hosts dive into whether the Ottomans regarded themselves as successors to the Roman Empire. They compare the progressive roles of women in the Ottoman harem with those in the Mughal Empire, revealing intriguing cultural contrasts. Listeners are treated to stories about the descendants of the Ottomans, including the daughter of the last caliph. The conversation also explores land negotiations under Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the artistic exchanges between the Ottomans and Venice, highlighting a rich tapestry of history and legacy.
28 snips
Apr 18, 2023 • 46min
44. The Legacy of the Ottomans, Queen of the Desert, and giant turbans
Discover the complex legacy of the Ottoman Empire and how Ataturk viewed its modern implications. Delve into the fascinating life of Gertrude Bell, a trailblazer in archaeology and policy during a turbulent time. Explore the historical narratives surrounding the Armenian genocide and the intricacies of Turkic migrations. Learn how Ottoman culture is experiencing a revival in contemporary Turkey and why giant turbans once became a fashion statement. This lively discussion weaves personal stories with deep historical insights.
26 snips
Apr 11, 2023 • 60min
43. The Birth of Saudi Arabia
Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and expert on Saudi Arabia, dives into the rich historical tapestry of the country’s formation. He discusses Ibn Saud’s strategic alliances and the interplay of British interests during World War I. Coll highlights the transformative impact of oil discovery on Saudi society and the role of figures like Harry Philby in shaping the oil industry. The complexities of Wahhabism, Riyadh's rapid development, and the intricate dynamics of leadership succession provide captivating insights into the nation’s emergence.
40 snips
Apr 6, 2023 • 49min
42. The Fiery End of the Ottoman Empire
Giles Milton, a historian specializing in the Ottoman Empire, dives into the chaotic final days of Smyrna during the 1922 catastrophe. He reveals the panic of fleeing communities and the indifference of elites as the Greek retreat unfolds. The discussion sheds light on the grim realities of violence, including ethnic cleansing and sexual violence as warfare tactics. Milton also highlights the tragic global inaction during the humanitarian crisis, showcasing the heroic efforts of Asa Jennings to save victims amidst the devastation.
31 snips
Apr 4, 2023 • 52min
41. The Rise of Ataturk
Giles Milton, bestselling author of 'Paradise Lost: Smyrna 1922', joins to explore the tumultuous history of Smyrna and the rise of Mustafa Kemal, later known as Ataturk. The discussion covers the vibrant cultural tapestry of Smyrna before the Greek invasion, revealing the tensions that ignited violence at the end of World War I. Milton sheds light on Ataturk's strategic navigation through complex political landscapes, leading to his emergence as a national leader in a time of chaos and transformation.
194 snips
Mar 28, 2023 • 50min
40. Origins of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Tom Segev, an accomplished historian and author of "One Palestine Complete," delves into the turbulent origins of the Israel-Palestine conflict. He sheds light on the Balfour Declaration of 1917, discussing its far-reaching implications for both Jewish and Palestinian communities. The conversation also touches on the complexities of identity, historical persecution faced by Jewish populations, and the socio-political landscape during the transition from Ottoman rule to British mandate. Segev's insights clarify how past events continue to shape today's tensions.
24 snips
Mar 21, 2023 • 60min
39. Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Revolt
Join Lawrence expert Anthony Sattin, author of Young Lawrence, as he unravels the enigmatic figure of T.E. Lawrence. Discover the complexities of his asexuality and pivotal mentorship, alongside the political turmoil of the Ottoman Empire's decline. Sattin shares insights into the motivations behind Sheriff Hussein's alliance in the Arab Revolt and Lawrence’s influence on current Middle Eastern politics. With reflections on hospitality in historic regions and the repercussions of guerrilla tactics, this conversation is rich in historical intrigue.
67 snips
Mar 14, 2023 • 1h
38. Sykes-Picot: Carving up the Middle-East
Join historian James Barr, author of "A Line in the Sand," as he delves into the contentious Sykes-Picot Agreement that shaped the modern Middle East. He explores how greed and arbitrary borders set the stage for ongoing conflicts. Discover the motivations behind this imperial deal, the clash between British and French ambitions, and how past decisions continue to echo through present-day geopolitics. Barr's insights reveal the complex cultural and historical influences that still affect the region today.
45 snips
Mar 9, 2023 • 38min
37. The Armenian Genocide: Death Marches
Eugene Rogan, author of *The Fall of the Ottomans*, joins to provide a gripping analysis of the Armenian Genocide. He discusses the harrowing forced marches across the desert and the brutal conditions endured by the Armenian people. Rogan shares personal survivor accounts and the psychological impact of these atrocities on Armenian identity. The conversation also touches on the post-genocide accountability of Ottoman leaders and the ongoing struggle for recognition amidst denialism, particularly in Turkey.
