Dan Snow's History Hit
History Hit
Historian Dan Snow journeys across the globe to tell the stories of history's defining moments. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Great Wall of China, the battlefields of Waterloo to the Tomb of Tutankhamun, join Dan as he explores the how and why of the greatest monuments, battles, heroes, villains and events that have shaped our world.New episodes on Mondays and Thursdays with bonus subscriber only episodes every other Friday.You can get in touch with us at ds.hh@historyhit.comA podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts The Ancients, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 30min
The Hunt for Pablo Escobar
Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, former DEA agents who played pivotal roles in the hunt for Pablo Escobar, share their gripping experiences. They discuss Escobar's ruthless rise to power and the astonishing tale of his self-surrender to a government that allowed him to build a luxury prison. The duo recount their high-stakes efforts to capture him, including intense confrontations and the emergence of vigilante groups. Their reflections reveal the human impact of the drug war and the vital importance of maintaining optimism in the face of overwhelming challenges.
23 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 59min
A History of Auschwitz
Nicholas Wachsmann, a Professor of Modern European History at Birkbeck University and author of "KL: A History of the Nazi Concentration Camps," shares insights into the grim history of Auschwitz. He discusses the swift dismantling of German democracy post-1933 and the origins of concentration camps. The conversation highlights the transformation of Auschwitz into a site of mass murder, the radicalization of Nazi policies against Jews, and anecdotal accounts of prisoner resilience amid despair. Wachsmann emphasizes the importance of remembering these atrocities to prevent the repetition of history.
19 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 34min
The Panama Canal
In this engaging discussion, Professor Julie Greene, an expert in global labor and the history of the Panama Canal, unpacks its tumultuous past. She reveals how the canal, a 50-mile waterway of immense significance, faced centuries of failed attempts before the U.S. took on the challenge in the early 1900s. The podcast highlights the horrendous conditions faced by Caribbean workers, the scandalous political maneuvering by the U.S., and the canal's lasting impact on global trade and geopolitics, including contemporary debates over its legacy.
26 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 32min
How WW1 Inspired The Lord of The Rings
John Garth, an award-winning Tolkien biographer and author of 'Tolkien and the Great War,' shares insights into how World War I shaped J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary Middle-earth. He discusses Tolkien's early life and the profound impact of personal tragedy and friendship on his writing. Garth explores the pressures of enlistment and how the battlefield experiences influenced Tolkien's narratives. The conversation also highlights the contrast between Tolkien’s views on war and those of other contemporary writers, showcasing the deep psychological impacts of conflict on literature.
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 20min
Vasco da Gama and The Rise of the Portuguese Empire
Dive into the thrilling saga of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer whose voyages reshaped global trade. Discover the backdrop of 15th century Europe, filled with ambition and crusading zeal. Uncover the challenges and triumphs of navigating treacherous waters to forge crucial trade routes to India. Hear about the cultural and economic transformations sparked by maritime exploration, and the fierce encounters with local populations that marked this pivotal moment in history.
14 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Charlemagne
Matthew Innes, a professor specializing in the early Middle Ages, dives into Charlemagne's extraordinary life. They explore his dual legacy as a military leader and a patron of culture, spotlighting a captivating story about an elephant symbolizing his influence. Innes discusses the political upheaval of 8th century Europe, the transition to the Carolingian dynasty, and the economic boom thanks to trade routes. The conversation also addresses Charlemagne's military campaigns in Iberia and his interactions with the Abbasid dynasty, showcasing his lasting impact on European history.
11 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 42min
The Rise of Napoleon
Join Matt Lewis, host of the Echoes of History podcast, as he unpacks the fascinating rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Delve into his tactical genius during the French Revolution, exploring how political chaos created opportunities for his ambition. Hear about his impressive victories in Northern Italy and his strategic pivot from military leader to Emperor. Discover the paradox of his legacy—both a champion of democratic ideals and a ruthless conqueror. Matt also discusses the perils of multi-front warfare, drawing lessons from Napoleon's complex life.
23 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 34min
Who Owns Greenland?
In this fascinating discussion, Professor Richard Rix from the University of Copenhagen, an expert on Greenlandic history, delves into the long-standing intrigue surrounding Greenland. He explores the rich tapestry of its past, from early Indigenous Inuit settlements to Norse colonizers. Rix sheds light on Denmark's historical ties to Greenland and the U.S.'s multiple unsuccessful attempts to acquire the territory. The episode also highlights Greenland's current aspirations for independence and the complexities of its economic challenges.
9 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 48min
Roald Amundsen
In this captivating conversation, Stephen R. Bown, author of 'The Last Viking: The Life of Roald Amundsen', brings the legendary explorer to life. He discusses Amundsen's remarkable feats, including being the first to both the South and North Poles. The episode dives into Amundsen's meticulous planning and leadership that set him apart from rivals like Captain Scott. Bown also highlights the challenges of polar exploration, Amundsen's early influences, and the fierce rivalries that defined this thrilling era of adventure.
6 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 37min
How to Survive a Medieval Crusade
Matt Lewis, host of 'Gone Medieval' and presenter of a documentary on Richard III, dives deep into the harrowing realities of medieval crusades. He discusses the logistical nightmares faced by crusaders, from perilous journeys to deadly battles. Survival was a constant struggle, with only 15-20% reaching Jerusalem. Lewis also highlights personal stories of key figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine and the impact on relationships. The grueling experience of the crusades reveals the high human cost behind these Church-sanctioned expeditions.
