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
22 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
How to Survive the Age of Sail
In this engaging discussion, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney, historians and co-hosts of the After Dark podcast, dive into the treacherous realities of life during the Age of Sail. They reveal the grim truths behind sailors' motivations and the harsh conditions they faced aboard wooden ships. Topics include the harrowing practices of press ganging, the role of alcohol in maintaining morale, and the terrifying risks of scurvy and shipwrecks. The conversation sheds light on the striking balance between the glory of exploration and the perils of maritime life.
10 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 28min
The Assassination of JFK
Jefferson Morley, a seasoned Washington-based journalist and author, dives deep into the JFK assassination with a focus on intelligence and secrecy. He recounts the chilling moment of Kennedy's death in Dallas and the chaotic aftermath, including Oswald's arrest and Ruby's shocking actions. Morley critiques the Warren Commission, revealing how key evidence was hidden, and explains why conspiracy theories persist. He also shares insights from his long fight for CIA records, uncovering revelations about surveillance and Operation Northwoods that continue to shape our understanding.
9 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 44min
John F. Kennedy: Myths vs Reality
Join journalist and biographer Randy Taraborrelli as he unravels the complex life of John F. Kennedy, a figure defined by charm and contradictions. Discover the impact of JFK's domineering father, Joe Kennedy, and the secrets surrounding his sister Rosemary's lobotomy. Dive into JFK's turbulent marriage with Jackie, his notorious affairs, and the emotional toll of his public image versus private detachment. From wartime heroics to personal struggles, Taraborrelli reveals how Kennedy’s legacy is shaped by both triumphs and inner battles.
16 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Spanish Armada
Delve into the dramatic clash of 1588 when Spain's Armada aimed to conquer England. Discover Philip II's ambitions and the fierce rivalry born from religious turmoil. Hear about the bold tactics of English commanders like Drake, and the strategic mistakes that doomed the Spanish fleet. Learn how a late-night fireship attack shattered the Armada's formation, leading to a decisive English victory. Join the exploration of how this pivotal moment reshaped naval history and national identity.
40 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 40min
Nuremberg: The Trial of Göring
Jack El-Hai, historian and author of *The Nazi and the Psychiatrist*, dives into the chilling dynamics between Hermann Göring and psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley during the Nuremberg Trials. He explores Göring's charisma and manipulative tactics to control his legacy, as well as Kelley’s psychological assessments of the defendants. The conversation reveals Göring’s opportunism in court, his death sentence, and the symbolic connection between his suicide and Kelley’s reflections on the nature of guilt and ambition in authoritarian regimes.
23 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 36min
The Black Death
Helen Carr, historian and author of 'Sceptred Isle', explores the chilling impact of the Black Death. She discusses its origins in the Tian Shan region and the surprising pathways it took through trade routes. Listeners will learn about eerie remedies like chicken bottoms and the baffling lack of understanding regarding fleas. Helen delves into societal responses, revealing how compassion emerged amid chaos. Lastly, she highlights how the pandemic shifted cultural attitudes towards death, sparking both social mobility and artistic reflection.
Nov 10, 2025 • 47min
The Battle of Passchendaele
Jen Baldwin, a genealogist and research specialist for Findmypast, joins to explore the haunting realities of the Battle of Passchendaele. She shares chilling accounts from soldier diaries, detailing the grim conditions and relentless strategies that defined this infamous conflict. Stories of Private James Morby and Captain Edwin Vaughan reveal personal tragedies amidst the chaos. The discussion also highlights the lasting impact of mustard gas and the emotional toll on medical crews, urging listeners to uncover their own family war stories through archival records.
Nov 6, 2025 • 42min
Rome's African Emperor: Septimius Severus
Join historian Simon Elliott, author of 'The African Emperor: The Life of Septimius Severus', as he explores the remarkable journey of Rome’s African emperor. They discuss how Severus transformed the imperial military and expanded Rome's territories, including his ambitious campaigns in Britain and against the Parthians. Elliott delves into Severus's North African roots, his rise through the political ranks, and his controversial legacy. Was he Rome’s ultimate warrior emperor? Tune in for a captivating dive into Roman history!
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
The First Day of the Somme
Join genealogist Jen Baldwin, a specialist researcher for Findmypast, as she delves into the tragic first day of the Somme. Jen shares astonishing personal stories from Pals battalions, revealing how entire communities suffered devastating losses. Explore the impact of underage enlistments and the horrific realities faced by soldiers like James Snalum. Discover how military records and newspapers help reconstruct these poignant histories, and learn about the long-term effects on families who endured the aftermath of this catastrophic day.
Oct 31, 2025 • 36min
Ancient Irish Funeral Traditions
Join historians Dr. Anthony Delaney and Dr. Maddy Pelling as they delve into the hauntingly beautiful world of ancient Irish funeral traditions. Discover the powerful role of keening women, who lamented the deceased’s lives, critiquing and seeking forgiveness. Uncover the superstitions of wakes, like the mystical 'hungry grass' and the rituals surrounding mirrors and windows. Both discuss the evolution of these customs and their resonance in modern society, offering a captivating glimpse into Ireland's rich cultural tapestry of death and mourning.
