The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
265 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h
544. The French Revolution: The September Massacres (Part 1)
In the tumultuous atmosphere of 1792 Paris, fear and paranoia spark the horrific September Massacres. Tensions between revolutionary factions boil over, leading to brutal violence against prisoners. The episode uncovers chilling events, including the calculated executions and the tragic fate of marginalized individuals. With revolutionary fervor fueled by the threat of invasion and political strife, the narrative explores the thin line between justice and terror, revealing how the actions of ordinary citizens became draped in vengeance and chaos.
198 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
543. Death in the Amazon: Aguirre, the Wrath of God
Dive into the dark world of Lope de Aguirre, a psychopathic leader driven by ruthlessness in the quest for El Dorado. Discover the chaotic leadership of the Spanish conquistadors and themes of madness, ambition, and betrayal that plagued their journey. Explore Aguirre's descent into violence and moral conflict, culminating in a bloody coup and anarchy among his crew. Unravel the complex legacy of Aguirre, perceived as both a symbol of evil and a revolutionary, all set against the backdrop of colonial greed and the haunting pulse of the Amazon.
259 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
542. Elizabeth I’s Sorcerer: Angels and Demons in Renaissance Europe
Delve into the captivating life of John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I's magician and alchemist, who sought to converse with angels. Explore his perilous journey through the tumult of Tudor politics, juggling accusations of treason and witchcraft. Discover his mystical practices as he scryed for divine insights, all while teetering on the brink of destruction. Learn about his partnership with Edward Kelly and their ambitious but doomed attempts at angelic communication, set against the backdrop of 16th-century England's shifting religious and political landscape.
191 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 16min
541. Heart of Darkness: Fear and Loathing in the Congo
Delve into the haunting world of Joseph Conrad's ‘Heart of Darkness,’ a novella inspired by real-life horrors in the Congo under colonial rule. Explore the dark journey of Marlow in search of the enigmatic Kurtz and unravel complex themes of imperialism and human nature. The conversation navigates Conrad's noble roots, turbulent life, and his literary legacy that grapples with moral contradictions. Amidst the unsettling backdrop of colonial exploitation, discover the lasting implications of this profound work on contemporary culture and literary criticism.
244 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
540. Horror in the Congo: A Conspiracy Unmasked (Part 3)
Explore the harrowing truths behind King Leopold's brutal regime in the Congo. Edmund Dene Morel's significant transformation from a shipping clerk to a fierce human rights advocate reveals shocking exploitation and violence. Delve into Roger Casement's moral struggles as he faces the contradictions of imperialism. Experience the global awakening sparked by Morel's activism, which shifted perceptions and galvanized international outrage. Uncover the scandals and personal corruption that surrounded Leopold's colonial ambitions, shaping the Congo's anguished legacy.
317 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 59min
539. Horror in the Congo: The Crimes of Empire (Part 2)
Dive into the chilling history of King Leopold II's Congo. Discover how a facade of philanthropy masked a brutal regime intent on profit through exploitation. The conversation reveals harrowing accounts of forced labor, the rubber boom's devastating impact, and the moral dilemmas faced by those complicit in such atrocities. Vivid descriptions bring to life the suffering endured by the Congolese people, while a young clerk's discovery unveils the dark reality hidden behind imperial ambitions and even the frivolous spectacle of a World Fair.
821 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
538. Horror in the Congo: The Nightmare Begins (Part 1)
Delve into the harrowing history of King Leopold's brutal regime in the Congo Free State. Explore the intertwined legacies of colonialism and the literary reflections found in Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness.' Discover how explorer Henry Morton Stanley's ambitions fueled greed and exploitation in this uncharted territory. Uncover the dubious treaties and manipulative tactics that solidified Leopold’s control, leading to one of history's darkest chapters. The suffering and exploitation of the Congolese people can still be felt today, revealing the depths of human depravity.
343 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
537. Emperors of Rome: Claudius, Paranoia and Poison (Part 4)
The chaos following Caligula's assassination leads to Claudius, once seen as a fool, unexpectedly becoming emperor. His reign is marked by military conquests, scandalous liaisons, and complex relationships with influential women. Amid Senate tensions and power struggles, Claudius pushes for political reforms and public works while navigating his tumultuous marriage to Messalina. Ultimately, themes of paranoia and betrayal come to the forefront as Claudius's intriguing rise unfolds against the backdrop of Rome's political landscape.
266 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
536. Emperors of Rome: Caligula, Incest and Insanity (Part 3)
Dive into the chaotic reign of Caligula, a Roman emperor infamous for his cruelty and insanity. Discover the shocking tales of incest, tyrannical rule, and absurdities like appointing his horse as consul. Unravel historical myths versus facts surrounding his relationships and the bloody politics of ancient Rome. Experience a blend of dark comedy and horror as Caligula’s public spectacles reveal his descent from adored leader to a monster of madness, leaving a legacy as one of the most notorious figures in history.
306 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 59min
535. Emperors of Rome: Tiberius, Slaughter and Scandal (Part 2)
Dive into the scandalous reign of Emperor Tiberius, whose rise from a noble lineage to Caesar of Rome is fraught with controversy. Was he a model ruler or a monstrous tyrant? Uncover the bizarre cruelty he displayed during his retreat to Capri, alongside the graphic accounts of his violent purges. Explore the complexities of his legacy, shaped by paranoia and political turmoil, and question the truth behind the salacious myths that surround him. Can a tyrant also be a sage? Join the discussion on this enigmatic figure of history.
