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
77 snips
Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
485. Henry IV: The Usurper King (Part 1)
Delve into the tumultuous reign of Henry IV, a king who rose from admiration to suspicion after usurping the throne. Explore his intense rivalry with Richard II and how he navigated a divided nation amidst brewing rebellions. Discover the dramatic dynamics between Prince Hal and Hotspur, and how Welsh resistance under Owen Glendower played a significant role. The podcast also reflects on the historical and literary implications of betrayal and strategy during Henry's reign, and the complexity of leadership in a time of upheaval.
157 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 47min
484. The Food that Changed the World
Join John Dickie, a Professor of Italian Studies and author of "Delizia: The Epic History of Italians and Their Food," as he uncovers the fascinating evolution of Italian cuisine. Discover how pasta's roots may be traced back to China and the truth behind classic dishes like margherita pizza. Dickie challenges enduring myths about Italian food, revealing its complex history influenced by societal shifts, lavish Renaissance banquets, and the intersection of food with medicine. Explore how culinary identity has transformed, shaped by historical events and cultural exchanges.
60 snips
Aug 11, 2024 • 50min
483. The Mysterious Case of the Ape Man
Discover the sensational story of the Piltdown Man, a skull once believed to be the missing link between apes and humans. Unravel the mystery of its origins, from its enthusiastic endorsement by British society to the shocking revelation of it being a clever hoax. Delve into the roles of controversial figures like Charles Dawson and Arthur Conan Doyle, and explore how this deception influenced scientific thought and debates about evolution. The blend of excitement, intrigue, and historical context creates a captivating narrative.
131 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 5min
482. The French Revolution: The Royal Family Escapes (Part 8)
Discover the heart-pounding story of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's attempt to flee revolutionary Paris. Experience their emotional struggles, clever disguises, and nerve-wracking moments as they embark on an audacious escape plan. The royal family's precarious situation unfolds amidst rising tensions and political chaos, leading to unexpected encounters and near-misses. Dive into the dramatic fallout of their failure and explore how it irrevocably altered the future of the French monarchy.
137 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 59min
481. The French Revolution: The Women's March on Versailles (Part 7)
Tensions in Paris soared as the revolutionists divided over the monarchy's role. Amid rising bread prices, furious citizens, especially women, expressed their outrage. The lavish banquet at Versailles sparked a dramatic response, leading the peasant women to confront the royal family. This act of desperation profoundly changed the course of the revolution, showcasing women's vital role in political upheaval. The chaos that unfolded at Versailles epitomized the clash between a luxurious monarchy and a populace in dire need, culminating in a confrontation that would alter France's future.
158 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 59min
480. The French Revolution: The Rights of Man (Part 6)
Dive into the fierce clash of ideas during the French Revolution! Explore the revolutionary principles enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of Man, a manifesto that marked a dramatic shift from absolutism to national sovereignty. Discover the chaotic backdrop of the Great Fear as rural peasants revolted and the debate over abolishing feudal privileges unfolded. Uncover the Enlightenment influences shaping these ideals, and witness the tensions with the Catholic Church, all while considering the lasting impact on global democracy.
158 snips
Aug 4, 2024 • 59min
479. The French Revolution: The Storming of the Bastille (Part 5)
The chaos of the Storming of the Bastille embodies the brutal spirit of the French Revolution. As tensions escalated due to a bread crisis and political upheaval, a mob seized arms, igniting widespread violence. The fall of the Bastille became a symbol of liberation but also revealed the horrors of the uprising. Key figures like Lafayette emerged during this tumultuous time, influencing the course of events. Ultimately, the aftermath set the stage for a new France marked by shifting loyalties and the specter of ongoing violence.
162 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 8min
478. The French Revolution: Showdown in Versailles (Part 4)
A catastrophic storm in 1788 decimated France's wheat harvest, amplifying political chaos and unrest. As food shortages triggered riots, the nation faced financial ruin and rising revolutionary sentiment. Key figures like finance minister Jacques Necker struggled to quell the backlash, while the Estates General finally convened after centuries. The clash of personalities, such as the flamboyant Mirabeau and austere Robespierre, revealed the tensions brewing at Versailles. Ultimately, the Third Estate's bold declaration marked a pivotal shift in power and the birth of the National Assembly.
267 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h
477. The French Revolution: The Violence Begins (Part 3)
The podcast dives into the pivotal moments of the French Revolution, exploring the power struggles among elite factions and the rise of ambitious leaders like Jean-Joseph Meunier. It contrasts the Revolution's legacy on human rights with the English Revolution, highlighting the tension between idealism and reality. Discussions on financial turmoil underscore how economic crises fueled revolutionary sentiments, while historical tensions between monarchy and the Parlement catalyzed change. The July 1788 meeting marks a significant shift towards violence and demands for equal representation.
129 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 52min
476. The French Revolution: The Diamond Necklace Scandal (Part 2)
Dive into the scandalous Affair of the Diamond Necklace, a web of deception that tarnished Queen Marie Antoinette's reputation. Meet the cast of characters, from the naive Cardinal de Rohan to the cunning Jeanne de la Motte, as they navigate intrigue at Versailles. Explore the cultural impact of 'The Marriage of Figaro' and how its themes of class struggle resonate with the societal tensions of the time. This glittering tale of love, betrayal, and political turmoil shows how one scandal can shake the very foundations of a monarchy.
