Empire



Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Revolt

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 21 Mar 2023 02:00

Often understood through Peter O’Toole’s iconic display, who really was Lawrence of Arabia? His role in the First World War and the Arab Revolt had a defining effect on the Middle-East. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Anthony Sattin to disc

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Sykes-Picot: Carving up the Middle-East

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 14 Mar 2023 02:00

3 characters. 2 nations. 1 disastrous deal. The Sykes-Picot agreement is often blamed as the cause for much of the unrest in the Middle-East today, but what was it exactly? Listen as William and Anita are joined by James Barr to discuss this historic

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The Armenian Genocide: Death Marches

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 09 Mar 2023 02:00

The secret orders have been given. The Armenian community is to be destroyed. Ordered to march across the desert, to unsupplied camps in Deir ez-Zor. Listen as William and Anita are, for the final time, joined by Eugene Rogan to discuss the end of th

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The Armenian Genocide: Road to the Deportations

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:00

The Armenian community has ancient, deep roots in Anatolia. But from the late 19th century onwards, violence and forced deportations at the hands of the Ottoman Empire puts them in doubt. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Eugene Ro

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Gallipoli: Death at the Cliff Edge

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:00

The Great War has begun. The British want to open supply lines through the Black Sea to support their Russian allies. Therefore they must take the Gallipoli peninsula. Cue one of the most famous events of the First World War. Listen as William and An

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The Sick Man of Europe

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:00

The winds of nationalism are blowing through Ottoman territory in the Balkans. Unrest is rife and the Empire is bankrupt. The young sultan Abdülhamid is at the helm. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Eugene Rogan to discuss whether the Ottoma

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32. Lady Mary: Our Woman in Constantinople

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 14 Feb 2023 02:00

Helping to eradicate smallpox. Experiencing bewildering treatment in an Ottoman bathouse - a hamman. Having a failed relationship with Clotworthy Skeffington. The story of the life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu is extraordinary. Listen to William Dalr

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Lady Mary: Our Woman in Constantinople

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 14 Feb 2023 02:00

She was a pioneering scientist, proto-feminist, and letter writer extraordinaire. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu escaped a marriage to Clotworthy Skeffington to become one of history's most incredible women. Listen this week as William and Anita are joine

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31. The Greatest Ottoman Adventurer

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 07 Feb 2023 02:00

Evliya Çelebi travelled for 41 years. He documented his adventures, which included interactions with vampires, humans transforming into chickens, and dervishes riding rhinos. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Caroline Finkel to discuss this m

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The Greatest Ottoman Adventurer

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 07 Feb 2023 02:00

Evliya Çelebi travelled for 41 years. He documented his adventures, which included interactions with vampires, humans transforming into chickens, and dervishes riding rhinos. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Caroline Finkel to discuss this m

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30. Conquering the Night: The History of Coffee

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 31 Jan 2023 02:00

Coffee is everywhere today, but where does it come from? Was it originally a sex drug? What is the connection between Starbucks and a medieval goat herder? Why are coffee houses political? LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empire Twitter: @Empirepoduk Goal

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Conquering the Night: The History of Coffee

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 31 Jan 2023 02:00

Coffee is everywhere today, but where does it come from? Was it originally a sex drug? What is the connection between Starbucks and a medieval goat herder? Why are coffee houses political? LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empire Twitter: @Empirepoduk Goal

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29. Sultanas to Slaves: Voices from the Harem

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:00

What was life like for women in the Ottoman Empire? Was the Sultanate of Women the 'golden era? What was the role of the Hareem? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Bettany Hughes to discuss the role of women in the Ottoman Empire. LRB Empire

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Sultanas to Slaves: Voices from the Harem

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:00

What was life like for women in the Ottoman Empire? Was the Sultanate of Women the golden era? What was the role of the Harem? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Bettany Hughes to discuss the role of women in the Ottoman Empire. LRB Empire of

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28. The Tudors and the Turks

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 17 Jan 2023 02:00

Slave raids in Cornwall. Englishmen spying for the venetians. The East India Trading Companies’ older brother. Join William and Anita this week as they discuss the relationship between Britain and the Ottoman Empire, all of which centre around the Le

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The Tudors and the Turks

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 17 Jan 2023 02:00

Slave raids in Cornwall. Englishmen spying for the venetians. The East India Trading Companies’ older brother. Join William and Anita this week as they discuss the relationship between Britain and the Ottoman Empire, all of which centre around the Le

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27. The Battle of Lepanto

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 02:00

Dawn breaks on the 7th October 1571 over the Gulf of Patras. On this day, the Holy League will face down the Ottomans in one of the most pivotal battles in Ottoman history. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Barnaby Rogerson to disc

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The Battle of Lepanto

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 02:00

Dawn breaks on the 7th October 1571 over the Gulf of Patras. On this day, the Holy League will face down the Ottomans in one of the most pivotal battles in Ottoman history. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Barnaby Rogerson to disc

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26: The Siege of Cyprus

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 10 Jan 2023 02:00

Selim II leads the Ottomans. Marco Brigadin the Venetians. They will clash over the island of Cyprus. But who will be victorious, and who will be defeated (and flayed)? The two sides meet on this mediterranean island in the run-up to one of the great

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The Siege of Cyprus

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 10 Jan 2023 02:00

Selim II leads the Ottomans. Marco Brigadin the Venetians. They will clash over the island of Cyprus. But who will be victorious, and who will be defeated (and flayed)? The two sides meet on this mediterranean island in the run-up to one of the great

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25. Suspicion and Sorrow in Suleiman's Court

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 03 Jan 2023 02:00

Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Marc Baer to discuss the remainder of Suleiman the Magnificent’s rule. Murdered love interests, intellectual curiosity, incredible barbarity, and body doubles all make an appearance in this week’s

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Suspicion and Sorrow in Suleiman's Court

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 03 Jan 2023 02:00

Murdered love interests, intellectual curiosity, incredible barbarity, and body doubles all make an appearance in this week’s episode. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Marc Baer to discuss the remainder of Suleiman the Magnificent

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24. Suleiman the Magnificent

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:00

Listen as William and Anita are joined by Marc Baer to discuss the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, in particular his love interests and the very Game of Thrones-style intrigue they create. To get your free two week trial for Find my past, go to ww

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Suleiman the Magnificent

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:00

Who is Selim the Grim? How does a slave come to be one of the most powerful members of Suleiman’s court? How does Suleiman anger the Christian powers? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Marc Baer to discuss the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent

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23. The Fall of Constantinople

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:00

The biggest gun in history. A giant underwater chain. A previously unconquerable fortress. Inspirational leaders. Join William and Anita as they discuss the extraordinary story of 1453 and the Fall of Constantinople. To get your free two week trial

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The Fall of Constantinople

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:00

The biggest gun in history. A giant underwater chain. A previously unconquerable fortress. Inspirational leaders. Join William and Anita as they discuss the extraordinary story of 1453 and the Fall of Constantinople. To get your free two week trial

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22. The First of the Ottomans

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:05

Join William and Anita as they, along with Peter Frankopan, detail the birth of the Ottoman Empire, discuss its founder, Osman I, and set the scene for 1453. To get your free two week trial for Find my past, go to www.findmypast.co.uk and sign up.

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The First of the Ottomans

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:05

How did the Ottomans seize the Balkans? Who is their first leader? How did the fourth crusade pave the way for their rise to power? Join William and Anita as they, along with Peter Frankopan, detail the birth of the Ottoman Empire, discuss its founde

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Byzantium and the Rise of the Turks

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:00

The lights are dimmed. A hush has fallen. The curtain is rising. Season two of Empire is here. Our topic? The Ottoman Empire. In the opening episode, Anita and William are joined by Peter Frankopan to discuss Byzantium and the rise of the Seljuk T

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Series 2 - The Ottoman Empire

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 13 Dec 2022 01:55

How did an Empire that stretched over thousands of miles and over half a millennium impact the world we live in today? William and Anita explain the focus for the second series of the Empire, which will focus on the Ottoman Empire. Learn more about y

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21. Byzantium and the Rise of the Turks

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 06 Dec 2022 02:00

The lights are dimmed. A hush has fallen. The curtain is rising. Season two of Empire is here. Our topic? The Ottoman Empire. In the opening episode, Anita and William are joined by Peter Frankopan to discuss Byzantium and the rise of the Seljuk T

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20. Nationhood, the Indian constitution, and the railways

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:00

Join William and Anita for the second part of this week’s special question time bonanza where they answer all of your queries. In this episode they discuss the impact Jallianwala Bagh had upon Indian nationhood, the influence that Britain had upon th

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Nationhood, the Indian constitution, and the railways

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:00

Join William and Anita for the second part of this week’s special question time bonanza where they answer all of your queries. In this episode they discuss the impact Jallianwala Bagh had upon Indian nationhood, the influence that Britain had upon th

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19. Federal India, indentured labour, and naked yogis

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 29 Nov 2022 02:00

This week, Anita and William are doing two episodes in which they answer all of your questions about Empire. Join William and Anita today as they discuss whether partition was inevitable, why the British never settled India, what the best books on Em

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Federal India, indentured labour, and naked yogis

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 29 Nov 2022 02:00

This week, Anita and William are doing two episodes in which they answer all of your questions about Empire. Join William and Anita today as they discuss whether partition was inevitable, why the British never settled India, what the best books on Em

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18. The Empire Implodes

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 22 Nov 2022 02:00

In the finale of our series on the British in India, William and Anita are joined by Sathnam Sanghera. With him they discuss the legacies of the Empire: how has it affected the politics, curriculum, and national institutions of modern Britain? To ge

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The Empire Implodes

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 22 Nov 2022 02:00

In the finale of our series on the British in India, William and Anita are joined by Sathnam Sanghera. With him they discuss the legacies of the Empire: how has it affected the politics, curriculum, and national institutions of modern Britain? To ge

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17. Rishi Sunak's Ancestry: Indians in East Africa

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 02:00

In this episode, Anita and William are joined by Mahmood Mamdani to discuss the East African Indian diaspora. How did Indians come to live in East Africa? Why did so many move to Britain? What was the role of Idi Amin in all of this? To get your fre

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Rishi Sunak's Ancestry: Indians in East Africa

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 02:00

In this episode, Anita and William are joined by Mahmood Mamdani to discuss the East African Indian diaspora. How did Indians come to live in East Africa? Why did so many move to Britain? What was the role of Idi Amin in all of this? To get your fre

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16. Partition

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 02:00

The line has been drawn. India and Pakistan have been divided. Mountbatten and Radcliffe have left. But how will ordinary people caught up in this geopolitical event fare? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Kavita Puri to discuss the impact pa

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Partition

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 02:00

The line has been drawn. India and Pakistan have been divided. Mountbatten and Radcliffe have left. But how will ordinary people caught up in this geopolitical event fare? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Kavita Puri to discuss the impact pa

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15. The Last Viceroy of India

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 02:00

In this episode, Anita and William are joined by Alex von Tunzelmann to discuss Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. Listen in to hear all about his superstar marriage to Edwina Ashley, his relationships with key figures such as Nehru a

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The Last Viceroy of India

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 02:00

In this episode, Anita and William are joined by Alex von Tunzelmann to discuss Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. Listen in to hear all about his superstar marriage to Edwina Ashley, his relationships with key figures such as Nehru a

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14. Muhammad Ali Jinnah

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 25 Oct 2022 01:00

Listen as William and Anita discuss the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. They will discuss the pivotal role he played in the creation of Pakistan, his rivalry with Gandhi, and the vision he had for his nation's future. Plus, we are very fortunate to be j

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Muhammad Ali Jinnah

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 25 Oct 2022 01:00

Listen as William and Anita discuss the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. They will discuss the pivotal role he played in the creation of Pakistan, his rivalry with Gandhi, and the vision he had for his nation's future. Plus, we are very fortunate to be j

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13. The Patient Assassin

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 18 Oct 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita as they discuss the life of Udham Singh, who is as much man as he is myth. Coming from nothing, he killed a leopard with a knife as a toddler, then joined the revolutionary Ghadar Party, smuggled himself across the US-Mexico bo

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The Patient Assassin

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 18 Oct 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita as they discuss the life of Udham Singh, who is as much man as he is myth. Coming from nothing, he killed a leopard with a knife as a toddler, then joined the revolutionary Ghadar Party, smuggled himself across the US-Mexico bo

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12. Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita as they discuss the extraordinary life of Princess Sophia. Her story includes a debut at Buckingham Palace, a meeting with Gandhi, fierce involvement in the suffragette movement, and the First World War. LRB Empire offer: lrb.

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Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita as they discuss the extraordinary life of Princess Sophia. Her story includes a debut at Buckingham Palace, a meeting with Gandhi, fierce involvement in the suffragette movement, and the First World War. LRB Empire offer: lrb.

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11. Queens and the Koh-i-Noor

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita for the final episode in their series on the Koh-i-Noor diamond. This remarkable story includes Prince Albert’s inadvertent creation of Britain’s first sauna, an elderly Duke of Wellington cutting the diamond, and the contempor

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Queens and the Koh-i-Noor

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita for the final episode in their series on the Koh-i-Noor diamond. This remarkable story includes Prince Albert’s inadvertent creation of Britain’s first sauna, an elderly Duke of Wellington cutting the diamond, and the contempor

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10. Killing for the Koh-i-Noor

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 01:00

Divide and rule, a man described as Brian Blessed but ‘with a bigger, bushier, blacker beard’, and a whole lot of regicide. Join Anita and William as they continue to take us through the rip-roaring history of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. LRB Empire offe

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Killing for the Koh-i-Noor

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 01:00

Divide and rule, a man described as Brian Blessed but ‘with a bigger, bushier, blacker beard’, and a whole lot of regicide. Join Anita and William as they continue to take us through the rip-roaring history of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. LRB Empire offe

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9. The Curse of the Koh-i-Noor

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 29 Sep 2022 01:00

Intense paranoia, palatial looting, and murder. Join Anita and William as they discuss the bloody origins of The Curse of the Koh-i-Noor. Twitter: @EmpirePodUk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Curse of the Koh-i-Noor

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 29 Sep 2022 01:00

Intense paranoia, palatial looting, and murder. Join Anita and William as they discuss the bloody origins of The Curse of the Koh-i-Noor. Twitter: @EmpirePodUk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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8. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 27 Sep 2022 01:00

A single stone has been fought over for at least 250 years by four different empires, and now sits in the Queen Consort's crown as part of the British royal family's Crown Jewels. William and Anita trace the murky history of one of the world's most f

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The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 27 Sep 2022 01:00

A single stone has been fought over for at least 250 years by four different empires, and now sits in the Queen Consort's crown as part of the British royal family's Crown Jewels. William and Anita trace the murky history of one of the world's most f

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7. Mahatma Gandhi

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 01:00

In the latest episode of Empire, William and Anita are joined by Ram Guha to explore the incredible life and story of Mahatma Gandhi. LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empire Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Instagram: @EmpirePodUK Twitter: @EmpirePodUK goalha

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Mahatma Gandhi

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 01:00

In the latest episode of Empire, William and Anita are joined by Ram Guha to explore the incredible life and story of Mahatma Gandhi. LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empire Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Instagram: @EmpirePodUK Twitter: @EmpirePodUK goalha

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6. Queen Elizabeth II & Empire (with David Olusoga)

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 13 Sep 2022 01:00

Anita and Willie are joined by David Olusoga for a special episode of Empire, where they discuss the Queen, the Commonwealth, the future of the monarchy and the long shadow of Empire. LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empire Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Ins

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Queen Elizabeth II & Empire (with David Olusoga)

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 13 Sep 2022 01:00

Anita and Willie are joined by David Olusoga for a special episode of Empire, where they discuss the Queen, the Commonwealth, the future of the monarchy and the long shadow of Empire. LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empire Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Ins

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5. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 01:00

In the latest episode of Empire, Willie and Anita dive into the story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, alongside Professor Kim Wagner. Plus a discussion as to whether analysing the darker parts of a country’s history is the same as talking it down.

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The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 01:00

In the latest episode of Empire, Willie and Anita dive into the story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, alongside Professor Kim Wagner. Plus a discussion as to whether analysing the darker parts of a country’s history is the same as talking it down.

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4. Between Two Massacres: 1857-1919

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 30 Aug 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita for the latest episode of Empire, which picks up in the aftermath of the 1857 Rebellion and the establishment of the British Raj. The episode covers the birth of Gandhi, the arrival of Michael O'Dwyer, Indian soldiers in the Fi

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Between Two Massacres: 1857-1919

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 30 Aug 2022 01:00

Join William and Anita for the latest episode of Empire, which picks up in the aftermath of the 1857 Rebellion and the establishment of the British Raj. The episode covers the birth of Gandhi, the arrival of Michael O'Dwyer, Indian soldiers in the Fi

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3. Mutiny, Uprising, and Rebellion

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 23 Aug 2022 01:00

In 1857 tensions in Company-controlled India came to a head in what the British called 'The Indian Mutiny', now referred to in India as the First War of Independence. The uprising and bloody reprisals sent shockwaves through the Empire, ended the rul

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Mutiny, Uprising, and Rebellion

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 23 Aug 2022 01:00

In 1857 tensions in Company-controlled India came to a head in what the British called 'The Indian Mutiny', now referred to in India as the First War of Independence. The uprising and bloody reprisals sent shockwaves through the Empire, ended the rul

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2. Company Rule in India

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:05

Emerging victorious from the Battles of Plassey and Buxar, The East India Company cements its grip on power in India. Join Anita and William as they discuss the nature, horrors, and key figures of 'Company Rule' in India at its height in the early 1

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Company Rule in India

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:05

Emerging victorious from the Battles of Plassey and Buxar, The East India Company cements its grip on power in India. Join Anita and William as they discuss the nature, horrors, and key figures of 'Company Rule' in India at its height in the early 1

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1. The East India Company

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:00

Welcome to Empire, a brand new history podcast hosted by William Dalrymple and Anita Anand. The first series looks at the British in India: The East India Company, The Raj, Gandhi, Independence and Partition. In the opening episode, William and Ani

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The East India Company

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:00

Welcome to Empire, a brand new history podcast hosted by William Dalrymple and Anita Anand. The first series looks at the British in India: The East India Company, The Raj, Gandhi, Independence and Partition. In the opening episode, William and Ani

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Trailer

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:19

How do empires rise? Why do they fall? And how have they shaped the world around us today? William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the stories, personalities and events of empire over the course of history. The first series looks at the British i

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