The Rest Is History



317. African Amazons

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 30 Mar 2023 01:00

A story spanning modern-day Ghana, Angola, and Benin, historian Luke Pepera joins Tom and Dominic to discuss the tradition of African queens, female warriors, and military commanders. Through the lives of Queen Nzinga of Ndongo, the Dahomey warrio

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316. The First Abolitionist

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 27 Mar 2023 01:00

It's 1718, an English Quaker lands in Barbados. He is soon horrified to discover the treatment of people working the plantations there. Treatment the Marquis de Sade saw as the only cruelty that could rival that of the ancients. Listen to discover

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315. Atlantis: Legacy of the Lost Empire

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 23 Mar 2023 02:00

From claims that the alphabet was originated by Atlantians, Francis Bacon using the story as a model of utopia, to the Nazis co-opting Atlantis as the birthplace of the Aryan race, everyone seems to have wanted a slice of the Atlantianpie. J

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314. Atlantis: The Legend

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 20 Mar 2023 02:00

Majestic palaces, untold riches, and indeterminable power... the story of Atlantis is a tale as old as time. But is there really any truth behind the ancient tome, or was Plato simply trying his hand at political satire? Join Tom and Dominic as th

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313. Climate Apocalypse

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:00

Have humans always been haunted by fears of a climate apocalypse? Or is that a modern phenomenon? Is there a continuity from the Curse of Akkad to the Industrial Revolution? Listen as Tom and Dominic are joined by Peter Frankopan to discuss the hi

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312. Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 13 Mar 2023 02:00

Warmonger or nuclear disarmer? Ronald Reagan’s presidency survived an assassination attempt, the AIDS epidemic and the Iranian hostage crisis. He powered through the 1980s, creating his own truth and narrative, in a series of events that read like

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311. Reagan: The Road to the White House

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

His Hollywood career drying up, Ronald Reagan works both for the Screen Actors Guild and General Electric in the 1950s. Building connections with the Californian elite, and having gained national attention with a speech for the Republican presiden

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310. Ronald Reagan and the American Dream

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 02:00

Ronald "Dutch" Reagan was born in 1911 to a humble family of Illinois, his father an FDR-loving democrat, his mother a notable member of the local Christian community. A high school football star, "Dutch" would grow up to become one of America's f

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309. Columbus: Villain or Hero?

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

Christopher Columbus caused debate in his own time, and remains a controversial figure today: some argue he initiated both the Atlantic slave trade and the genocide of the Native Americans, others laud him as one of the great men of History. Join

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308. Columbus: Death in the Caribbean

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 27 Feb 2023 02:00

Columbus returns to the remnants of his first voyage to the "Indies", having convinced Isabella and Ferdinand to fund a larger second trip. Desperate to make his mission financially fruitful, his search for wealth and capital unleashes horror on t

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307. Columbus: A New World?

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 23 Feb 2023 02:00

Having convinced the Catholic Monarchs to fund his journey across the Atlantic, Columbus sets sail with three ships, a crew with dubious loyalties, and a mission to find China or Japan by heading west.A voyage spanning the Canar

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306. Columbus: The Adventure Begins

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 02:00

A controversial figure both now and in his time, Tom and Dominic discuss Columbus and his drive for discovery, power and status. They look at Columbus’ early life in Genoa, his journey to becoming an accomplished sailor, his obsession with crossin

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305. The Fall of the Roman Republic

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 16 Feb 2023 02:00

In this second episode on perhaps the most notorious assasination in world history, Tom and Dominic look at the bloody and chaotic aftermath of the death of Julius Caesar. They discuss the fate of the senators turned assassins, their failure to re

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304. The Murder of Julius Caesar

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 13 Feb 2023 02:00

“He was trapped - he couldn’t get up. There was blood everywhere. The faces were coming closer, the knives rose and fell. And then, to his relief, he saw Brutus.”One of the most iconic deaths in history, Caesar’s assassination i

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303. The Bloodiest Crusade

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

Thought by some as the first genocide in Europe, the Albigensian Crusade was the bloodiest crusade in history. Following the Mystery of the Cathars and the Real Da Vinci Code, Tom and Dominic come to the conclusion of their series on the Cathars w

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302. The Mystery of the Cathars

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

Was the Catholic Church Europe’s first revolutionary group? How are the Cathars linked to the genesis of genocide? Where does the term crusade come from? Listen as Tom and Dominic discuss the real history around the mysterious group known as the C

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301. The Real Da Vinci Code

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 06 Feb 2023 02:00

Secret societies, Jesus' ancient bloodline, Catholic conspirators; all backed up by documents in the Bibliothèque Nationale. It must be true, mustn’t it? Join Tom and Dominic in the first of three episodes on the Cathars, starting off with a deep

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300. The Real Downton Abbey

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 02 Feb 2023 02:00

Edwardian Britain: Domestic service is at its peak. However, as Britain modernises, things were about to change.Tom and Dominic are joined by Lucy Lethbridge to discuss conservatism, universal aunts, and the relationship between maste

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299. The Greatest Female Pharaoh

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 30 Jan 2023 02:00

"One of the greatest rulers to have ever lived" - Tom Holland. But how much do you know about Hatshepsut? And how did she propel herself from regent to become one of the most revered rulers of all time?*The Rest Is History Liv

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298. The Nazis: Total Power

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 26 Jan 2023 02:00

Hitler is chancellor, but he is not yet all-powerful. How does he go from becoming the leader of the Reichstag, to an unshackled dictator with nothing to check his power?*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:

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The Nazis: Total Power

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 26 Jan 2023 02:00

Hitler is chancellor, but he is not yet all-powerful. How does he go from becoming the leader of the Reichstag, to an unshackled dictator with nothing to check his power?*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:

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297. The Nazis: Hitler's Triumph

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 02:00

Wall Street crashes. The German economy capitulates and governments start to fall. Backroom deals and political scheming come to the fore. Join Tom and Dominic as they tell the story of the shadowy deals that allowed Hitler to gain power.
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The Nazis: Hitler's Triumph

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 02:00

Wall Street crashes. The German economy capitulates and governments start to fall. Backroom deals and political scheming come to the fore. Join Tom and Dominic as they tell the story of the shadowy deals that allowed Hitler to gain power.
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296. The Nazis: The Beer Hall Putsch

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:00

German hyperinflation. The Beer Hall Putsch. Hitler’s trial. Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the Nazis in the early 1920s as the Weimar Republic is in crisis and Hitler tries to grow the party beyond Bavaria.*The Rest Is

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The Nazis: The Beer Hall Putsch

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:00

German hyperinflation. The Beer Hall Putsch. Hitler’s trial. Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the Nazis in the early 1920s as the Weimar Republic is in crisis and Hitler tries to grow the party beyond Bavaria.*The Rest Is

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295. The Rise of the Nazis

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 02:00

Where do the origins of Nazism lie? The Second Reich? Hitler’s time in Vienna? The First World War? Join Tom and Dominic in the first of their four-part series on the Rise of the Nazis as they discuss its origins.*The Rest Is

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The Rise of the Nazis

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 02:00

Where do the origins of Nazism lie? The Second Reich? Hitler’s time in Vienna? The First World War? Join Tom and Dominic in the first of their four-part series on the Rise of the Nazis as they discuss its origins.*The Rest Is

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294. Lady Jane Grey: The Axe Falls

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

‘It had the alchemy of a bitter Tory leadership race’.Reigning for the shortest period of any British monarch, can LadyJane even be considered an official queen of England and Ireland?In the second of

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293. Lady Jane Grey: The Nine Days' Queen

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 Jan 2023 02:00

Edward VI is dead - but who will succeed him onthe throne?In the first of two episodes, Tom and Dominic discuss the succession question that surrounded the reign of Edward VI, the sole male heir of Henry VIII - and how a 1

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292. The Shadow of the Holocaust

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 02:00

In our second episode exploring the story of Rudolf Vrba, Jonathan Freedland joins Tom and Dominic again, to discuss the global reaction to the Vrba–Wetzler report: did anti-Semitism shape the Allied response?*The Rest Is History Live

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291. The Man Who Escaped Auschwitz

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 Jan 2023 02:00

Tom and Dominic are joined by Jonathan Freedland to discuss the incredible story of Rudolf Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler, who escaped from Auschwitz in April 1944.*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:Tom and Do

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290. 2022: A History

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 29 Dec 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the final episode of 2022 in which they discuss the historical importance of this year. What will historians of the future remember about this year? The invasion of Ukraine? The end of the post-Cold War era?*<

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289. Drink

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 02:00

For a festive special, Tom and Dominic are joined by author and alcohol historian Henry Jeffreys to discuss some Christmassy tipples, from sherry to port, champagne to clairet. Plus, a discussion on why certain drinks revealed your political leani

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288. Jesus Christ: The History

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 22 Dec 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the second of two episodes on 'Historical Jesus'. They discuss scepticism around his existence, the theories about resurrection and crucifixion, and the role of his disciples.*The Rest Is History Live

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287. Jesus Christ: The Mystery

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 02:00

*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:Tom and Dominic are going on tour in April 2023 and performing in London, Edinburgh, and Salford! Buy your tickets here:Listen/Read More

Jesus Christ: The Mystery

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 02:00

*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:Tom and Dominic are going on tour in April 2023 and performing in London, Edinburgh, and Salford! Buy your tickets here:Listen/Read More

286. England: Beef and Liberty

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 18 Dec 2022 02:00

*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:Tom and Dominic are going on tour in April 2023 and performing in London, Edinburgh, and Salford! Buy your tickets here:Listen/Read More

285. Canada: Beaver Wars

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 17 Dec 2022 02:00

*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:Tom and Dominic are going on tour in April 2023 and performing in London, Edinburgh, and Salford! Buy your tickets here:Listen/Read More

284. Denmark: The Great Escape

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 16 Dec 2022 02:00

*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*:Tom and Dominic are going on tour in April 2023 and performing in London, Edinburgh, and Salford! Buy your tickets here:Listen/Read More

283. Ecuador: Darwin's Adventure to the Galapagos

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 15 Dec 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Charles Darwin's time in Ecuador, where his observation of Finches, Mockingbirds, Iguanas, and many other animals native to the Galapagos, sowed the seed of his theory of evolution...JoinListen/Read More

282. Morocco: The Rif War

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 14 Dec 2022 02:00

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the Rif War, predecessor to the Spanish Civil War, set in 1920s Morocco, featuring Franco, Petain, Islamic tribesmen, American airmen and much more...JoinListen/Read More

281. Spain: The Caliphate of Córdoba

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

Today, Tom and Dominic are in Islamic Spain discussing Roman conquests, melancholy Emirs and vibrant harems... Don't miss the extraordinary story of the rise and fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba.JoinListen/Read More

280. Serbia: The Birthplace of Civilisation

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 12 Dec 2022 02:00

A little known story. Serbia, the home to one of the first great civilisations. They had the first written scripts, they smelted copper before anyone else, lived in urban settlements. But is it true? Join Tom and Dominic as they dive into this mys

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279. Cameroon: The Slave General of Peter the Great

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 11 Dec 2022 02:00

In today’s World Cup special on Cameroon, Tom and Dominic tell the fascinating story of “probably the most famous Cameroonian to become a Russian General”. Learn about the extraordinary life of Major-General Abram Petrovich Gannibal, the great-gra

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278. France: The Mystery of Le Prince

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 10 Dec 2022 02:00

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic explore the origins of the motion-picture camera, a device invented by "gentle giant" Louis Le Prince, who's œuvre spanned from working with pots and pans to photographing Queen Victoria or Gladstone. T

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277. Japan: Samurai and Shoguns

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 09 Dec 2022 02:00

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the history of Japan through six characters, with leading cultural historian of Japan, Chris Harding, as they cover feuding lords and buddhist monks, both world wars, Japanese medieval poetry, Manga cult

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276. Netherlands: The Maid of Holland

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic as, for the first time ever, they dip their toes into the Dutch republic. They discuss the Maid of Holland, who as both a warrior and a house maker, was emblematic of the golden age of the Dutch republic.Join

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275. Argentina: The Welsh Colony

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 07 Dec 2022 02:00

Why are there Welsh speakers born in Argentina? Join Tom and Dominic to understand the fascinating and unlikely story of a Welsh colony in the Southern Hemisphere - and whether they remain there today.JoinListen/Read More

274. Switzerland: Calvin's Cancel Culture

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

Today, Tom and Dominic are in 16th century Calvinist Geneva, where Michael Servetus is being condemned for heresy. Execution, imprisonment, treachery and public burnings all feature in this story which bears unusual similarities to the times we li

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273. Portugal: The Carnation Revolution

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 02:00

In today's World Cup episode, Tom and Dominic return to the history ofPortugalto discuss military coups, defence of dictatorship, Castro in Cuba, and the creation of a post-Salazar state.JoinListen/Read More

272. Senegal: The Door of No Return

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 04 Dec 2022 02:00

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the Senegalese island of Gorée, and its complex relationship with the transatlantic slave trade. They look at both the history and mythology of the "House of Slaves", which still stands today as a vestig

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271. Belgium: History's Greatest Artist

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 03 Dec 2022 02:00

Who is the greatest artist of all time? Join Tom and Dominic as Belgian historian Bart van Loo puts forward the case for the hyper-realistic and highly influential art of early Northern Renaissancepainter Jan van Eyck.Join

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270. Poland: Copernicus, the Dragon and the Salt Mine

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 02 Dec 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic as they explore the seven wonders ofPoland. Hear all about Krakus the dragon-slayer, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, "Kaiser soup", the influence of Oriental fashion, and much more...JoinListen/Read More

269. Ghana: The Ashanti Empire

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

On today's World Cup episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the Ashanti Empire.Tune in to hear about the Anglo-Ashanti wars, the Golden Stool, the role of Robert Baden-Powell and much, much more.JoinListen/Read More

268. Brazil: The Last Emperor

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 30 Nov 2022 02:00

As promised during the Portugal mini-series, Tom and Dominic are returning to Brazil to discuss its history post-independence. This episode will focus upon the Brazilian Empire, in particular the Emperor Pedro II. How did this boy who acceded to t

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267. Wales: The Roar of the Red Dragon

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

What are the origins of Wales? And how do the Welsh define themselves against Englishness? As England play Wales in the World Cup today, Tom and Dominic are joined by Martin Johnes, Professor of History at the University of Swansea, to explore the

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266. South Korea: The Riddle of Hwang Jini

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 28 Nov 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic on their journey to the 16th century Korean peninsula, as they discuss Hwang Jini - agisaeng, poet, and entertainer - and her everlasting impact on Korean culture. Dubbed by Tom the 'poetic Emma Hamilton', the s

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265. Saudi Arabia: The Mystery of the Kaaba

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 27 Nov 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic for their World Cup episode onSaudiArabia, where they discuss 'the most famous structure in global Islam' - the Kaaba in Mecca.Tune in to hear about the Prophet Mohammed, Abdul Malik, and the origins o

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264. Mexico: Day of the Dead

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 26 Nov 2022 02:00

On the Day of the Dead you eat pan de muerto and exchange calaveras with your friends. This celebration is often claimed to have its roots in ancient Aztec traditions of human sacrifice. But is any of this true? Join Tom and Dominic to find out.Listen/Read More

263. USA vs England: The 200-Year Rivalry

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 25 Nov 2022 02:00

In today's World Cup special, Anglo-American relations are at their most tense, as the USA and England take to the football/soccer pitch.Join Tom and Dominic as they take a retrospective look at this 200-year love-hate relationship. F

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262. Tunisia: Dido of Carthage

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 24 Nov 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic as they tell the story of the tragic heroine of Virgil’s Aeneid - Dido of Carthage. Listen as they discuss the origins of Carthage, recite top Latin phrases, and are joined by Juliette Pochin for a beautiful rendition of Dido’

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261. Uruguay: The Tupamaros

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 23 Nov 2022 02:00

In 1963, with the influence of the Cuban Revolution strong in South America, the left wing guerrilla group the Tupamaros emerged. Listen to tales of kidnappings, shootings, imprisonment and torture in the Tupamaros' quest for political power.<

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260. Croatia: The Man Who Saved The Roman Empire

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

"In conditions of chaos, people from outside the Roman social elite can rise to the top."Join Tom and Dominic for their World Cup episode onCroatia, where they discuss the extraordinary life of the Emperor Diocletian. They talk

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259. Iran: England - 'The Little Satan'

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 21 Nov 2022 02:00

On the day of England vs. Iran, Tom and Dominic are joined by friend of the show, Ali Ansari, to discuss Anglo-Iranian relations.Tune in to hear stories of freemasons, early Iranian analysis of Tories and Whigs, the Anglo-Persia

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258. Costa Rica: Civil War

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 20 Nov 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic as they continue the World Cup series by discussing the Costa Rican Civil War. This event is filled with tremendous characters, including the historian-cum-president Teodoro Picado Michalski, José Figueres Ferrer who abolished

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257. Australia: The Mystery of the Somerton Man

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 02:00

In today’s Australian-themed World Cup episode, Tom leads us through the incredible true story of the Somerton Man, a murdermystery that involves an Adelaide Beach, Persian poetry, and unexpected marriage. All will be revealed…J

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256. Germany: The White Rose

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 18 Nov 2022 02:00

“Since the conquest of Poland, 300,000 Jews have been murdered in this country in the most bestial way ... The German people slumber on in dull, stupid sleep and encourage the fascist criminals. Each wants to be exonerated of guilt, each one c

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255. Qatar: A History

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 17 Nov 2022 02:00

It is finally here. Tom and Dominic are embarking upon their mighty World Cup themed extravaganza. Every day they will be releasing a new episode, each one based upon a different country that is competing in the tournament. 32 days, 32 countries,

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254. The World Cup: The Falklands, despots, and corruption

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 16 Nov 2022 02:00

In their last episode on the World Cup, Tom and Dominic are joined by the face of football, Gary Lineker. They discuss England playing Argentina in the 1986 World Cup in the wake of the Falklands War, the globalisation of the competition that bega

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253. The World Cup: Post-war reconciliation, Brazilian dictatorship, and North Koreans in Middlesbrough

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

Welcome to the second episode of The Rest Is History's definitive guide to the history of the FIFA World Cup. In this episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the 1953 Match of the Century, post-war reconciliation, Dutch naked pool parties, medicals at NA

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252. The World Cup: British Imperialism, South American rivalries, and Mussolini

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 02:00

Welcome to The Rest Is History's definitive guide to the history of the FIFA World Cup, which looks past the football and uncovers the personalities, geopolitics, and drama behind the tournament.In the first of three episodes, Tom and

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History's coming home... (preview)

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 12 Nov 2022 02:00

Forget the football, the next month's entertainment is coming from The Rest is History!Join Tom and Dominic over the coming weeks as they embark on their colossal festival of world history. To mark the Fifa World Cup they are bringing

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251. Alfred the Great: Return of the King

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 10 Nov 2022 02:00

Battling with the expanding power of the Vikings, listen to Tom and Dominic discover how King Alfred the Great earned his name in the second instalment of our two part series on England's Founding Father.JoinListen/Read More

250. Alfred the Great: Fury of the Vikings

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:00

Alfred the Great is under invasion from the Vikings.Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Alfred's anointment by the Pope in Rome, his duality as both a fearsome warrior and a man of poetry, plus his unbelievable escape from a Christma

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248. Treason in Modern Britain

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the second part of their exploration of the history of treason. How has the 1351 treason act impacted Britain and the world since the 17th century? This will be answered as they discuss seismic events such as the trial of

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249. Treason in Modern Britain

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the second part of their exploration of the history of treason. How has the 1351 treason act impacted Britain and the world since the 17th century? This will be answered as they discuss seismic events such as the trial of

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247. Medieval Treason

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 31 Oct 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic at the National Archives as they explore the history of treason in Britain, going right back to the 1351 treason act. How has treason changed since its inception? Why are traitors hanged, drawn, and quartered? What impact did

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248. Medieval Treason

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 31 Oct 2022 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic at the National Archives as they explore the history of treason in Britain, going right back to the 1351 treason act. How has treason changed since its inception? Why are traitors hanged, drawn, and quartered? What impact did

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246. Monty & Patton vs. the Nazis

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:00

Do commanders matter? WeretheBritish generals effective or "foppish"? How did the Allies rebound from huge losses such as the Battle of Dunkirk to victories like Alamein and D-Day? Tom and Dominic are joined by Al Murray to discuss all

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247. Monty & Patton vs. the Nazis

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:00

Do commanders matter? WeretheBritish generals effective or "foppish"? How did the Allies rebound from huge losses such as the Battle of Dunkirk to victories like Alamein and D-Day? Tom and Dominic are joined by Al Murray to discuss all

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245. Trafalgar: Victory

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 24 Oct 2022 01:00

In this final episode Tom and Dominic discuss the legendary Battle of Trafalgar. Despite being outnumbered and facing the biggest ship in the world, Nelson took the battle to the French and Spanish forces. With the swell on his side, Nelson’s brav

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246. The Fall of Liz Truss

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 01:00

After just 45 days, Liz Truss has resigned.Join Tom and Dominic for this special episode to discuss her place in history. Is she Britain's worst ever Prime Minister? Is this the worst crisis in post-war British history? How does she c

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The Fall of Liz Truss

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 01:00

After just 45 days, Liz Truss has resigned.Join Tom and Dominic for this special episode to discuss her place in history. Is she Britain's worst ever Prime Minister? Is this the worst crisis in post-war British history? How does she c

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244. Trafalgar: Countdown to Annihilation

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 20 Oct 2022 01:00

In the second episode of Tom and Dominic's Trafalgar trilogy, the stakes could not be higher. They discuss: Napoleon's plan to invade Britain (and the possible repercussions if he did); what developments in naval technology meant for the British a

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243. Trafalgar: A World at War

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 01:00

Was the Battle of Trafalgar the most decisive battle of the 19th century? Join Tom and Dominic as they embark on a three part seriesdiscussing this incredible conflict betweenthe British Royal Navy and combined fleets of the French and

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242. French History on Film

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:00

Tom and Dominic welcome film critic Muriel Zagha to discuss the home of cinema, France, and its history through ten films, spanning from Vercingétorix to Vichy. Featuring Jean Renoir, Isabelle Adjani, Louis de Funès and many more...Tw

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241. Young Churchill: Prisoner and Fugitive

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:00

In the final instalment of our series on Young Churchill, learn how Churchill escaped a prisoner of war camp in the Boer War, becoming an imperialist hero. Discover how Churchill sought shelter in rat infested hideaways, escaped in the tight consi

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240. Young Churchill: Soldier of Empire

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

Join Tom and Dominic in the second episode of our mini-series on Young Churchill as they dive into his imperial exploits. From Cuba to Sudan, they explore his obsession with adventure, the ambiguities that existed within his own moral universe, an

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239. Young Churchill: Born to Lead

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 01:00

‘The child is the father of the man.’In the first episode of this mini-series on Young Churchill, Tom and Dominic explore the early life of Winston Churchill. They discuss the cruelty of his parents, his deeply imbued sense of destiny

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Young Churchill: Born to Lead

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 01:00

‘The child is the father of the man.’In the first episode of this mini-series on Young Churchill, Tom and Dominic explore the early life of Winston Churchill. They discuss the cruelty of his parents, his deeply imbued sense of destiny

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238. The Regency Revolution

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

How were the bonnets, corsets, and empire line dresses of the Regency period expressive of a revolutionary era?In this episode, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by Hilary Davidson to discuss fashion in early 19th century B

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237. Marilyn Monroe

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 26 Sep 2022 01:00

Actress, singer, model and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe has long been associated with old school Hollywood glamour and American pop culture. But why is she worth studying historically? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Marilyn's relationship to th

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236. China and World War II - Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:00

Tom and Dominic welcome back special guest Rana Mitter to discussChina's position duringWorldWarTwo.This episode covers the Rape of Nanjing by Japanese forces, the military tactic of flooding the Yellow River,

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235. China and World War II - Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 06:33

Friend of the show Rana Mitter joins Tom and Dominic this week to discuss the role ofChinain theSecondWorldWar.In the first of two episodes, Rana, Tom and Dominic cover the fall of the last Emperor and th

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234. Germans Behaving Badly

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 15 Sep 2022 01:00

Why is modern society so self-obsessed? The answer may be found in a group of late 18th century German rebels, including the writer Goethe and playwright Friedrich Schiller. Andrea Wulf joins Dominic and Tom in today's episode to disc

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233. The Loch Ness Monster

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 01:00

Does the Loch Ness Monster exist? When was the first mention of it recorded in history? And who are the people who have claimed to have seen it?Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss how a few 'sightings' of a mysterious creature took t

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232. Queen Elizabeth II - part 2

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:48

In February 1952, on the death of her father King George VI, the 25-year-old Elizabeth became Queen. During her long reign she was served by 15 Prime Ministers and met an extraordinary array of people. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland here examine h

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231. Queen Elizabeth II - part 1

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:21

The death of the Queen at the age of 96 brings to an end seven decades of her reign over Britain and the Commonwealth. In the first of a two-part series, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland look back at the early years of Elizabeth’s life, leading up t

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230. Portugal: Football, Fado, and Fascism?

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 00:00

In the final chapter of this series onthe history of Portugal, Tom and Dominic explorePortugalin the 20th century, the two World Wars, the Miracle of Fatima anddictator Antonio Salazar.JoinListen/Read More

229. Portugal: Gold, Earthquakes, and Brazil

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 07 Sep 2022 01:00

Earthquakes, gold rush, and Brazil.Join Tom and Dominic for the third episode in this history of Portugal series.Twitter:@TheRe

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228. Portugal: The Golden Age of Discovery

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

In the second episode of this Portugal mini-series, Tom and Dominic discuss the Portuguese setting sail for far flung reaches of the world, their relationship with Philip II of Spain, and the impact of Vasco da Gama.Twitter:Listen/Read More

227. Portugal: On the Edge of the World

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 05 Sep 2022 01:00

Welcome to The Rest Is History's Portugal mini-series!In the first of four episodes on Portugal, Tom and Dominic chart the nation's early history: Romans, Visigoths, the Reconquista, alliances with England, and much, much more...<

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ARCHIVE: Gorbachev, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the rise of Putin

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 02 Sep 2022 01:00

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, died aged 91 this week.In March 2022, Tom and Dominic recorded a mini-series on Gorbachev, the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent rise of Putin.We’ve stitch

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226. The Lord of the Rings

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

Written in stages between 1937 and 1949, The Lord of the Rings is one of the best-selling books ever written, with over 150 million copies sold.Join Tom and Dominic in the second of two episodes on the life and work of J.R.R.Tol

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225. J.R.R. Tolkien

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 01:00

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is one of the most prestigious authors in modern history, best known for writingThe Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.In the first of two episodes, Tom and Dominic exploreTolkien's chil

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224. Roman Holidays

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:00

Grand villas on the Bay of Naples, engraving names on Egyptian singing statues, and sightseeing tours of Biblical sights in the Levant. The fourth and final episode of this series explores Roman holidays - join Tom and Dominic as they

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223. Sun, Sea, and Sex

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 01:00

The rise and fall of Butlin's, Benidorm and Franco, class, package holidays, bikinis, mass tourism and sunbathing. The third episode in our holiday series has it all - join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the history of modern holidays in the post

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222. Victorian Holidays

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 18 Aug 2022 01:00

The birth of guide books, resorts, and the package holiday. In the second episode in our holidays series Tom and Dominic drill down into the story of Thomas Cook, package tours, and nightmarish German spa treatments. The

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Introducing Empire with William Dalrymple

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

Today's feed drop features friend of the show William Dalrymple discussing his new podcast, Empire, which he hosts alongside Anita Anand.How do empires rise? Why do they fall? And how have they shaped the world around us today?Listen/Read More

221. Holidays: Byron's Grand Tour

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 15 Aug 2022 01:00

Welcome to the first of four episodes on the history of holidays: Byron's Grand Tour; The Invention of Mass Tourism; Sun, Sea and Sex; and Roman Holidays.In the first episode, Tom and Dominic explore the adventures of Byron, Boswell a

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220. Justinian & Theodora: The Secret History

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:00

Wars, disease, and legacy.In the final episode of the trilogy, Tom and Dominic discuss the Byzantine reconquest of Italy, the arrivalof the Justinianic plague, and the legacy ofJustinianandTheodora.Listen/Read More

219. Justinian: Making Rome Great Again

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:00

The Riot that destroyed a city and almost brought down an Emperor...In the second part of our trilogy, Tom and Dominic discuss the Nika riots in the early part ofJustinian's reign, and how he set himselfoutas the def

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218. Theodora: Empress of Byzantium

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 08 Aug 2022 01:00

In the first episode of a three part series, Tom and Dominic dive into the incredible story of Justinian and Theodora.Tune in for an incredible (and racy) introduction to the powerful Byzantine empress, the collapse of the Western hal

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217. Plague and the decline of the Roman Empire

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 04 Aug 2022 01:00

Tom and Dominic are joined by friend of the show Kyle Harper to discuss how pandemics and disease played a far greater role in the decline of the Roman Empire than previously understood.On the show Kyle, Dominic, and Tom discuss life

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216. Pigeons

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 01 Aug 2022 01:00

‘If it became necessary immediately to discard every line and method of communications used on the front, except one, and it were left to me to select that one method, I should unhesitatingly choose the pigeons’, wrote Major General Fowle

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215. Stalingrad and the Red Army

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 28 Jul 2022 01:00

Tom and Dominic are again joined by Iain MacGregor to discuss the climax of the Battle ofStalingrad, Pavlov's House, and the Red Army's counter offensive that ultimately defeated the Axis forces.JoinListen/Read More

214. The Battle of Stalingrad

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 25 Jul 2022 01:00

Stalingrad: the bloodiest battle of the Second World War.Tom and Dominic are joined by Iain MacGregor to discuss the build up, context and outbreak of the Battle of Stalingrad.A second Stalingrad episode will be released

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213. London: Moments

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 22 Jul 2022 01:00

Welcome to the fifth and final episode in our London Week.Enjoyed the series? Click here to become a member ofThe Rest Is History Cl

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212. Haunted London

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 21 Jul 2022 01:00

Welcome to the fourth episode in our London Week mini-series.To get tomorrow's final episode right now, become a member ofThe Rest I

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211. London: People

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:00

Welcome to the third episode in our new mini-series: LONDON WEEK.From Monday to Friday we're releasing an episode daily. Monday's 'Londinium' and Thursday's 'Haunted London' are live episodes we recorded on location earlier this year.

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210. London: Places

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 19 Jul 2022 01:00

Welcome to the second episode in our new mini-series: LONDON WEEK.From Monday to Friday we'll release an episode daily. Monday's 'Londinium' and Thursday's 'Haunted London' are live episodes we recorded on location earlier this year.

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209. Londinium

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 18 Jul 2022 01:00

Welcome to the first episode in our new mini-series: LONDON WEEK.From Monday to Friday we'll release an episode daily. Today's 'Londinium' and Thursday's 'Haunted London' are live episodes we recorded on location earlier this year. On

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From Revisionist History: Margaret Mitchell and A Star is Born

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 15 Jul 2022 01:00

We’re sharing a bonus episode from our friends at Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast about things misunderstood and overlooked. This season, Malcolm’s obsessed with experiments – natural experiments, scientific experiment

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208. George Orwell

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 14 Jul 2022 01:00

George Orwell is one of the most celebrated novelists, essayists, and journalists in modern British history.Tom and Dominic are joined by Robert Colls, Professor Emeritus of Historyat De Montfort University, to discuss the

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207. Historical Love Island: THE WINNER

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 13 Jul 2022 01:00

Historical Love Island has swept the nation and the podcasting world since Monday, when four couples made it to the final: General Custer Lola Montez, Lord Byron Sporus, Stanley Baldwin Theodora, and Jimmy Carter Olympias.<

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206. Historical Love Island

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 11 Jul 2022 01:00

The Love Island phenomenon is sweeping the nation, so Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by Tom's daughter, Katy Holland, to play their part in creating a ‘villa’ made up of historical figures. Who will loveable nice-boy Jimmy Carter ‘co

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205. The Last Days of Boris Johnson

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 08 Jul 2022 01:00

Boris Johnson has resigned.In a special episode of The Rest Is History Tom and Dominic dissect the tumultuous last few days in British politics, with references and comparisons to Roman emperors, Margaret Thatcher, and other character

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204. Gone with the Wind

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 07 Jul 2022 01:00

"There was a land of cavaliers and cotton fields called the Old South".Tom and Dominic are joined by Sarah Churchwell to discuss the 'Lost Cause' myth that has pervaded American culture for 150 years, its embodiment in both t

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203. American Civil War: Aftermath & Legacy

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 04 Jul 2022 01:00

In the final episode of this 'American Civil War' series, Tom, Dominic and historian Adam Smith look at the end of the conflict, the subsequent assassination of Abraham Lincoln and how the war is viewed in modern day America.Join

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202. American Civil War: Gettysburg

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 30 Jun 2022 01:00

Tom, Dominic and historian Adam Smith look at the most famous battle of the war and Abraham Lincoln’s 272 word address that became one of the best known speeches of all time.They also discuss the conditions of the black population during the

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201. American Civil War: Outbreak

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 01:00

Welcome to the second episode in The Rest Is History's 'American Civil War' series.The release schedule of the remaining two episodes is as follows:Gettysburg (Thursday 30th June)Aftermath Legacy (Monday 4th July)<

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200. American Civil War: The Causes

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 27 Jun 2022 01:00

Welcome to The Rest Is History 'American Civil War' series.The release schedule of the four episodes is as follows:The Causes (Monday 27th June)Outbreak (Tuesday 28th June)Gettysburg (Thursday 30th June)Aft

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American Civil War: The Causes

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 27 Jun 2022 01:00

Welcome to The Rest Is History 'American Civil War' series.The release schedule of the four episodes is as follows:The Causes (Monday 27th June)Outbreak (Tuesday 28th June)Gettysburg (Thursday 30th June)Aft

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199. Stonehenge

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:00

On today's pod Tom and Dominic are joined by Stonehengeexpert Mike Pitts to discuss all the big questions that surroundStonehenge:Who built it? How did they build it? What was it built for?JoinListen/Read More

198. Cleopatra's Downfall

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 20 Jun 2022 01:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the fourth and final instalment in theirCleopatra mini-series, as they discuss Octavian's propaganda, the war he waged against Antony andCleopatra, and their ultimate demise.JoinListen/Read More

ARCHIVE: Watergate (Part 2)

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:54

Watergate 50th Anniversary re-release (Part 2):Last October we recorded a two part special on the remarkable political story which became known as Watergate.Today marks 50 years since the break-in at the Democratic headqu

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ARCHIVE: Watergate (Part 1)

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:44

Watergate 50th Anniversary re-release:Last October we recorded a two part special on the remarkable political story which became known as Watergate.Today marks 50 years since the break-in at the Democratic headquarters in

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197. Antony & Cleopatra

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 16 Jun 2022 01:00

After centuries of Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s relationship being told and fictionalised by Plutarch and Shakespeare alike, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook uncover what history tells us about this power couple.They reveal how the rise of O

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196. Julius Caesar & Cleopatra

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 14 Jun 2022 01:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the second episode of this four part mini-serieson Cleopatra, where they discuss her relationshipwith Julius Caesar and the role this relationship played in the politics of Rome.The release s

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195. Young Cleopatra

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 13 Jun 2022 01:00

Welcome to The Rest Is History Cleopatra series!The release schedule of the four episodes is as follows:Young Cleopatra (Monday 13th June)Julius Caesar Cleopatra (Tuesday 14th June)Antony Cleopatra (Th

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194. The First Fascist

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 09 Jun 2022 01:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the 'first' fascist, GabrieleD'Annunzio, with historian Lucy Hughes-Hallett.D'Annunziowas a key figure in Italian literature before becoming a political figure later in his life.&n

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193. How Prime Ministers Fall

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 01:00

As British PM Boris Johnson survives a no confidence vote, Tom and Dominic record a special episode on the history of bringing down Prime Ministers. Prominent victims include Asquith, Chamberlain, Thatcher and Blair.JoinListen/Read More

192. Robin Hood

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 06 Jun 2022 01:00

Join Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook as they uncover the origins ofRobinHood. What was the earliest mention ofRobinHoodin text? How has RobinHood evolved through time to become the legend that he

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191. Childbirth

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

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic talk to Sara Read about the history ofchildbirth.Sara unveils the origin of the word 'gossip' and its connection to midwifery. As well as this, they discuss how someone would qualify as a midw

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190. Jubilees

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 30 May 2022 01:00

In today's episode of The Rest Is History Dominic and Tom look at how Jubilees have served as a moment for Britain to stop and reflect.From the celebrations of George III, Queen Victoria and George V to the modern jamborees of Elizabe

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189. Australian Prime Ministers: Bob Hawke - Scott Morrison

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 26 May 2022 01:00

Join Tom and Dominic for the final episode of their Australian epic. Tune in to hear about the exploits of the most recent stretch of prime ministers, spanning from Bob Hawke to Scott Morrison.JoinListen/Read More

188. Australian Prime Ministers: Harold Holt - Malcolm Fraser

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 24 May 2022 01:00

In the second part of our Australian PMs trilogy, Tom and Dominic explore Chinese Communist conspiracy theories and talk about the most entertaining of all the Aussie leaders.The final instalment of this mini-series will be in your po

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187. Australian Prime Ministers: Edmund Barton - Robert Menzies

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 23 May 2022 01:00

In the wake of Anthony Albanese's victory in this weekend's Australian election, Tom and Dominic have recorded a three part Antipodean special on the history of Australian prime ministers.The first episode begins in 1901 with Edmund B

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186. The New Elizabethan Age

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 19 May 2022 01:00

The longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth II acceded to the throne 70 years ago.To mark the occasion, Tom and Dominic are joined by Frances Christie, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's UK and Ireland, who specialises in 20t

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185. Agatha Christie

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 16 May 2022 01:00

Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist in history.Coinciding neatly with the 'Wagatha Christie' trial taking place between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy in the UK, Tom and Dominic look at Christie as a mirror held up to the 20

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184. History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 2)

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 12 May 2022 01:00

Could the West have lost the Cold War? Would we be happier if we didn't study history? Would you prefer to have a samurai, a Viking or a Spartan as your bodyguard?Tom and Dominic are joined by Hardcore History's Dan Carlin for a secon

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183. History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 1)

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 May 2022 01:00

Who was the most influential leader of the 20th century? What would have happened if the South had won the American Civil War? Would you rather be under siege from the Mongols, the Romans, or the Assyrians?In a huge moment for transat

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History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 1)

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 May 2022 01:00

Who was the most influential leader of the 20th century? What would have happened if the South had won the American Civil War? Would you rather be under siege from the Mongols, the Romans, or the Assyrians?In a huge moment for transat

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182. Operation Barbarossa

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 05 May 2022 01:00

What military parallels does Putin's invasion of Ukraine have with Hitler's attempt to invade the Soviet Union?On today's pod Tom and Dominic are joined by historian - and brother of Tom - James Holland to discuss Operation Barbarossa

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181. The Birth of Babylon

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 May 2022 01:00

In January, Tom and Dominic explored the history of Babylon, from Nebuchadnezzar onwards (episode 145 in the Rest Is History feed).At the end of that episode, there was a promise to revisit Babylon's earlier period to fully do the top

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180. England & Englishness

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 28 Apr 2022 01:00

George Orwell, a love of wildlife, and Raheem Sterling - but what does it mean to be English in the modern world?In today's episode, Tom and Dominic are joined by the New Statesman editor, Jason Cowley, to discuss England and Englishn

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179. French Presidents: 1981-2022

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 26 Apr 2022 01:00

In the second of two episodes covering France's post-war presidents, Tom and Dominic drill down into the remaining historical statesmen, bringing us right up to the current day.François Mitterrand,Jacques Chirac,Nicolas Sa

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178. French Presidents: 1958-1981

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 25 Apr 2022 01:00

It's the day after the French election runoff between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, so naturally here's a Rest Is History French Presidents special.Charles de Gaulle,Georges Pompidou, andValéry Giscard d'Estaing. Join

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177. The Jewish Revolt

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 21 Apr 2022 01:00

In the second of two episodes on the Jewish Revolt, Tom and Dominic discuss the burning of the Temple, Vespasian Titus' triumph, and Masada.Why was it such a landmark revolt for both Christianity and Judaism? What happened in it

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176. The Jews Against Rome

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 18 Apr 2022 01:00

"The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans: a thrilling, terrible, and blood-soaked story."Following on from last week's episode on the Crucifixion, Tom and Dominic take us back to Judea to dissect the tumultuous events of the Jewish

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175. Crucifixion

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 14 Apr 2022 01:00

Crucifixions were a form of public execution so heinous that the Romans themselves were reluctant to document their gory details...In this Easter special, Tom and Dominic trace the origins and evolution of crucifixion - as well as the

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174. Merlin, Magic and the British

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 11 Apr 2022 01:00

Richard II, Prince Charles, and Tony Blair. From Merlin, to the middle ages, to the modern day, the mysterious world of magic, necromancy and the occult has had a notable presence in the lives of British monarchs, politicians and members of high s

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173. Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 07 Apr 2022 01:00

China's Cultural Revolution under Chairman Mao was one of the most staggeringly brutal events in recent human history. Tom and Dominic are joined by historian Rana Mitter, who specialises in the history of Republican China.

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172. The Falklands War: Afterlife

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 01:00

In the final part of our Falklands series, Tom and Dominic discuss the legacy of the war in both the UK and Argentina, and debate whether the nostalgic sentiment stirred by Britain’s victory laid the foundations for Brexit.If you enjo

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171. The Falklands War: Battle for the Islands

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:00

In the third episode of our Falklands War mini-series, the story heats up.The most controversial episode of the war, the sinking of the Belgrano, takes place, the British Task Force lands and battle plays out.Tom and Domi

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170. The Falklands War: The Task Force Sails

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 29 Mar 2022 01:00

In the second episode of our Falklands War mini-series, Britain is faced with an Argentine occupation and prepares to go to war.Margaret Thatcher discovers her inner Winston Churchill - but faces a titanic showdown in Parliament, whic

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169. The Falklands War: Countdown to Invasion

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 28 Mar 2022 01:00

Welcome to our mini-series on The Falklands War, where Tom and Dominic will break down the causes, conflict and aftermath of the war on its fortieth anniversary.In the first episode we dig into the history of the islands, the ca

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168. Oil: Conflict, Chaos and Climate Change

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 25 Mar 2022 02:00

Tom and Dominic are back with Helen Thompson for a second episode on the history of oil, its impact and how it shapes geopolitics.Tune in to hear about the impact of oil production on US Politics, its importance to the history and cur

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167. Oil: The Making of the Modern World

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:00

Tom and Dominic are joined by Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge, to talk about the incredible influence of oil over the last couple of centuries.Discussion covers the first oil well ever dri

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166. Genghis Khan: Lord of the Mongols

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

The second of two episodes on Genghis Khan, listen to yesterday's pod (165. The Rise of Genghis Khan) before listening to this one!'An almost sacral figure' in the words of Tom Holland, Genghis Khan has become the paramount leader of

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165. The Rise of Genghis Khan

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 02:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook speak to Ali Ansari about the origins of one of the greatest warlords in human history - Genghis Khan.They discuss his early life as Temujin and how he became Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongols.<

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164. Saint Patrick

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 17 Mar 2022 02:00

HappySt. Patrick'sDay!No, Tom isn't turning Brixton's River Effra green, nor is Dominic distributing shamrocks throughout the Oxfordshire countryside, but they're here anyway with a very special pod on the mysterious

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163. The Last Emperor of Mexico

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 14 Mar 2022 02:00

What links theMexicanRepublic, Palmerston, the Hapsburgs, Napoleon III and butterfly catching? Please tweet us if you can think of anything other than the following answer, which is the incredible story of theLastEmperor&nb

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162. Putin's Russia

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 10 Mar 2022 02:00

[Episode 4 of 4]'In the noughties, Russian democracy becomes a form of show business'In the final instalment of our Russia mini-series, Tom and Dominic reach the climax of Putin’s rise to power, charting how a former KGB

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161. Yeltsin, Economic Chaos and President Putin

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:00

[Episode 3 of 4]'You certainly won't understand what ordinary Russians see in Vladimir Putin if you don't understand what happened in the 1990s. A time of utter, utter collapse.'In part three of our Soviet Union, Ru

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160. The Fall of the Soviet Union

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

[Episode 2 of 4]This episode of The Rest Is History marks the second instalment in our four part series on the Soviet Union, Russia and the rise of Vladimir Putin.From the 70th anniversary of the Russian Revolution in 198

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159. Young Putin, the KGB and the Soviet Union

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:00

[Episode 1 of 4]Welcome to our new four part series on the latter years of the Soviet Union, its fall, Putin's early life and his subsequent rise to power.Today's episode focuses on Brezhnev, Putin's formative years, his

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Young Putin, the KGB and the Soviet Union

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:00

[Episode 1 of 4]Welcome to our new four part series on the latter years of the Soviet Union, its fall, Putin's early life and his subsequent rise to power.Today's episode focuses on Brezhnev, Putin's formative years, his

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158. Killer Fashion

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 03 Mar 2022 02:00

How much do you know about the lethal price people have paid over the centuries to look fashionable?In today's episode Tom and Dominic are joined byDr. Alison Matthews David to discuss the dark secrets behind the history of garm

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The Rest Is Politics: Putin in person, Russian influence, and Blair vs Bono

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 02 Mar 2022 02:00

What's Vladimir Putin like to deal with in person? In our new podcast "The Rest Is Politics", Tony Blair's former spokesperson Alastair Campbell and former Tory MP and cabinet minister Rory Stewart dive into the latest on Ukraine, give their insig

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157. Byzantium and the Ghosts of Rome

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

What happened to the Roman Empire after its fall?In the second of two episodes, Tom and Dominic discuss where Rome endured, how its ghost still haunts 21st century geopolitics, and which member of the British Royal Family Tom thinks i

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156. When did the Roman Empire fall?

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:00

Tom and Dominic explore what Edward Gibbon called “the greatest, perhaps, and most awful scene in the history of mankind”: the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.JoinListen/Read More

155. Ukraine and Russia

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 23 Feb 2022 02:10

With eastern Europe apparently on the brink of war and Vladimir Putin citing history as pretext, what exactly is Ukraine? Is it distinct from Russia, and how long has it existed? Tom and Dominic run through a brutal and fractured history, from the Vi

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ARCHIVE: The Vikings and the birth of Kyiv

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 23 Feb 2022 02:05

Want to know more about the history of the Vikings in the East and how it relates to modern day Russia and Ukraine? Listen to our bumper episode on the topic from earlier this year, where Tom and Dominic drill down into the birth of Kyiv.
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ARCHIVE: Ukraine and the United Kingdom

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 23 Feb 2022 02:00

With Russia seemingly on the brink of invading Ukraine, here's an episode from our archives on the historical relationship between the UK and Ukraine, recorded during last year's European football championships.JoinListen/Read More

154. The Most Disastrous Party in History

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:00

We've all been to some terrible ones, but what is the most disastrous party in human history?Not at all inspired by recent political events, Tom and Dominic have whittled our listener suggestions down to the ten parties that the

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153. God and the American Empire

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 18 Feb 2022 02:00

On today's episode Tom and Dominic are joined by Friend of the Show, Professor Andrew Preston, to talk about the relationship between the US and religion, both at home and abroad in the 20th and 21st centuries.Why have there been such

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152. American Crusades

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 17 Feb 2022 02:00

On today's episode Tom and Dominic are joined by Andrew Preston, a Cambridge University professor whose new book focuses on religion in American war and diplomacy.What is the role of religion in the American outlook? How has it shaped

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151. Valentine's Day

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 14 Feb 2022 02:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Have you ever wondered why we send each other cards and go out to Carluccio's for dinner on a weeknight?In today's episode, Tom and Dominic drill down into the details - what are its origins? Why were 'Vinegar'

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Real Dictators: Adolf Hitler's Day In Court

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 11 Feb 2022 02:00

Today we're dropping an episode from our friends atNoiser. Their podcast brings us toMunich, Germany. November 1923. The Nazis have just attempted to launch a revolution. But instead, Adolf Hitler now finds himself on the run

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150. Smuggling

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 10 Feb 2022 02:00

Did you think smuggling in Britain was confined to the Jamaica Inn and the beaches of the Cornish coast? If so, you might want to listen to today's podcast, where Tom and Dominic are joined by author and smuggling oracle, Alex Preston.Listen/Read More

149. The Birth of Russia

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

In the second of two episodes on the Vikings in the East, Tom and Dominic investigate their role in the birth of Russia.Producer: Dom JohnsonExec Producer: Jack DavenportJoin Listen/Read More

148. The Vikings Go East

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Feb 2022 02:00

In this week's episode, Tom and Dominic take a look at the actions, influence and brutalisation of the Vikings in Eastern Europe, including their role in the formation of Russia and Ukraine.Producer: Dom JohnsonExec Producer: J

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147. Disease, the New World and modern pandemics

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:00

How devastating were European arrivals to the Americas in terms of deaths and the introduction of new infectious diseases?Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Kyle Harper from the University of Oklahoma to discuss the relationship

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146. Disease vs. the rise of civilisation

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 03 Feb 2022 02:00

The way we die has been utterly transformed.There have been around 10,000 generations of human beings, but only in the last 3 or 4 have infectious diseases not been an expected and accepted cause of death.What drove the m

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145. Babylon

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 31 Jan 2022 02:00

Greatest city on earth. Den of iniquity. Imperial oppressor. Wealth and power. The ancient city of Babylon has been mythologised for millenia, but how much do we actually know and why does it still resonate today?Producer

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144. The Trial of Charles I Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 28 Jan 2022 02:00

Tune in to hear the second part of The Rest Is History's take on the execution of Charles I and its aftermath. Charles I was executed 373 years ago to the day on 30th January. But was his killing a sinful act of treason or merely one

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143. The Trial of Charles I Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 27 Jan 2022 02:00

Charles I was executed 373 years ago to the day on 30th January. But was his killing a sinful act of treason or merely one of retributive justice?Tom and Dominic welcome back Professor Ted Vallance from the University of Roehampton to

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142. General Gordon and the Siege of Khartoum

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 25 Jan 2022 02:00

What happened to Gordon at Khartoum?Described by Dominic as the 'greatest media event of the Victorian era', this second parter is not to be missed.Producer: Dom JohnsonExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitte

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141. General Gordon: The Ultimate Victorian Hero

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 24 Jan 2022 02:00

Who was General Gordon?Tune in to hear about the life and times of the 'emblematic martyr of the Victorian age'.Producer: Dom JohnsonExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter:@TheRestHistoryListen/Read More

140. The Birth of the Railways

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 20 Jan 2022 02:00

Today Tom and Dominic are joined by historian Dan Jackson to talk about one of the greatest inventions known to man - the railways.Where were they first created? When did they arrive in England? And how did they relate to the standard

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139. The Princes in the Tower Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 18 Jan 2022 02:00

Who killed the Princes in the Tower? The inspiration behind Shakespeare's Richard III, their murder remains one of the greatest mysteries in English history.In the second of two episodes, all eyes turn to Richard III, prime susp

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138. The Princes in the Tower Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 17 Jan 2022 02:00

Who killed the Princes in the Tower? The inspiration behind Shakespeare's Richard III, their murder is one of the greatest mysteries in English history.In the first of two episodes, we start with the princes' father, Edward IV.

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137. 1922: The Birth of the Modern World Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 14 Jan 2022 02:00

In part 2 of this centennial episode, Tom and Dominic cover the triggering of the Irish Civil War, the birth of the BBC, and Howard Carter's 'Tutmania'.Plus, have you ever wondered how many stars Dominic's 1995 Edinburg

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136. 1922: The Birth of the Modern World Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 13 Jan 2022 02:00

2022 marks 100 years since one of the most important years in modern history. In part 1 Tom and Dominic discuss all things 1922: Bolshevism, fascism, and the significance ofThe Waste Landand Ulysses.Listen/Read More

135. Crossing the Rubicon: The die is cast

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 02:00

Now ready to take on Pompey and the Senate, Julius Caesar must take the final step and cross over into Italy with his legion.Join The Rest Is History Club for early access, ad-free episodes, bonus content and more at Listen/Read More

134. Crossing the Rubicon: The rise of Julius Caesar

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 10 Jan 2022 02:00

Julius Caesar crossed the banks of the Rubicon river with his legion on this day (maybe) over 2000 years ago. In the first of a two-parter, Tom explains how Caesar rose to become powerful enough to take the decision that would eventually lead to h

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Crossing the Rubicon: The rise of Julius Caesar

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 10 Jan 2022 02:00

Julius Caesar crossed the banks of the Rubicon river with his legion on this day (maybe) over 2000 years ago. In the first of a two-parter, Tom explains how Caesar rose to become powerful enough to take the decision that would eventually lead to h

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12 Days: Alfred the Great and Pepys' 'Fanatiques'

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 06 Jan 2022 02:00

A key battle in the history of England and a forgotten uprising in 17th century London round off our 12 (13) Days of Christmas. Back with to our regular schedule next Monday 10th January. Hosted

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12 Days: Death of Edward the Confessor and the Dreyfus Affair

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 05 Jan 2022 02:00

The catalyst for the upheaval of 1066 and one of the most controversial episodes in French history happened on this day in history. Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

12 Days: Solomon Northup and Albert Camus

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 04 Jan 2022 02:00

Tom analyses the historical importance of Solomon Northup's story, made famous by Steve McQueen's '12 Years A Slave'. Then, Dominic delves into the death of French philosopher and author Albert Camus. Tune in to also hear about the travails of Monsie

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12 Days: Martin Luther and J.R.R. Tolkien

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 03 Jan 2022 02:00

Luther's excommunication from the Catholic church and the birth of the author of Lord of the Rings happened on this day. Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

12 Days: Reconquest of Spain and the Old Queen of Hawaii

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 02 Jan 2022 02:00

The conquest of the kingdom of Grenada by Christian forces reclaimed southern Spain from the Moors, and the forgotten monarchs of Hawaii. Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

12 Days: Nero's succession and the fall of the Byzantine Empire

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 01 Jan 2022 02:00

In a distinctly Roman start to 2022, Tom sets the scene for Rome's "Year of the four Emperors", while Dominic recounts a battle which was the beginning of the end for the Byzantine Empire. Hosted

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12 Days: Jean-Bédel Bokassa and the memory of pandemics

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 31 Dec 2021 02:00

It's New Year's Eve - switch off the Hootenanny and tune in to hear Dominic recount extraordinary tales of coups, cousins and the rise of an emperor in the Central African Republic. Later on in the podcast, Tom questions whether the current pandemic

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12 Days: The Battle of Wakefield and Emperor Karl I

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 30 Dec 2021 02:00

Tom dissects the Battle of Wakefield and the subsequent fall of Richard, Duke of York, while Dominic talks us through the last ‘great’ Habsburg emperor, Karl I of Austria. Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

12 Days: The Murder of Thomas Becket and the Wounded Knee Massacre

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 29 Dec 2021 02:00

Tom takes us through the murder of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, while Dominic looks at one of the United States' most tragic massacres: the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee. Hosted o

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12 Days: Massacre of the Innocents and the Tay Bridge disaster

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 28 Dec 2021 02:00

In a suitably festive edition, Tom recounts the biblical story of King Herod's massacre of babies in Jerusalem, and Dominic remembers a rail disaster from 1879 and the hilariously bad poetry it inspired.

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12 Days: Port wine and Darwin sets sail

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 27 Dec 2021 02:00

How the English's fondness for Portuguese fortified wine began, and the unlikely story of the voyage which inspired Charles Darwin's natural philosophy. Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

12 Days: Good King Wenceslas and the first Gilbert & Sullivan

By Jack Davenport/Sun, 26 Dec 2021 02:00

Was Wenceslas good? Was he a king? And Dominic remembers the popular Victorian light opera maestros first production "Thespis". Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

12 Days: Coronation of Charlemagne and the collapse of the Soviet Union

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 25 Dec 2021 02:00

To kick off our 12 Days of Christmas mini-series, Tom and Dominic remember the birth of the Holy Roman Empire and Mikhail Gorbachev's resignation Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

133. Christmas churches

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 23 Dec 2021 08:05

Fan favourite RachelMorleyfrom Friends of Friendless Churches is back to count down her top ten churches with a festive connectionGo to Listen/Read More

132. A Christmas Carol

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 20 Dec 2021 02:00

Join Tom and Dominic in this festive special as they retrace the steps of Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim in an episode dedicated to Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. The boys traverse the City of London, visit Scrooge's old haunts and diss

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The 1960s (preview)

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 18 Dec 2021 02:00

In Tom and Dominic's inaugural livestream for the Rest is History Club, we dive into one of the most seminal decades in modern history: the 1960s. Should the period be remembered as a byword for cultural revolution or as the birthplace of individu

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131. Burgundy: Europe's forgotten superpower

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 16 Dec 2021 02:00

Now mostly overlooked by history, Burgundy was a major political and cultural power in western Europe during the Middle Ages, rivalling France and England. How did the kingdom gain such prominence, and why did it disappear? Bart van Loo, author of

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130. Superheroes

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 02:00

From their origins in the 1930's running parallel to the rise of fascism in Europe, to the Adam West camp of the 1960's, to the gritty modern reboots - what has made Superheroes a cultural phenomenon, and what mirror does it hold up to society? Listen/Read More

129. Cricket

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 09 Dec 2021 02:00

How did a game played by peasants in the English countryside as early as the 17th century evolve into one of the most popular sports in the world? Jon Hotten, author of 'The Meaning of Cricket', joins Tom and Dominic to discuss the origins of the

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History's greatest clubs (preview)

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 07 Dec 2021 02:00

A chance to peek behind the curtain into the new weekly bonus episode for subscribers to the Rest Is History Club. As well as the extra episode, subscribers get a monthly live-streamed show (the first is on Wednesday 15th December, talking about t

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128. Rasputin

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:00

The peasant who became one of the most influential figures in the final days of the Russian Empire is an unbelievable story. But how much of the gossip, rumour and scandal that surrounded Grigori Rasputin is true? Dominic and Tom discuss, and some

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127. Neanderthals

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 02 Dec 2021 02:00

Where did Neanderthals come from? How are they related to homo sapiens? And why are they no longer with us? Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum.Produced by Dom JohnsonListen/Read More

126. Napoleon in Egypt

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 02:00

“God is too late, you have begun, now I will finish it.” Swash-buckling hero or sacrilegious tyrant? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, his dream of becoming the next Alexander the Great, and the complicated histo

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125. The CIA

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 25 Nov 2021 02:00

The USA's Central Intelligence Agency is a mysterious organisation which has used covert methods to assassinate enemies, influence governments and tip whole countries into revolution - or so countless films, TV series and books would have us believe.

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124. World Cup of Kings and Queens part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 23 Nov 2021 02:00

Elizabeth II. Henry V. William the Conqueror. All pretenders, according to our twitter poll to find England’s greatest monarch, which has been running over the last week. Dominic and Tom discuss those who fell at the final hurdle, as well as finding

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123. World Cup of Kings and Queens part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 02:00

Oliver Cromwell. Queen Victoria. George V. All contenders for the title of England's greatest monarch, a poll for which took place on a twitter over the last week. We know that Athelstan went on to win, but in this episode Tom and Dominic run through

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122. Æthelstan: OFFICIALLY England's greatest monarch

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:15

After an intense tournament featuring sixteen of the finest Kings and Queens this island has to offer, the people have decided the greatest king of England also happens to be the first. The 10th century grandson of Alfred the Great united the Anglo-S

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121. Australia Before Cook

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 18 Nov 2021 02:00

"Discovered this territory, 1770". So reads the inscription on a statue of Captain Cook in Hyde Park, Sydney. But did he really discover it? Tom and Dominic are joined by David Hunt to explore the long story of human settlement in Australia, and of t

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120. The Oil Weapon

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:00

1973: Major oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia quadruple the price of oil overnight, sending the West (particularly the United Kingdom) into crisis. The face of 20th century geopolitics is permanently altered. Slade are Christmas number 1.Listen/Read More

119. World Cup of Kings & Queens preview

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 12 Nov 2021 02:00

Who's England's greatest monarch? Voting starts on Saturday 13th November, go to @TheRestHistory on Twitter to get involved. Hosted on Acast. See Listen/Read More

118. End of the First World War & Remembrance

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 11 Nov 2021 02:00

On the anniversary of the day the guns fell silent on the Western Front, we look at the last moments of the First World War – and how we remember them. How did Remembrance Day start? What are the stories behind the Cenotaph and the Unknown Warrior? W

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117. Alexander the Great part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 02:00

In the second part of our Alexander the Great special, we head to the limits of the known world, burning down palaces, storming mountain-top fortresses and battling elephants as we go. Might Alexander have kept his empire together had he lived? What

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116. Alexander the Great part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 08 Nov 2021 02:00

Alexander the Great is the most charismatic conqueror in history. Tom and Dominic, in the first of a two part special, trace the course of his dazzling career from Macedonia to his mysterious journey to the oracle at Siwa. Man or god? Visionary or bl

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Alexander the Great Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 08 Nov 2021 02:00

Alexander the Great is the most charismatic conqueror in history. Tom and Dominic, in the first of a two part special, trace the course of his dazzling career from Macedonia to his mysterious journey to the oracle at Siwa. Man or god? Visionary or bl

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115. The Gunpowder Plot

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:00

‘Remember, remember / the Fifth of November / Gunpowder, treason plot.” But what is it exactly we are remembering on Bonfire Night? Tom Dominic explore what - if it had succeeded - would have been the most spectacular terrorist attack in

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114. Stonehenge, ancient ritual and the origins of paganism

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:00

Like Merlin, who lived his life in reverse, we go backwards in time as we continue our two-part series on paganism. Renaissance philosophers; green men; a pagan city in the early caliphate; hooded gods on Hadrian’s Wall; Stonehenge; cannibals (or wer

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113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 06:28

In the first of a two part Hallowe’en special, Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Ronald Hutton to explore the history of modern paganism: from Wicca to Druids, and from Himmler to the Glastonbury Festival. Do its roots reach back to a genuine p

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112. Medieval Science

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 28 Oct 2021 01:00

The word ‘medieval’ is often used to mean backward, benighted, unscientific. But is this fair? Historian of science Seb Falk joins Tom and Dominic to explore how the Middle Ages shaped and influenced the development of science.Produce

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111. Golden Ages

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 01:00

Oh, to be Dutch in the seventeenth century. Or Roman in 150 AD. Or British in the 1990's. Tom and Dominic debate the merits of various "Golden Ages" in history, and ask whether we might have seen the last.

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110. History of India in 10 Buildings

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 21 Oct 2021 01:00

Curator and art historian Aparna Andhare gives Tom and Dominic her selection of the ten buildings that best illustrateIndia’s past 4,500 years. Ranging from Mohenjo-daro to Narendra Modi, all the Subcontinent’s history is here.A

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109. Dinosaurs

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 18 Oct 2021 01:00

How did the existence of dinosaurs come to be discovered, what role have they played in the popular imagination over the past 200 years?And what can humanity learn from the extinction of dinosaurs - if indeed they ARE extinct? Tom Holl

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108. The Industrial Revolution

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:00

Did the industrial revolution really improve people’s lives? And why was Britain first to industrialise? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by Emma Griffin, professor of modern history and author of Liberty's Dawn: A People's History of the

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107. Watergate: Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 12 Oct 2021 01:00

Despite his overwhelming lead in the polls, President Richard Nixon’s paranoia leads to the criminal actions of the Watergate scandal. In this second part of our mini-series, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore the unravelling of the conspir

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107. Watergate: part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 12 Oct 2021 01:00

Despite his overwhelming lead in the polls, President Richard Nixon’s paranoia leads to the criminal actions of the Watergate scandal. In this second part of our mini-series, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore the unravelling of the conspir

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106. Watergate: part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 11 Oct 2021 01:00

What led Richard Nixon into the greatest political scandal in American history? Dominic Sandbrook, acclaimed historian of the period, leads Tom Holland on an extraordinary journey from Nixon’s humble beginnings through his political rise and to th

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Watergate: Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 11 Oct 2021 01:00

What led Richard Nixon into the greatest political scandal in American history? Dominic Sandbrook, acclaimed historian of the period, leads Tom Holland on an extraordinary journey from Nixon’s humble beginnings through his political rise and to th

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105. Classics

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 07 Oct 2021 01:00

The world’s most famous classicist, Professor Mary Beard, joins Tom and Dominic to discuss how the legacy of classical Greece and Rome has been interpreted and re-interpreted over the past millennium and a half. They range from Dante’s Satan snacking

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Bonus Episode: No Time to Die

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 06 Oct 2021 01:00

WARNING: THIS PODCAST INCLUDES SPOILERS ABOUT THE NEW JAMES BOND MOVIE. DO NOT LISTEN UNTIL YOU’VE SEEN THE FILM.What does the new Bond movie tell us about modern masculinity? And where does the franchise go from here? Dominic Sandbrook and

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104. Macbeth

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:00

Something wicked this way comes. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook take a deep dive into the real history of Scotland’s most notorious king. Was he really the murderous man of Shakespeare’s writing? Plus the boys examine the play for its insight i

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103. The Norse Sagas

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 30 Sep 2021 01:00

In today’s episode, Tom and Dominic are joined by Dr Eleanor Barraclough as they sail across the Atlantic in a dragon-ship, bound for the epic world of the Norse sagas. What society did the Vikings set up in Iceland? How did they get to America? W

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102. Germany from Adenauer to Angela

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 28 Sep 2021 01:00

As Angela Merkel bows out of German politics, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore the surprisingly colourful world of Germany’s Chancellors since the Second World War. It’s a story of rebels, exiles, Nazis, chain-smokers, the colossal bulk of H

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101. James Bond

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 27 Sep 2021 01:00

The fictional British agent James Bond returns to our cinema screens this week, but what do the history and evolution of Ian Fleming’s iconic character tell us about our changing society? Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore 007 in both book

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Decolonising Africa

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 23 Sep 2021 01:00

Writer and critic Tomiwa Owolade joins Dominic and Tom to discuss the pan-African movement and the varying ways in which African states became independent from their European colonisers during the 20th century.

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99. Thermopylae & Salamis Episode 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian invasion of Greece. Today, they look at two battles which have echoed down the millennia: Thermopylae, the very archetype of a heroic defeat, and S

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98. Thermopylae & Salamis Episode 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 20 Sep 2021 01:00

In 480 BC, 300 Spartans made a famous stand at Thermopylae, as hordes of Persian soldiers, led by Xerxes, seemed set to succeed in their aim of conquering Greece. However, although Leonidas and his men were defeated, only a short while later the Gree

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97. Top Ten Mistresses

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:00

Tom Holland is joined by Ali Ansari to discuss the most influential mistresses in history. The definition of success is to impact history, despite often humble beginnings.Recorded live at the London Podcast Festival.A Goalhange

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96. The UK’s Best Churches

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 13 Sep 2021 01:00

There are estimated to be around 16 thousand churches in England alone.But which are the finest in the UK?Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by the director of Friends of Friendless Churches, Rachel Morley, to decide a top ten.&

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95. 9/11

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 09 Sep 2021 01:00

On the morning of Tuesday, September11, 2001, four commercial airliners were hijacked above the US by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda. What followed was the deadliest terrorist attack inhistory. Twenty years on, Dominic

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94. Silicon Valley Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 07 Sep 2021 01:00

The rise of social media is the central subject of our second instalment with tech pioneer Marc Andreessen.Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrookask whether social media is theprincipal force behind an increase in populist politics. T

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93. Silicon Valley Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 06 Sep 2021 01:00

Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland are joined by tech pioneer Marc Andreessen. Has the internet been the most important force in modern history? In part one of this two part series they look at how the internet developed out of military technology, wh

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92. Nuclear Weapons

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 01 Sep 2021 23:00

The year is 1983, and on November the 8th the world is the closest it’s ever been to nuclear destruction, yet nobody at the time realises.Dominic and Tom are joined by author and historian Taylor Downing to discuss how Armageddon was just av

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91. The Beatles

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 30 Aug 2021 01:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are live at the Chalke Valley History Festival to discuss the cultural impact of the Fab Four.What were the social conditions that led to their phenomenal success, and will their legacy endure in another hun

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90. The Western Front

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 26 Aug 2021 01:00

The slaughter and bloodshed on the Western Front in World War One helped shape the narrative of the 20th century. But was it a case of lions led by donkeys?Gary Sheffield, historian and author of Forgotten Victory: The First World War - Myt

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89. Climate & Weather

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 01:00

From the Ice Age to the Winter of Discontent, climate and weather have hugely impacted historical events. Wars halted by freezing conditions, Prime Ministers thrown out of office by an electorate made angrier by the weather. Dominic Sandbrook and

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88. The First Anglo-Afghan War

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:00

“A war begun for no wise purpose.” This description of the First Anglo-Afghan War, fought in the early-mid 19th Century, could stand as an epitaph for most conflicts in the region since. William Dalrymple has written extensively about the history

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87. Afghanistan - Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 18 Aug 2021 01:00

In the first of a two-part series exploring the history of Afghanistan, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the nation’s complicated relationships with empires and discuss its role in the ‘Great Game’.A Goalhanger Films Le

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86. The Enlightenment

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 16 Aug 2021 01:00

Once there was darkness and then there was light. What was the Enlightenment and why did it matter? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the Enlightenment and its path towards reason, science, revolution and the guillotine.A Goal

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85. Sherlock Holmes

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 12 Aug 2021 01:00

The games afoot! Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the world’s favourite consulting detective. Why has the popularity of Sherlock Holmes survived more than a century and what do the stories tell us about Victorian and Edwardian London?

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84. Exams

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 Aug 2021 01:00

Even the memory of them is enough to make most people shudder. As thousands of British students wait nervously for their A-level and GCSE results, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by educationalist Daisy Christodoulou to discuss the fasci

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83. The Berlin Wall

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 05 Aug 2021 01:00

60 years ago this month, the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) began building a barrier that divided the city of Berlin. It stood until 1989 and came to symbolise the front line of the Cold War.Iain MacGregor, author of "Check

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82. Sparta

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 01:00

What does it mean to be a Spartan? How much of this Spartan image is real and how much is based on projections and prejudices of others?Tom and Dominic delve into the Ancient Greek world and take us inside the minds and reality of thi

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81. Modern Olympics - Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 30 Jul 2021 02:00

Tom and Dominic continue their journey through the history of the Olympics, turning their attention from post-war to the present day.They discuss Cold War rivalries, financial extravagance, the influence of TV and the darkest mo

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80. Modern Olympics - Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 29 Jul 2021 02:00

In 1896 the Olympic Games were reborn in Athens. Here we look at the forgotten tales and little known facts from the start of the modern Olympics through to the outbreak of the Second World War.Tom tells us about the greatest race of

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79. Ancient Olympics

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 26 Jul 2021 02:00

With the Games underway in Tokyo, Tom and Dominic look back to the Ancient Olympics.They discuss the heroic but incredibly violent stories of the Greek superstars of 2500 years ago, and why the Games were bad news for women, animals and chea

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78. Statues: Parliament Square

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:00

Statues: Parliament SquareIn the final part of their epic trilogy, Tom and Dominic arrive at Parliament Square to explore the statues of world leaders including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.A

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77. Statues: Whitehall

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 01:00

Tom and Dominic continue their tour of London’s statues, arriving in Whitehall. War leaders, useless royals and courtesans all feature.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack DavenportExec Prod

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76. Statues: Trafalgar Square

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 19 Jul 2021 01:00

In the first of a three part series Tom and Dominic take a walking tour of central London to examine the statues of Trafalgar Square and explore the stories behind them.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionPr

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75. The East India Company

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 15 Jul 2021 01:00

Tom and Dominic are joined by historian William Dalrymple to tell the fascinating and shocking story of the East India Company in the 18th century.How could a gang of “spectacularly corrupt” merchants conquer vast parts of Asia from a small

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74. The Six Wives of Henry VIII

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 12 Jul 2021 01:00

Henry VIII had the most notorious marital relations of any king in history. Tom and Dominic discuss the six women who became his queen. How did they influence the course of the Reformation? And which one would have done best on Love Island?Listen/Read More

72. England v Italy

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 09 Jul 2021 07:25

No country has enjoyed a greater influence on the English than Italy. Ahead of the European Championship final, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore the history of Rome, Italy and England.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media p

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72. The Vietnam War

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 08 Jul 2021 01:00

No war has divided public opinion more than the conflict in Vietnam. Andrew Preston, Cambridge University Professor of American History, joins Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland to discuss the international politics surrounding the conflict.Listen/Read More

71. England v Denmark

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 06 Jul 2021 01:00

Ahead of the two countries’ encounter at Wembley, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Anglo-Danish history through the ages. Vikings, the destruction of Copenhagen and royal dogs all feature prominently.A Goalhanger Films

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69. Children’s History

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 05 Jul 2021 01:00

Tom and Dominic discuss how to write history books for kids.What topics are they interested in?What will they find boring?How much detail is acceptable when writing about mass killings and violence?And why it's best to get

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69. England v Ukraine

By Jack Davenport/Fri, 02 Jul 2021 01:00

On the eve of a huge sporting encounter in Rome between the English and Ukrainian football teams, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the history binding the two nations. Crimea, The Light Brigade and Florence Nightingale all make the starti

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68. The British Empire

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 01 Jul 2021 01:00

The British Empire: good, bad or neither? And how does its legacy shape us today? Journalist Sathnam Sanghera, author of “Empireland”, joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to explore this timely, fascinating and hugely controversial subject.Listen/Read More

67. Anglo-German Relations

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 28 Jun 2021 01:00

With England and Germany set to do sporting battle once again, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the historical events which have shaped the relationship between two or Europe’s super powers.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg M

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66. Ghosts

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 24 Jun 2021 01:00

Settle down by the fire and prepare to be haunted. Roger Clarke, author of A Natural History of Ghosts, joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to wonder whether ghost stories evolve to reflect the age in which the apparition appears.

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65. A Very British Scandal

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 01:00

Jeremy Thorpe was the most flamboyant politician of his day. Leader of the Liberal Party for nine years he was tried at the Old Bailey for conspiracy to murder his former lover Norman Scott. Although acquitted, the case destroyed Thorpe’s career.

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64. Hitler, with Ian Kershaw - part 2

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 17 Jun 2021 01:00

In the second part of our examination of Adolf Hitler, Sir Ian Kershaw joins Dominic Sandbrook to discuss the Nazi leader’s years leading up to and during the Second World War.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionP

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63. Hitler, with Ian Kershaw - part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 14 Jun 2021 01:00

He was “the embodiment of modern political evil” according to historian Sir Ian Kershaw. In this first episode of a two-part investigation of the Nazi dictator, Sir Ian joins Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland to discuss Adolf Hitler.A

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62. Magna Carta

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 10 Jun 2021 01:00

Does the Magna Carta enshrine the liberties of every free-born Englishman? Or is it now irrelevant? Ted Vallance, Professor of History at Roehampton University, joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss King John and the bill of rights he

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61. California

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Jun 2021 01:00

No state in America captures the imagination quite like California. With its glitz and glamour and also its enormous economic disparities the state is a symbol of both the American dream and nightmare. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore Cal

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60. Muhammad

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 03 Jun 2021 01:00

Who was Muhammad, where did he come from and what was the historical context for his life? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss one of the most influential religious, social, and political leaders in history.A Goalhanger Films &a

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59. The World Cup of Gods - Part 2

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 01 Jun 2021 01:00

Competition for top deity hots up as we look back on the knock out stages of the Rest is History World Cup of Gods. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss the last eight contestants and analyse the final outcome.A Goalhanger Films

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58. The World Cup of Gods - Part 1

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 31 May 2021 01:00

In one of the most anticipated contests of the year, sixteen gods battled for the crown of ultimate deity. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook offer analysis and insight on the group stages of the competition.A Goalhanger Films Le

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57. Paris

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 27 May 2021 01:00

It may just be the most popular city on earth. Throughout history Paris has maintained a grip on the public imagination, thanks to its culture, architecture and its people.French journalist and historian Agnès Poirier joins Tom Holland and

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56. Nero

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 24 May 2021 02:00

He remains one of the great characters in all history. But was he depraved, corrupt and evil? Or an artist much maligned by elitist historians? Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss Nero.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media pro

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55. The World Cup of Gods - Preview

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 22 May 2021 01:00

It promises to be the biggest event of the summer - The Rest is History World Cup of Gods.Sixteen competitors, but there can be only one winner. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook preview all the runners and riders.

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54. Cromwell and the Protectorate

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 20 May 2021 01:00

Did Oliver Cromwell save Britain from tyranny or was he a killjoy and military dictator? Paul Lay, author of Providence Lost: the Rise and Fall of Cromwell's Protectorate joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss the short-lived British R

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53. Game of Thrones

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 17 May 2021 01:00

What, if anything, can we learn about medieval history from Game of Thrones? Or is George R R Martin’s hugely popular series of books, and the blockbuster TV series based on them, in danger of supplanting true history in the popular imagination? T

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51. Aztecs

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 13 May 2021 01:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook talk to award-winning writer Camilla Townsend, author of the revelatory Fifth Sun.Professor Townsend used Nahuatl language sources to write an engaging history offering a new interpretation of events in Mex

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50. Teenagers

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 10 May 2021 01:00

“They’re wasting their money and having sex with each other.” Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore the modern phenomenon of the teenager. Why do teenagers scare older generations and will Tom cope with his daughter’s veganism?A G

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49. Food Glorious Food

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 06 May 2021 01:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook tuck into the history of British food with author Pen Vogler. They debate the origins of curry and debate our obsession with beef. Plus, they discuss a curious historical obsession with cooking pigs and chickens,

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48. The French Revolution

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:00

With France facing economic struggles and rising unemployment revolution was in the air. But who was in charge of the uprising and what did it achieve? Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland storm their own podcasting Bastille.A Goalhanger

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47. The Seven Years' War

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 29 Apr 2021 01:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by historian and broadcaster Dan Snow to discuss the biggest event of the 18th century - The Seven Years' War.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack Daven

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46. Culture Wars

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 26 Apr 2021 01:00

The battle lines are drawn as Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook get involved in this most timely of subjects.They discuss the historical significance of culture wars from Ancient Rome to the US Civil Rights movement.A Goalhange

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45. Top Ten Eunuchs

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 22 Apr 2021 01:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook cross their legs and rank the best Eunuchs in history.From religious fanatics to operatic singers, they discuss the grisly glory these young men ‘enjoyed’.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Medi

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44. 1066

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 19 Apr 2021 01:00

It is perhaps the best known year in English history. But why has it endured in the national consciousness? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook talk the Battle of Hastings, the end of the Anglo-Saxons and wonder if King Harold really was killed by a

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43. 1940

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 15 Apr 2021 01:00

It is arguably the most important year in modern history. With the British Expeditionary Force trapped at Dunkirk, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain replaced by the maverick Winston Churchill and France collapsing under the force of invasion, the

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42. The Wild West

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 12 Apr 2021 01:00

Podcasting’s answer to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - that’s Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook of course - explore the Wild West in both fact and fiction. Does the romantic representation in both fiction and film bear any resemblance to the

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41. Persia

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 08 Apr 2021 01:00

It is one of the truly great civilisations in world history and yet the story of Persia has faded from view in the west. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by Professor Ali Ansari to discuss Persia's extraordinary influence on the modern

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40. History as Entertainment

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 05 Apr 2021 07:31

From re-enactment to reinforcing capitalism through the board game Monopoly. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland examine the history of games and the portrayal of history in games.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionListen/Read More

39. Elizabeth I

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:00

She famously claimed to have the heart and stomach of a king and remains one of Britain’s most talked about monarchs, despite having reigned more than 400 years ago. Tracy Borman, author of the acclaimed Elizabeth’s Women, joins Tom Holland and Do

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38. Communism

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:00

It was one of the great political ideologies of the 20th century, vying with capitalism for supremacy.Now communism has retreated from the political mainstream having failed to create the utopia of a classless society.Dominic Sandbro

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37. Spies, with Ben MacIntyre

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 25 Mar 2021 03:00

History is littered with stories of espionage and its capacity to change the course of events. But does spying truly matter and has the human operative finally been replaced by the computer?Ben MacIntyre, author of books including Agent Zig

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36. Our Greatest Prime Minister

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 23 Mar 2021 02:00

In our last episode we debated the merits of British Prime Ministers through the centuries. But who was voted the best of all by the public and why? Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss the men who made it through to the final stages of our P

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35. The Prime Ministers’ World Cup

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 22 Mar 2021 02:00

Who is the greatest British Prime Minister of them all? The bookmakers have Winston Churchill favourite to lift the crown, but William Gladstone and Maggie Thatcher won’t give up the fight without a struggle. And who’s this coming up quietly on th

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34. St Cuthbert’s Day

By Jack Davenport/Sat, 20 Mar 2021 02:00

March 20th marks the annual Feast day of the Northumbrian Saint Cuthbert. But why should we care about this largely forgotten figure from the 7th century? Tom Holland persuades Dominic Sandbrook that the story of Cuthbert, whose body lay perfectly

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33. The Beautiful Game

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:00

It has been described as the most universal cultural mode there has ever been, but is football a worthwhile object of study for historians?Sports journalist and author Jonathan Wilson joins Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland to look at the h

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32. What if?

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 15 Mar 2021 02:00

Counterfactuals are the great what ifs of history.Imagine the Nazis winning World War 2, or the Roman Empire never falling.Is this a valid form of historical enquiry? Or is it simply game-playing?Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holl

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31. The Second Reich

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:00

It emerged from the Prussian victory over France in 1870 and was destroyed by the First World War less than fifty years later. German historian Katja Hoyer joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss the short but explosive life of the Germ

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30. A Royal Row

By Jack Davenport/Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:19

With the British monarchy under intense scrutiny following an interview with Harry and Meghan conducted by Oprah Winfrey, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook use the lens of history to analyse the significance of this event.A Goalhanger

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29. Americanisation

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 08 Mar 2021 02:00

Has America taken over the world? Did the dollar and Hollywood enable the US to replace the British empire as the dominant international influencer? And is that power now waning?Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Americanisation on t

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28. The Kings of Comedy

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 04 Mar 2021 02:00

Comedian Al Murray joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss the history of comedy as well as the funny side of history.Has comedy changed through time? When and why are we not allowed to laugh at events?Al Murray has made a

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27. Tutankhamun

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 01 Mar 2021 02:00

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook ask why Tutankhamun remains the best known of the Egyptian pharaohs. They examine the discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter in 1922 and discuss Tutankhamun’s relatives, in particular his father Akhenaten.
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26. Witches

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 25 Feb 2021 02:00

Suzannah Lipscomb joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss the history of witches and witchcraft.Why did society see witches as a threat and what is the modern equivalent of a witch hunt?A Goalhanger Films Left

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25. Empires

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 22 Feb 2021 02:00

Is the age of empires over? And are they always a bad thing?Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore empires through history, examining the modern assumption that nation statehood is always the better way.A Goalhanger Films &a

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24. Sex in the City

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 18 Feb 2021 03:00

Everything you wanted to know about sex in the 18th and 19th Century but were afraid to ask. Hallie Rubenhold, author of The Covent Garden Ladies and the multi-award winning The Five joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss this fascinat

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23. The 90s

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 15 Feb 2021 02:00

Ecstasy, emails and economic stability. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss the 1990s, a decade which brought us Oasis, Tony Blair, Monica Lewinsky and Mr Blobby.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced

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22. Weird Wars

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:00

The Rest is History brings you the top ten strangest conflicts of all time. Obscure, little-known, downright strange. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland choose five each.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionPr

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21. The History of the Future

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 08 Feb 2021 03:00

What is history’s take on the future? Oracles, prophecies, apocalypse, scientific projection. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss them all.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack DavenportListen/Read More

20. China

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 04 Feb 2021 03:00

Broadcaster and historian Michael Wood joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to discuss the world’s oldest civilisation. What were the great moments in Chinese history and why do the Opium Wars still feature so prominently in the modern Chinese

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19. King Arthur

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:00

It remains the most romantic historical story of all time, but is the legend of King Arthur a myth? Was he even English? And will he rise again when the country needs him most?Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook take their places at the round

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18. The North South Divide

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 28 Jan 2021 04:00

England has long been divided by an invisible line somewhere north of Watford and south of the Mersey.But do northerners really have more in common with Scots and Welsh people than their fellow Englishmen in London?Dan Ja

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17. Fascism

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:00

What is fascism and where did it come from?No one admits to being a fascist yet it continues to be a term of abuse hurled on a regular basis. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the history of this most unacceptable of political models

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16. Pompeii

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 21 Jan 2021 02:00

PompeiiWhy does Pompeii continue to hold such a fascination for so many people? And which secrets are still to be uncovered from beneath the ashes? Dr Sophie Hay, a leading expert on the ruined Italian city, joins Tom Holland and Domi

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15. Walls and Borders

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 02:00

From the Great Wall of China to the Berlin Wall, history is littered with the building of barriers aimed at keeping people out, and sometimes in. Do they work? Are they ever a good thing? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook climb walls and explore b

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14. Historical Fiction

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 11 Jan 2021 03:00

Is the author’s responsibility to the quality of the novel or the truth of history? What makes a great historical novel and which authors have contributed to our understanding of history. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook range across literature i

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13. Stephen Fry and Troy

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 07 Jan 2021 03:00

Stephen Fry is our guest on The Rest is History as he tells Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook about his enduring fascination with the Greek myths.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack Davenport<

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Stephen Fry and Troy

By Jack Davenport/Thu, 07 Jan 2021 03:00

Stephen Fry is our guest on The Rest is History as he tells Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook about his enduring fascination with the Greek myths.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack Davenport<

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12. Conspiracy Theories

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 04 Jan 2021 03:00

History is littered with conspiracy theories, from Popish plots to JFK’s assassination. But what makes people believe in them and how do they gain currency? As strange stories continue to swirl around the coronavirus vaccine, Tom Holland and Domin

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Conspiracy Theories

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 04 Jan 2021 03:00

History is littered with conspiracy theories, from Popish plots to JFK’s assassination. But what makes people believe in them and how do they gain currency? As strange stories continue to swirl around the coronavirus vaccine, Tom Holland and Domin

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11. Brexit

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 28 Dec 2020 03:00

As Britain leaves the EU, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook look at the best worst comparisons from history that have been made to Brexit.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack Davenport<

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Brexit

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 28 Dec 2020 03:00

As Britain leaves the EU, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook look at the best worst comparisons from history that have been made to Brexit.A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProduced by Jack Davenport<

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10. Christmas

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 21 Dec 2020 03:00

Is Christmas an ancient ritual or was it invented by Dickens? Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss the transformation of Christmas from public to private event and decide when it became a commercial rather than spiritual celebration.
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Christmas

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 21 Dec 2020 03:00

Is Christmas an ancient ritual or was it invented by Dickens? Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss the transformation of Christmas from public to private event and decide when it became a commercial rather than spiritual celebration.
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9. Causes of the First World War

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 03:00

Whose fault was it? Does the question even make sense? Are wars always somebody's "fault"? Was it really the first global war? And should Britain have fought, or stayed out?A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProd

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Causes of the First World War

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 03:00

Whose fault was it? Does the question even make sense? Are wars always somebody's "fault"? Was it really the first global war? And should Britain have fought, or stayed out?A Goalhanger Films Left Peg Media productionProd

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8. The Echo of a Coffee House

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:00

Social media has colonised the world but is it really a new phenomenon? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook debate the effects of technical innovations from the printing press to Twitter. Do they really make a difference?Or was Swift right wh

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The Echo of a Coffee House

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:00

Social media has colonised the world but is it really a new phenomenon? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook debate the effects of technical innovations from the printing press to Twitter. Do they really make a difference?Or was Swift right wh

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7. The Lessons of History

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:00

Can we truly learn from history? And if we can - do we?It’s one of the big questions this week as Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook roam through the centuries in search of certainty.Never get involved in a land war in Asia. That’s ou

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The Lessons of History

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:00

Can we truly learn from history? And if we can - do we?It’s one of the big questions this week as Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook roam through the centuries in search of certainty.Never get involved in a land war in Asia. That’s ou

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6. Troy

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 23 Nov 2020 03:00

It’s been described as the most legendary story ever told. But did the Trojan War actually happen? And was it really fought over a beautiful woman? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss an enduring tale that still resonates to this day.

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Troy

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 23 Nov 2020 03:00

It’s been described as the most legendary story ever told. But did the Trojan War actually happen? And was it really fought over a beautiful woman? Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss an enduring tale that still resonates to this day.

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1981

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 16 Nov 2020 03:00

As a new series of The Crown arrives on Netflix, returning viewers to the 1980s, we look back at the year many Britons consider the worst in living memory.Rocketing unemployment, riots in major cities and a country governed by the most divi

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5. 1981

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 16 Nov 2020 03:00

As a new series of The Crown arrives on Netflix, returning viewers to the 1980s, we look back at the year many Britons consider the worst in living memory.Rocketing unemployment, riots in major cities and a country governed by the most divi

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4. We’re all so 17th Century

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:15

Plague, pestilence and statue smashing are back in business. Has 2020 turned out to be the 17th Century in disguise? And if so, has Boris Johnson become the new Oliver Cromwell, determined to crack down on the excesses of Christmas? Dominic Sandbr

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We’re all so 17th Century

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:15

Plague, pestilence and statue smashing are back in business. Has 2020 turned out to be the 17th Century in disguise? And if so, has Boris Johnson become the new Oliver Cromwell, determined to crack down on the excesses of Christmas? Dominic Sandbr

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3. Is Trump Caesar or Nixon?

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:00

Recorded hours after Joe Biden was named President of the United States, we ask if Donald Trump is a modern day Caesar, willing to do anything to stay in power? Or is Trump the natural successor to the disgraced Richard Nixon? Tom Holland and Domi

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Is Trump Caesar or Nixon?

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:00

Recorded hours after Joe Biden was named President of the United States, we ask if Donald Trump is a modern day Caesar, willing to do anything to stay in power? Or is Trump the natural successor to the disgraced Richard Nixon? Tom Holland and Domi

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2. Civil War

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 03:00

What are the conditions needed for a civil war to start? Could we see a modern industrial nation turn upon itself again? Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore examples from ancient history though to Spain in the 1930s and Yugoslavia

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Civil War

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 03:00

What are the conditions needed for a civil war to start? Could we see a modern industrial nation turn upon itself again? Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore examples from ancient history though to Spain in the 1930s and Yugoslavia

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1. Greatness

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 02:00

How did certain people come to be called ‘the Great’? Is the notion of great men and women outmoded? Can anyone today be reckoned ‘great’? Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook take a wide ranging stroll through the annals of time, from Ner

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Greatness

By Jack Davenport/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 02:00

How did certain people come to be called ‘the Great’? Is the notion of great men and women outmoded? Can anyone today be reckoned ‘great’? Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook take a wide ranging stroll through the annals of time, from Ner

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Trailer

By Jack Davenport/Wed, 28 Oct 2020 13:00

HistoriansTom HollandandDominic Sandbrookare interrogating the past, attempting to de-tangle the present for their new podcast"The Rest Is History"They q

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