Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook. Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
This episode explores the early years of Charles XII of Sweden and Peter the Great of Russia, setting the stage for the Great Northern War. Against the backdrop of Sweden's military prowess and Charles's ascetic, militaristic upbringing, the podcast details his rise to power and initial victories against a coalition of...
This episode explores Peter the Great's transformation from a young, impetuous ruler to a determined modernizer of Russia, detailing his travels to Western Europe and the profound impact they had on his vision for his country. Against the backdrop of political stability achieved after deposing his sister Sophia and sec...
This episode explores the tumultuous life and reign of Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia. Against the backdrop of 17th-century Muscovy, a vast but underdeveloped nation, the podcast details Peter's early life, marked by violence and a power struggle with his sister Sophia. More significantly, the narrative focuses on the...
This episode explores the lives and works of two prominent female writers of 11th-century Japan, Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu, authors of The Pillow Book and The Tale of Genji, respectively. Against the backdrop of the Heian court's sophisticated culture, the hosts discuss the unique characteristics of each author...
This episode explores the historical and literary significance of The Tale of Genji, the world's oldest widely recognized novel masterpiece, written in early 11th century Japan. Against the backdrop of the Heian period, the discussion delves into the novel's surprisingly modern themes of love, desire, and the complexi...
This episode explores the Rolling Stones' tumultuous journey through the late 1960s, focusing on their rise to fame, the Redlands drug raid, and the tragic death of Brian Jones. Against the backdrop of a changing British cultural landscape and growing anxieties about social change, the band's image as "folk devils" col...
This episode explores the rise of The Rolling Stones against the backdrop of 1960s Britain, a period of significant social and economic change marked by a burgeoning youth culture and the dominance of the Beatles. The hosts delve into the band's origins, highlighting the often-overlooked role of Brian Jones as the fou...
This episode explores the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, focusing on its immediate aftermath and long-term consequences. Against the backdrop of the Battle of Hastings and the death of Harold Godwinson, the discussion analyzes why the Norman victory wasn't immediately decisive, despite the significant loss for the...
This episode explores the Battle of Hastings, focusing on the conflicting historical accounts and interpretations surrounding its key events. Against the backdrop of Harold Godwinson's recent victory at Stamford Bridge, the episode delves into William the Conqueror's invasion and his unconventional strategy of remainin...
This episode explores the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, the last major conflict between Anglo-Saxons and Vikings for the English throne. Against the backdrop of Harald Hardrada's ambition and Tostig's resentment towards his brother Harold Godwinson, the narrative unfolds through a blend of historical accounts and ...
This episode explores the events leading up to and including the crowning of Harold Godwinson as King of England in 1066. Against the backdrop of Edward the Confessor's death and the ensuing power vacuum, the discussion details the various contenders for the throne: Harold Hardrada, William of Normandy, and Edgar Æthel...
This episode explores the life of Harald Hardrada, a prominent figure in 11th-century history, using a blend of historical sources and sagas. Against the backdrop of Harald's enlistment in the Varangian Guard, the hosts delve into his military campaigns across the Byzantine Empire, drawing on both Byzantine and Icelan...
This episode explores the life of Harald Hardrada, a significant figure in 11th-century history, focusing on his dramatic rise from exile to becoming a contender for the throne of Norway. Against the backdrop of the waning Viking Age and the rise of Christian kingdoms, Harald's journey is presented as a blend of histor...
This episode explores the rise and fall of the Godwin family in 11th-century England, against the backdrop of the Danish conquest and the reign of Edward the Confessor. More significantly, the discussion analyzes Godwin's remarkable social mobility and his complex relationship with Edward, marked by both collaboration...
This episode of "The Rest Is History" podcast interviews Dominic Sandbrook and Tom about the Normans, focusing on their expansion into Southern Italy and the tumultuous early years of William the Conqueror's reign. The discussion begins with an 11th-century monk's account of the Normans, then explores their military p...
This podcast episode discusses the Christianization of Scandinavia and the subsequent end of the Viking Age, focusing on the reign of Sweyn Forkbeard and his conquest of England. The hosts explore the motivations behind the conversion of Viking leaders to Christianity, highlighting its association with wealth and powe...
This podcast episode delves into the Norman Conquest of 1066, focusing on the events leading up to the pivotal battle. The episode begins by establishing the exceptional wealth and centralized governance of 10th-century England under Edgar the Peaceable, contrasting it with the fragmented Frankish kingdoms. It then t...
This podcast episode delves into the trial and execution of King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The hosts discuss the trial's dual purpose: judging Louis as an individual and as a symbol of monarchy, highlighting the conflicting perspectives and political maneuvering within the National Convention. They deta...
This podcast episode of "The Rest Is History" discusses the abolition of the French monarchy on September 21, 1792. The hosts detail the events leading up to the abolition, including the Battle of Valmy and the political climate in Paris, highlighting the clash between the Girondins and Montagnards factions within the...
This episode of "The Rest Is History" podcast interviews Tom Holland about the symbolism of Marianne, the female embodiment of the French Republic, emerging during the French Revolution. The discussion traces Marianne's origins, contrasting her initial representation as a classical figure of Liberty with her later pop...
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