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Goalhanger · History

The Rest Is History

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.

Episodes

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525. Charlemagne: Emperor of the West (Part 3)

25 Dec 2024
1h 3m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, the hosts dive into Charlemagne's coronation as Emperor of the Romans on Christmas Day in 800 AD. They explore whether Charlemagne was taken by surprise by Pope Leo III’s move or if it was a strategic plan to bolster Charlemagne's power during a turbulent period for both the East...

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524. Charlemagne: Pagan Killer (Part 2)

23 Dec 2024
53m
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In this podcast episode, we explore Charlemagne’s reign, particularly his violent conquests of the Saxons and Lombards. While his military skills expanded his empire across much of Western Europe, his brutal methods raised serious questions about their alignment with his Christian beliefs. The episode also highlights A...

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523. Charlemagne: Return of the Kings (Part 1)

19 Dec 2024
50m
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In this podcast episode, we explore the ascent of Charlemagne as we examine the fall of the Merovingian dynasty and the crucial contributions of Charles Martel and Pepin the Short. It discusses how Charles Martel gained control by challenging the authority of Frankish bishops, setting the stage for Pepin's rise to king...

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522. Warlords of the West: A Clash of Ice and Fire (Part 3)

16 Dec 2024
59m
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This episode of The Rest Is History podcast explores the Battle of Tours, fought in 732 CE, and its significance in history. Traditionally seen as a crucial confrontation between Christianity and Islam, recent scholarship argues it was more of a raid than a large-scale invasion. The conversation delves into the battle'...

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521. Warlords of the West: Killer Queens (Part 2)

12 Dec 2024
1h 0m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History podcast, we explore the fierce rivalry between two formidable Frankish queens of the 6th century: Fredegund and Brunhild. Fredegund, once a slave, climbed to power through her ambition and cunning, resorting to assassinations and witchcraft accusations to secure her position. On t...

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520. Warlords of the West: Barbarian Heirs of Rome (Part 1)

09 Dec 2024
51m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, the focus is on the Franks, a Germanic confederation that significantly contributed to the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of Francia, which is present-day France. The conversation explores the Franks' journey, starting from their early encounters with the Romans as...

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519. The World's First City

05 Dec 2024
50m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, the hosts delve into the fascinating origins of Uruk, the first city in the world, situated in ancient Mesopotamia. They explore the environmental and social factors that contributed to its emergence, such as the influence of religious beliefs, advancements in irrigation and agri...

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518. Nelson: The Battle of the Nile (Part 5)

02 Dec 2024
51m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, we explore the Battle of the Nile, a pivotal naval triumph for Horatio Nelson over the French fleet in 1798. Nelson's bold strategy, executed with exceptional skill by the Royal Navy, led to the destruction or capture of most of the French ships, severely undermining Napoleon's c...

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517. Nelson: The Hunt for Napoleon (Part 4)

28 Nov 2024
52m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, we delve into the events leading up to the Battle of the Nile, spotlighting Admiral Horatio Nelson's relentless chase of Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet across the Mediterranean. After facing early challenges and a wave of national anxiety in Britain, Nelson takes a bold step, steerin...

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516. Nelson: God of War (Part 3)

25 Nov 2024
38m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, the focus is on the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797 and the crucial role played by Lord Nelson. Despite being outnumbered, the British fleet secured a significant victory, thanks in large part to Nelson's bold decision to defy orders. He bravely took on the Spanish flagship, w...

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515. Nelson: Attack the French! (Part 2)

21 Nov 2024
37m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, we explore Horatio Nelson's early career during the French Revolutionary Wars, particularly his involvement in the Mediterranean campaign. The story highlights Nelson's careful preparation of the Agamemnon and his commitment to his crew's welfare. It also covers his first signifi...

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514. Nelson: Hero of the Seas (Part 1)

18 Nov 2024
1h 6m
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In this podcast episode, we explore the fascinating life of Horatio Nelson, focusing on his formative years and rise in the Royal Navy. Starting from his childhood in Norfolk, we follow his adventurous journeys to the Arctic and India, showcasing how he evolved into a remarkable naval officer known for his deep patriot...

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513. America in '68: Nixon's Great Comeback (Part 6)

14 Nov 2024
57m
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This podcast episode explores Richard Nixon's unexpectedly successful presidential campaign in 1968. Despite facing a damaged reputation and previous electoral losses, Nixon devised a clever, if cynical, strategy. He portrayed himself as a relatable "regular guy" who resonated with "middle America," skillfully navigati...

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512. America in '68: The Chicago Riots (Part 5)

11 Nov 2024
1h 9m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, we dive into the chaotic 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The conversation highlights the intense showdown between the traditional Democratic Party, led by Mayor Richard J. Daley and Hubert Humphrey, and the rising counterculture movement represented by the Yippies...

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511. America in '68: George Wallace, The First Donald Trump (Part 4)

07 Nov 2024
1h 6m
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In this episode of The Rest Is History, we explore the life and 1968 presidential campaign of George Wallace, a segregationist who shifted from the Democratic Party to run as an independent. Hailing from Alabama, Wallace tapped into the region's deep-seated racism and populist sentiments, capitalizing on fears surround...

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510. America in '68: The Killing of Robert Kennedy (Part 3)

04 Nov 2024
1h 4m
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In this podcast episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Robert F. Kennedy, examining his significant influence through both his powerful words and the tragedy of his assassination in 1968. They highlight pivotal moments in Kennedy's journey, from his early challenges and complicated relationship...

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509. America in '68: The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (Part 2)

31 Oct 2024
1h 2m
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In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the significant moments in the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy during a tumultuous period in American history. They explore themes of tragedy, activism, and the fight for civil rights. The discussion covers King's assassination and its aftermath, revea...

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508. America in '68: Nightmare in Vietnam (Part 1)

28 Oct 2024
1h 13m
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This podcast episode delves into the tumultuous presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, portraying him as a significant yet deeply flawed figure in American history. His ambitions often clashed with the very social issues he aimed to resolve. The discussion highlights the Vietnam War, rising urban unrest, and the challenge fr...

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507. The French Revolution: The Marseillaise, Song of War (Part 5)

24 Oct 2024
46m
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In this podcast episode, listeners delve into the historical importance of the Marseillaise, the revolutionary anthem born in 1792. The episode highlights its swift rise to prominence across France, thanks to influential figures like François Mireur. It also explores how the Marseillaise became a powerful symbol of the...

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506. The French Revolution: Massacre at the Palace (Part 4)

23 Oct 2024
58m
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In this episode, the podcast explores the chaotic events of the French Revolution, highlighting how a disastrous military campaign sparked widespread public anger, radicalism, and political turmoil in Paris. It covers key moments, such as the sans-culottes storming the Tuileries Palace and Lafayette's unsuccessful effo...

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