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.
The podcast explores the history and controversy surrounding the House of Slaves on Gorée Island in Senegal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It questions the widely accepted narrative that millions of enslaved Africans passed through its "Door of No Return," highlighting historical research suggesting the island's limite...
The podcast explores the life and artistic significance of Jan van Eyck, a pivotal figure in the transition from medieval to Renaissance art, with guest Bart van Loo. Van Eyck's innovative oil painting techniques, including the use of linseed oil and metallic additives, enabled unprecedented realism and luminosity in h...
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The podcast explores the history of the Ashanti Kingdom, located in modern-day Ghana, focusing on its rise to power and interactions with European powers. Origin stories of the Ashanti people are discussed, including traditions of emergence from a lake or falling from the sky, alongside the more likely migration from t...
The podcast explores the history of Brazil, focusing on the reign of Emperor Pedro II. It highlights Brazil's unique origin as a monarchy among Latin American countries and its deep entanglement with slavery, importing more slaves than any other nation. The discussion covers Pedro II's efforts to forge a Brazilian nati...
The podcast explores the complex relationship between Wales and England, questioning whether Wales can be considered England's colony. Professor Martin Jones, author of "Wales, England's Colony?", provides insights into how Wales has historically defined itself against England, particularly after the military conquest ...
The podcast explores the history and cultural significance of the gisaeng, Korean courtesans, focusing particularly on Hwang Jini, a renowned poet and figure of the Joseon dynasty. It examines the gisaeng's unique social status, which was simultaneously the lowest in society and yet prestigious due to their high educat...
The podcast explores the history and significance of the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. It begins by describing the Kaaba's physical structure, its role as the Qibla (direction of prayer), and its importance to the Hajj pilgrimage. The discussion then moves to the traditional Islamic account of the Kaaba's ...
The podcast explores the Day of the Dead, challenging the common perception of it as an ancient, pre-Columbian tradition. It argues that many elements associated with the holiday, such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto, are of European origin, specifically Spanish, and emerged no earlier than the 18th century. The disc...
The podcast explores the complex and evolving relationship between Britain and the United States, focusing on cultural and power dynamics. It begins with the burning of the White House in 1814, highlighting the differing perspectives on the event in both countries. The discussion then shifts to Charles Dickens's disill...
The podcast delves into the legend of Dido, the founder of Carthage, exploring her portrayal in Virgil's Aeneid and contrasting it with earlier traditions. It examines how Virgil's version, written during Augustus's reign, may have been influenced by the political climate and the figure of Cleopatra. The discussion cov...
The podcast explores the history of Uruguay through the lens of the Tupamaros, an urban guerrilla group in the 1960s and 70s. It begins with the kidnapping of British ambassador Geoffrey Jackson in 1971, then delves into Uruguay's historical context, including its formation as a buffer state between Brazil and Argentin...
The podcast explores the life and reign of Diocletian, a Roman emperor of Croatian origin, focusing on his rise from humble beginnings to power during the crisis of the third century. It highlights the state of anarchy in the Roman Empire, marked by civil wars, external pressures, and economic collapse, which created o...
The podcast explores the complex and historically fraught relationship between England and Iran, timed to coincide with their World Cup match. It examines how England, initially seen as an aspirational power by Iranian intellectuals due to its Enlightenment ideals, later became viewed with disappointment and distrust a...
The podcast explores Costa Rica's unique history, particularly focusing on why it has become one of Latin America's most stable and affluent countries, contrasting it with its more turbulent neighbors. It pinpoints the Costa Rican Civil War of the 1940s as a pivotal moment. The discussion highlights the unlikely hero, ...
The podcast explores the mystery of the Somerton Man, an unidentified body found on an Adelaide beach in 1948. Initial clues included surgically removed clothing labels, a rail ticket, and a scrap of paper with the Persian phrase "Tamam Shud." The investigation led to a woman, Jessica Thompson, and a copy of "The Rubai...
The podcast explores the story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, siblings who formed the White Rose resistance movement in Nazi Germany. It begins with their initial enthusiasm for the Hitler Youth, influenced by the promise of camaraderie and national revival. However, their disillusionment grows after Hans attends the Nurem...
The podcast explores the history of Qatar, focusing on its transformation from a small, dominated peninsula to a significant geopolitical player. It highlights Qatar's early history as a stop on trade routes, influenced by powers like the Assyrians and Ottomans, and its later dependence on pearling and trade. The disco...
The podcast explores the history and cultural impact of the World Cup, featuring Gary Lineker, former England striker and football media personality, as a guest. The discussion spans from Lineker's early memories of the 1970 World Cup to his experiences playing in and commentating on subsequent tournaments. Key topics ...
The podcast explores the history and political significance of the Football World Cup, focusing on the 1954, 1966, 1970 and 1978 tournaments. It examines Germany's re-emergence after World War II, highlighting the controversial reactions to their 1954 victory and the lingering shadow of the war. The discussion covers t...
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