Historian Kara Schlichting leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield through the diverse stories of the city which we now know as the ‘Five Boroughs’ – New York City. Together, they introduce the indigenous peoples who first utilised the area, and the Europeans who established settlements.

They explore the expanding horizons of Manhattan Island and beyond, discussing trade, slavery, conflict, transport, communications, architecture, infrastructure and more. Along the way, Paul and Kara delve into new ways of viewing this now iconic metropolis, revealing what makes this endlessly fascinating place so unique.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.

For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com.

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This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.

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