History Extra podcast
Immediate Media
The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War. Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK. Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 41min
Idi Amin's willing helpers
Derek R. Peterson, a historian and professor at the University of Michigan, delves into the complexities of Idi Amin's Uganda. He discusses why ordinary Ugandans supported Amin, highlighting the role of artists and theologians in his regime. The shift from ties with Israel to Gaddafi is explored, along with the economic ramifications of the 1972 expulsion of the Asian community. Peterson also examines the dynamics of social terror under Amin, challenging the common perception of him as merely a tyrant. His insights are drawn from extensive archival research.
Dec 7, 2025 • 37min
“You can’t kill and maim with impunity”: the powerful legacy of Nuremberg
Philippe Sands, a prominent lawyer and author specializing in international law, delves into the legacy of the Nuremberg Trials. He discusses how these historic proceedings shaped international justice and examines ongoing challenges, including contemporary conflicts and the ICC's role. The conversation touches on the evolution of genocide laws, command responsibility, and the call for ecocide to be recognized as a crime. Sands emphasizes the enduring significance of Nuremberg in combating impunity for war crimes today.
9 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 50min
Assassins vs Templars
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Steve Tibble, a renowned historian and author specializing in medieval history, dives into the captivating tales of the Assassins and Knights Templar. He explores their origins, revealing the Assassins' unique strategies and their surprising interactions with Crusaders. Tibble sheds light on their fanatical devotion, the myths surrounding their legends, and the reasons for their downfalls. The conversation uncovers the parallels between these two enigmatic groups, showcasing how their stories resonate throughout history.
12 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 47min
WW2's Tunisian campaign: the Stalingrad of Africa
Saul David, a military historian and author of the upcoming book *Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa*, discusses the often-overlooked Tunisian campaign of World War II. He highlights its strategic importance, arguing it was a turning point on par with Stalingrad. David delves into the 1942 Allied strategies, Mussolini's ambitions, and the challenges faced during Operation Torch. He shares insights on troop dynamics and the eventual Axis defeat, emphasizing how Tunisia shaped Allied morale and future campaigns.
Dec 2, 2025 • 43min
Empress Matilda: life of the week
Dr. Catherine Hanley, a historian specializing in medieval history, explores the remarkable life of Empress Matilda, Henry I's daughter and England's first female heir. They discuss Matilda's imperial upbringing, her strategic marriage to the Holy Roman Emperor at just eleven, and the chaos of the Anarchy following Stephen’s coronation. Hanley challenges historical perceptions of Matilda, emphasizing how her leadership faced gender bias. They also highlight Matilda's lasting legacy, including her son's eventual claim to the throne.
24 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 36min
How warhorses transformed medieval England
Join historians Robert Liddiard, an expert in medieval warfare, and Oliver H. Creighton, an archaeologist focused on material culture, as they explore the fascinating impact of warhorses on medieval England. They discuss how cavalry helped secure William the Conqueror’s victory at Hastings and the tactics used by Robert the Bruce to counter them. The conversation delves into the evolution of cavalry, horse breeding practices, and even the cultural significance of horses in medieval literature. Find out how these majestic creatures shaped history!
18 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 38min
Did the Nazis get a fair trial?
Philippe Sands, a lawyer and author with expertise in international law and wartime history, discusses the Nuremberg trials' verdicts and their global impact. He delves into the varied reactions of defendants, including Göring's dramatic suicide. Sands highlights the challenges of achieving justice in a politically charged atmosphere, noting the trials' incomplete narratives about Allied actions. He assesses Nuremberg's legacy as a controversial but crucial step towards modern international law, raising questions about fairness and morality in the pursuit of justice.
9 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 35min
Forgotten female secret agents of WW2
In a captivating discussion, historian Kate Vigurs delves into the incredible yet overlooked stories of female secret agents during WWII. She highlights the bravery of women in the Special Operations Executive, including Trix Terwindt and Elspieta Zawacka, who undertook perilous missions across Europe. Vigurs shares insights into their rigorous training alongside men and the societal perceptions they faced. The conversation explores the enduring legacy of these courageous women and the importance of remembering their contributions to the war effort.
36 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 44min
What causes cultures to decline and fall?
In this insightful discussion, guests Luke Kemp, a researcher from Cambridge focusing on societal collapses, Islam Issa, a British-Egyptian historian specializing in Alexandria, and Caroline Dodds-Pennock, an expert on Indigenous American histories, delve into the complexities behind cultural decline. They explain how collapse involves not just immediate factors, but deep-rooted societal vulnerabilities. The conversation explores historical case studies like Ptolemaic Egypt and the Aztecs, emphasizing resilience through cultural continuity and the unexpected outcomes that can emerge from disaster.
35 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 43min
Christopher Marlowe: life of the week
Stephen Greenblatt, a literary historian and Harvard professor, dives into the fascinating life of Christopher Marlowe, a playwright shrouded in mystery. He discusses Marlowe's possible espionage ties, radical ideas from his Cambridge days, and his provocative themes in works like 'Tamburlaine' and 'Faustus'. Greenblatt reveals Marlowe's tumultuous relationship with Shakespeare, touching on their rivalry, admiration, and the dangerous circles Marlowe frequented. The discussion also explores the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Marlowe's untimely death.
