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
Mar 10, 2025 • 33min
Cheese-rolling, horse skulls & morris dancers: Britain's strange folk customs
From green men and jolly horse skulls, to chasing cheese down hills and morris dancing, Britain has a rich tradition of folk customs. Some are strange, some downright silly. But, as Liz Williams tells Ellie Cawthorne, some of these traditions can also have a darker aspect, based on shame, judgement and social conformity. (Ad) Liz Williams is the author of Rough Music: Folk Customs, Transgression and Alternative Britain (Reaktion Books, 2025). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Frough-music%2Fliz-williams%2F9781836390602. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 49min
Roman medicine: everything you wanted to know
Dr. Patty Baker, a specialist in Roman medicine, shares fascinating insights drawn from her research on medical care in the Roman army. She discusses survival rates for illnesses in ancient Rome and the intriguing methods used to treat injuries on the battlefield. The conversation also reveals how Roman medical practitioners mirrored later snake-oil salesmen in their approach to healing. Additionally, Dr. Baker explores the sophistication of Roman health theories, the interplay of superstition and science, and public health practices that resonate in today's medical landscape.
Mar 7, 2025 • 38min
What's the state of women's history in 2025?
What is new research revealing about women's lives in the past? Does all women's history have to be feminist? And why do we need to be cautious about the 'girlbossification' of historical figures? To mark International Women's Day, Ellie Cawthorne speaks to three expert historians – Sarah Richardson, Hannah Skoda and Hannah Cusworth – to get their thoughts on the biggest trends and challenges in the field of women's history at the moment.The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 5, 2025 • 31min
Medieval murder mystery: who killed King James III?
On 11 June 1488, King James III of Scotland was hunted down and slain as he fled the field of battle. And more than 500 years later, the identity of his killer remains shrouded in uncertainty. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, historian Gordon McKelvie explores this most enduring of royal murder mysteries. How, he asks, had James made so many enemies – and could the killer have been his own son? The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 4, 2025 • 37min
Virginia Woolf: life of the week
Francesca Wade, author of Square Haunting, delves into the life and literature of Virginia Woolf, illuminating her revolutionary impact on women's roles in society. They discuss Woolf's vibrant time with the Bloomsbury Group, her poignant love affair with Vita Sackville-West, and her turbulent struggles with mental health. Highlighting her transformative works like 'To the Lighthouse' and 'Mrs Dalloway,' Wade reveals how Woolf's innovative narrative techniques and personal experiences shaped her legacy as a feminist icon.
9 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 45min
Medieval murders most foul
Professor Manuel Eisner, a criminologist at Cambridge, joins historian David Musgrove to explore the dark side of medieval towns. They delve into shocking murder cases from London, Oxford, and York, revealing alarming rates of street violence. Eisner shares insights on the surprising backgrounds of both victims and perpetrators, often respected members of society. The discussion also highlights the intricate workings of the medieval justice system, including the bizarre deodand practice, where objects linked to deaths were put on trial.
31 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 39min
The Assyrians: everything you wanted to know
Paul Collins, a curator at the British Museum and author of "The Assyrians: Lost Civilizations," delves into the power and legacy of the Assyrian Empire. He explores their military innovations, cultural treasures, and the significant role of women in governance. Fascinatingly, Collins discusses the empire's religious practices and the wealth of knowledge preserved in Ashurbanipal's library. He highlights the threats to Assyrian heritage today and the deep connections modern communities have with this ancient civilization.
10 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 32min
King Leopold's elephant expedition: a story of colonialism in Congo
Sophy Roberts, a journalist and author of "A Training School for Elephants," delves into the 1879 expedition commissioned by King Leopold II of Belgium to transport Asian elephants to the Congo. She exposes the colonial motivations behind this ambitious yet misguided mission. Roberts shares her personal reflections on the haunting legacy of Leopold’s exploitation and its impact on both elephants and local cultures. The discussion highlights the troubling intersection of colonial ambition and the natural world, revealing the complex, often tragic outcomes of this historical event.
Feb 27, 2025 • 1min
Introducing History's Greatest Battles | New Podcast
Dive into the intense world of the Roman Empire's greatest battles. Explore vicious civil wars, grueling sieges, and the intrigue of betrayals that shaped history. Hear about key commanders and pivotal moments that determined the empire's fate. Discover how different outcomes could have altered the course of history. This engaging discussion promises to illuminate the complexities of military engagements and their lasting impact on civilization.
37 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 43min
What did the Romans wear?
Ursula Rothe, a Professor of Roman Archaeology and History, dives into the quirks of Roman fashion. Discover what Romans donned beneath their tunics and the best moments to sport socks with sandals. The discussion reveals how togas were more than clothing—they were status symbols with deep cultural significance. Explore the blend of gender expectations in ornamentation and how diverse footwear options showed sophistication. Rothe also sheds light on the stark clothing contrasts between the rich and poor, reflecting societal values and identity.
