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
89 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Opium Wars: everything you wanted to know
In this engaging discussion, Stephen R. Platt, a professor and author, unpacks the complex motivations behind the Opium Wars. Britain’s pursuit of profit led to devastating conflicts rooted in addiction and imperial ambition. He examines Emperor Daoguang's struggle against opium and the moral dilemmas faced by British merchants. The podcast also explores the unequal treaties that followed, shaping China’s future and its perception of Western imperialism. Join Platt as he reveals the profound consequences of these historical events.
23 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 30min
Rome's most scandalous emperors
Tom Holland, a popular historian and co-host of The Rest is History, dives into the grim legacies of infamous Roman emperors like Caligula, Tiberius, and Nero. He discusses the lasting influence of Suetonius's 'Lives of the Caesars' and its role in shaping the narrative of these rulers. Holland explores Tiberius's secluded debauchery, Caligula's manipulative antics against the Senate, and Nero's complex political strategies. The conversation also imagines interviews with historical figures like Julius Caesar, revealing the allure of their times.
13 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 35min
The royal threesome that rocked Anglo-Saxon England
Join Katherine Weikert, a Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval History, as she unpacks the scandalous story of King Eadwig, who allegedly left his coronation feast for a daring rendezvous with his wife and her mother. Discover how this sensational tale, likely fabricated, reveals much about the royal authority and societal norms of 10th-century England. Weikert also explores the political significance of royal marriages, the hidden power of women in the monarchy, and how these dynamics shaped the tumultuous landscape of early Anglo-Saxon politics.
32 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 40min
Are we celebrating the wrong Magna Carta?
Join Professor David Carpenter, a medieval history expert, as he sheds light on the often misunderstood legacy of Magna Carta. He argues that the 1225 reissue, endorsed by Henry III, is the true event we should commemorate, emphasizing its role in establishing crucial precedents for taxation and liberties. Carpenter explores the turbulent backdrop of 1216, the evolution of the charter's significance, and how Henry III became a more active ruler. Discover why this anniversary in 2025 deserves more recognition!
22 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 41min
The forgotten JFK assassination plot
Join Brad Meltzer, author of The JFK Conspiracy, and his co-author Josh Mensch as they dive into an obscure assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy shortly after his election. They explore the motivations of the would-be assassin, Richard Pavlik, and the significant political tensions of the time, including anti-Catholic sentiments. The discussion also unveils the charismatic complexity of JFK and his relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy, shedding light on the darker shadows surrounding their public persona and the Camelot narrative.
9 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 43min
The Indian Rebellion of 1857: everything you wanted to know
Saul David, a military historian and author of 'Indian Mutiny 1857', dives deep into the tumultuous Indian Rebellion of 1857. He discusses the sparks that ignited the uprising, including the infamous Enfield cartridges controversy. David unpacks the brutal British response and the impact it had on relations with the Indian populace. Delving into key flashpoints, he reveals harrowing conditions faced by civilians and the strategic blunders that influenced the conflict. This rebellion marked a pivotal moment in British-Indian history and fostered rising nationalism.
11 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 38min
From dinosaurs to Godzilla: a 15,000-year history of monsters
Guest Natalie Lawrence, a historian of science and author of 'Enchanted Creatures,' dives into the captivating world of monsters. She explores 15,000 years of storytelling, unraveling how figures like dragons and Godzilla mirror our fears and desires. Their symbolism in creation myths, especially the monstrous feminine embodied by Medusa, showcases societal anxieties. Lawrence also discusses the evolving portrayal of dinosaurs and Godzilla, revealing how these creatures transform from symbols of destruction to reflections of inner conflict and nature's power.
35 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 40min
How monasteries powered medieval Europe
Andrew Jotischky, a Professor of Medieval History at Royal Holloway University and author of 'The Monastic World,' dives into the fascinating role of monasteries in medieval Europe. Discover how these 'prayer factories' contributed to education, healthcare, and economics. Jotischky discusses the structured life of monks and nuns, explores the origins and evolution of monasticism, and contrasts Eastern and Western practices. He also highlights the challenges monastic life faced during the Reformation, revealing a rich tapestry of religious history.
23 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 40min
Greenland, forest fires and presidential power: history behind the headlines
Historians dive into the intriguing dynamics of presidential power, drawing connections from past leaders to today’s politics. They explore President Trump's interest in Greenland, highlighting its strategic historical importance. The discussion further branches into how religion shapes modern governance, revealing the intricate layers of faith in public life. Environmental issues take center stage as they reflect on Burgundy's wool industry and its ties to today’s climate challenges, linking history directly to current wildfires.
24 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 44min
George Villiers: from royal favourite to enemy number one
Lucy Hughes-Hallett, author of 'The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham', dives into the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of George Villiers, a dazzling figure in King James I's court. They discuss Villiers' charm and political ambitions, revealing the complex bond he shared with the king and the societal jealousy that ultimately turned public sentiment against him. The conversation also touches on his awkward diplomatic endeavor in Spain and his significant impact on the arts during the Jacobean era.
