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
4 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 31min
The invisible tracks that have shaped the world
Sara Caputo, author of "Tracks on the Ocean" and lecturer at Cambridge University, explores the unseen maritime pathways that have influenced history. She discusses how mapping changes reflect shifts in power and exploration narratives. From the evolution of navigation techniques to the territorial claims of empires, Caputo reveals the stories behind historical voyages. She also highlights the environmental impacts of modern maritime routes and the transforming relationship between humanity and the ocean, showcasing how lines on maps tell profound tales.
11 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 44min
Should we stop talking about the crusades?
William Purkis, a Professor of Medieval History, and historian Emily Briffett dive deep into the complexities of the Crusades. They challenge the simplistic view of these events as solely religious wars, revealing a rich tapestry of motivations and societal involvement. With insights on archival terminology and the overlooked role of figures like Alfonso I of Aragon, they advocate for a nuanced understanding. The discussion emphasizes the cultural and political layers that shaped the crusading fervor, calling for a reevaluation of our historical perspectives.
Nov 19, 2024 • 44min
Æthelred the Unready: life of the week
Levi Roach, a historian from the University of Exeter and author of "Æthelred: The Unready," dives into the life of King Æthelred II, unearthing the complexities behind his infamous nickname. He discusses the misunderstood origins of 'Unready' and the political intrigues surrounding Æthelred's early reign. Roach details the significant influence of Æthelred’s mother and the brutal Viking confrontations, including the controversial St. Bryce's Day Massacre, revealing a monarch struggling under immense pressures and seeking redemption.
Nov 18, 2024 • 38min
The golden age of the country house
Adrian Tinniswood, author and expert on British country houses before World War I, shares insights into the golden age of these stately homes. He discusses how industrialists and foreign elites transformed country houses into symbols of wealth and lifestyle. Tinniswood highlights whimsical architectural designs and the social dynamics among owners, from the aristocracy to America’s elite. He also touches on eccentric interior design and even the stories of resident ghosts, giving a captivating look into an era on the brink of change.
Nov 17, 2024 • 52min
Victorian schools: everything you wanted to know
Rosalind Crone, a Professor of History at The Open University, delves into the tumultuous world of Victorian education. She reveals how compulsory schooling transformed literacy in Britain, yet left many working-class and female students behind. Crone discusses the introduction of the Pupil Teacher Scheme, offering insights into how it redefined teacher training. Harsh discipline like corporal punishment is examined, alongside the shift to a more secular curriculum, illustrating the complex legacy of this pivotal era in education.
Nov 16, 2024 • 55min
Gladiators: everything you wanted to know
In this enlightening discussion, historian Alison Futrell, an expert on ancient Rome and gladiators, unravels the allure of these arena fighters. Discover who became a gladiator and their surprising societal status as ancient pop stars. Futrell debunks myths like the infamous thumbs gesture and sheds light on the rare fatalities in combat. Explore the rich cultural significance of gladiatorial events, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to local arenas, and delve into the complexities of their lives, training, and the legends of resistance like Spartacus.
9 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 41min
Nelson: a life of heroism and scandal
Dominic Sandbrook, a historian and co-host of The Rest is History podcast, explores the multifaceted life of Horatio Nelson—hero and scandal figure. He delves into Nelson's heroic naval achievements and the complexities of his affair with Lady Emma Hamilton. Sandbrook also discusses the challenges of translating such a nuanced character into children's literature, emphasizing the need for storytelling that captures both heroism and moral ambiguity. The conversation sheds light on Nelson's psychological motivations and the significant impact of his turbulent personal life.
Nov 14, 2024 • 27min
Medieval make do and mend
In this engaging discussion, Annette Kehnel, an expert in medieval innovations and author of 'The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability', dives into the fascinating world of medieval sustainability. She explores how waste was virtually nonexistent, with secondhand markets thriving. Discover the dynamic between new goods and the repair market, and how resourcefulness shaped community cohesion. Kehnel also reflects on what our ancestors might think of today’s environmental challenges, urging us to innovate and collaborate for a sustainable future.
Nov 13, 2024 • 38min
Thomas Cromwell: the triumph and tragedy of Henry VIII's right-hand man
Diarmaid MacCulloch, a renowned professor and biographer of Thomas Cromwell, dives deep into the life of Henry VIII's right-hand man. The discussion unveils Cromwell's meteoric rise to power, rooted in his connections with key figures like Anne Boleyn, and the crucial missteps leading to his downfall. MacCulloch highlights the intricacies of court politics, Cromwell's dignified final moments before execution, and the complex legacy he left behind. Through this exploration, Cromwell's morally ambiguous character and the dangerous landscape of Tudor politics come to life.
Nov 12, 2024 • 39min
Joseph McCarthy: life of the week
Nick Bunker, an author and historian known for his insights into mid-20th-century America, delves into the tumultuous life of Joseph McCarthy. He explores McCarthy's rise fueled by anti-communist fervor and the paranoia it ignited. The discussion reveals how McCarthy's Catholic roots shaped his political approach and highlights his infamous Wheeling speech that launched his campaign. Bunker also examines the tragic fallout for countless individuals during the McCarthy era and the eventual decline of a figure whose legacy continues to provoke debate today.
