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
12 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 44min
Telling the story of modern Jerusalem
Simon Sebag Montefiore, the author of the updated "Jerusalem: The Biography," delves into the storied past of Jerusalem, highlighting its complex interplay of cultures and conflicts. He discusses the importance of revisiting historical narratives and how they shape modern understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Simon emphasizes the need for civil discourse amid divisive conversations, illustrating the dual themes of tolerance and intolerance throughout the city's rich tapestry. His insights shed light on the search for coexistence and possible paths toward resolution.
Oct 31, 2024 • 52min
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Henry IV: usurper
Dan Jones, a best-selling author and medieval historian, joins Helen Castor, renowned for her insights into medieval England, to discuss the fascinating figure of Henry IV. They explore his tumultuous rise from a usurper to a pivotal monarch, delving into his complex relationship with Richard II. The conversation highlights Henry's chivalric virtues, his struggles with health and rebellion, and the burdens of kingship, revealing how his legacy was shaped by the political intrigues of his time.
Oct 30, 2024 • 32min
Satan & the sabbath: witchhunting in the Basque Country
Jan Machielsen, author of "The Basque Witch-Hunt: A Secret History", dives into the witchcraft hysteria that gripped the Basque Country in the early 17th century. He reveals how societal fears and local judges like Pierre de Lancre fueled these panic-driven accusations. The role of frightened children as accusers is particularly chilling, showing how fear can distort reality. Machielsen also uncovers the unique geographical factors that made this region ripe for witch-hunting, challenging simplistic views of historical witch trials.
Oct 29, 2024 • 39min
Florence Nightingale: life of the week
Melissa Pritchard, an author and professor with expertise in Florence Nightingale, delves into the extraordinary life of the iconic nurse. She discusses Nightingale's journey from privilege to a champion for public health reform. Highlights include her groundbreaking use of statistics to advocate for healthcare access and her compassionate care during the Crimean War, earning her the title 'the lady with the lamp.' Pritchard also reflects on Nightingale's personal battles and her love of animals, offering a nuanced view of her enduring legacy.
Oct 28, 2024 • 1min
Introducing History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories
Dive into the tantalizing world of conspiracy theories that challenge our understanding of history. Was the moon landing just an elaborate hoax? Did aliens help build the pyramids? Explore the intriguing question of whether Shakespeare truly authored his famous works. This journey uncovers the murky waters of myth and fact, engaging with expert historians to separate truth from fiction. Prepare for a mind-bending exploration of some of history's most compelling mysteries!
Oct 28, 2024 • 36min
Cocaine: a Victorian sensation
Dr. Douglas Small, author of "Cocaine, Literature, and Culture, 1876-1930," delves into the fascinating history of cocaine in Victorian Britain. The conversation reveals how Edward Weston, a celebrated athlete, sparked a craze for coca leaves that permeated popular culture. Small discusses the transformation of coca from a ritualistic plant into a commercialized drug, the sensational pedestrianism sport of the 1870s, and the initial public perception of cocaine as a wonder drug before concerns over addiction arose.
26 snips
Oct 26, 2024 • 55min
Medieval science: everything you wanted to know
Join Seb Falk, a historian and expert in medieval science, alongside historian Emily Briffett as they unravel the complexities of medieval scientific thought. They challenge the myth that the Church was anti-science, revealing fascinating stories like a monk's daring leap for experimentation. Discover the ingenious inventions of the era, the lasting influence of ancient philosophers, and the pivotal role of alchemy and astronomy. Dive into the remarkable impact of the astrolabe and the vibrant collaboration that fueled scientific inquiry amidst the backdrop of religious belief.
Oct 25, 2024 • 30min
Halloween traditions: everything you wanted to know
Professor Owen Davies, an expert in the historical origins of Halloween, dives into the holiday's fascinating evolution from a Catholic celebration to a spooky festivity. Discover why turnips gave way to pumpkins and the origins of trick-or-treating's mischievous roots. He explores the chaos of Mischief Night and the supernatural ties that make Halloween a liminal space for communicating with the dead. With insights into ghostly folklore and seasonal traditions, Davies reveals why we remain captivated by Halloween's eerie allure.
Oct 24, 2024 • 44min
Medieval women: friendship, wanderlust and the medieval hustle
Hetta Howes, a historian and author specializing in medieval studies, sheds light on the lives of four remarkable medieval female writers: Marie de France, Julian of Norwich, Christine de Pizan, and Margery Kempe. She explores how their works reveal the everyday experiences of women, from navigating male-dominated societies to forming deep friendships. Howes discusses themes of sexual agency, resilience against societal norms, and the timeless relevance of these women's struggles, drawing powerful parallels to modern challenges.
Oct 23, 2024 • 50min
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Richard II: tyrant
Helen Castor, a historian specializing in medieval England, and Dan Jones, author of works on English royalty, delve into the complexities of Richard II's kingship. They discuss Richard's detachment from the realities of governance and his obsession with hygiene, revealing a monarch who struggled amid the Peasants' Revolt. They also explore Richard's unique upbringing, his authoritarian shifts during crises, and how his artistic contributions contrast with his failures as a ruler, leading to his poignant downfall.
