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
Aug 29, 2024 • 43min
The plague that brought the Roman empire to its knees
Colin Elliott, an author and expert on the Antonine Plague, delves into the chaos that swept through the Roman Empire around AD 165. He discusses the initial prosperity of the empire before the plague struck, revealing how it catalyzed fear, scapegoating, and social unrest. Elliott draws parallels to modern pandemic responses, highlighting the devastation to military and labor, and how emperors' leadership styles influenced public perception. Ultimately, he questions whether the plague was the sole cause of the empire's decline or just a catalyst for existing vulnerabilities.
Aug 28, 2024 • 45min
Ancient Egypt | 2. everyday life
Join Egyptologist Campbell Price as he unpacks the everyday life of ancient Egyptians. Discover where they shopped for food and the surprising use of crocodile dung in healing practices. Explore family structures, romantic relationships, and the dynamics of childhood in this fascinating society. Delve into leisure activities, like the board game Sennet, and learn about their unique work week and diverse occupations. Price paints a vivid picture of life along the Nile, revealing the rich tapestry of social roles and cultural practices.
Aug 27, 2024 • 33min
False rumps & rotten teeth: 400 years of bizarre beauty practices
Join Margarette Lincoln, an author who explores women's historical beauty quests, and Ellie Cawthorne as they discuss 400 years of bizarre British beauty practices. Delve into the shocking use of toxic substances like lead and arsenic, and discover how societal pressures shaped women's extreme measures, including corsetry and insect-laden wigs. They also uncover the evolution of beauty standards from the Victorian era to today, revealing the relentless pursuit of youth and the significant impact on women's health and self-image.
Aug 26, 2024 • 33min
Emperor Vespasian: life of the week
In this engaging discussion, Guy de la Bédoyère, a Roman history expert, shares insights about Emperor Vespasian, who rose from humble beginnings to restore order in a chaotic empire. He recounts Vespasian's military conquests, including his crucial role in Britain and the suppression of the Jewish Revolt. The conversation also touches on his pragmatic leadership and the grand architectural achievements, like the Colosseum. Overall, it's an exploration of how Vespasian's reforms and wit shaped the legacy of Rome.
5 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 41min
An audacious escape from slavery
Ilyon Woo, a Pulitzer-prize winning author, dives into the remarkable story of Ellen and William Craft, an enslaved couple who ingeniously disguised themselves to escape bondage in 1848. They undertook a perilous journey of over 1,000 miles, facing immense dangers and clever tactics to evade capture. Woo explores their motivations, the audacity of their disguise, and the resilience required to navigate a perilous path to freedom. Their story not only highlights incredible bravery but also marks a significant legacy in the fight for justice and autonomy.
6 snips
Aug 24, 2024 • 48min
The Abbasid caliphate: everything you wanted to know
Hugh Kennedy, a historian specializing in the Islamic world's history, joins Emily Briffett to explore the Abbasid caliphate's fascinating past. They discuss how the Abbasids rose to power and established Baghdad as a cultural capital. The conversation highlights the vibrant intellectual life during the Golden Age, featuring influential scholars and poets. They also touch on the complex coexistence of different religious communities and the factors leading to the caliphate's decline, culminating in the impactful Mongol invasion.
Aug 22, 2024 • 46min
Crusader criminals: how the Holy Land became a hotbed of lawlessness
In this engaging discussion, historian Steve Tibble, author of 'Crusader Criminals,' dives into the chaotic world of medieval crusades and the surge of lawlessness that followed. He reveals how dislocated young men turned to crime and piracy as the Holy Land became a turbulent 'wild west.' Tibble shares captivating tales of saintly pirates and engaging rogues like Roger of Stanegrave, highlighting the complex dynamics of justice and violence during this era. Emily Briffett guides the conversation, emphasizing the impact of these criminals on society.
Aug 21, 2024 • 51min
Ancient Egypt | 1. civilisation
In a captivating discussion, Campbell Price, a curator and Egyptologist specializing in ancient Egyptian civilization, explores the rich tapestry of ancient Egypt. He shares insights on the pharaohs’ dual role as political leaders and divine figures, revealing the complexities of societal structure. Their discussion spans the rise of Egyptian identity, the impact of foreign influences, and pivotal moments from Cleopatra's reign to Roman control. Price also delves into the elite scribes' privileged status and the interplay of diplomacy amidst diverse populations.
Aug 21, 2024 • 46sec
Ancient Egypt: the big questions | Trailer
Join Dr. Campbell Price, a curator and Egyptologist specializing in ancient Egyptian culture, as he unravels the captivating mysteries of the pyramids and the art of mummification. Delve into the innovative culture, enduring beliefs, and significant legacy of this remarkable civilization. Discover how ancient Egypt's allure continues to captivate imaginations through its secrets and historical significance.
Aug 20, 2024 • 38min
Gulag doctors: saving lives in Stalin's prison camps
In this engaging discussion, Dan Healey, an author and expert on Soviet history, dives into the lives of medical personnel in Stalin's brutal gulag system. He unpacks the harrowing conditions doctors faced, balancing their roles as caregivers amidst a regime of oppression. Healey tackles the moral dilemmas that arose when patient value was tied to labor. He also reveals how survival and kindness emerged among the misery, shedding light on the paradox of healing in a landscape defined by exploitation.
