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.
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/
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
Jul 27, 2024 • 43min
The Grand Tour: everything you wanted to know
Lizzie Rogers, a historian with a flair for cultural travel, teams up with Ellie Cawthorne, an expert guide, to take you back to the 18th-century Grand Tour. They explore must-see destinations, reveal how travelers navigated challenges like language barriers and uncomfortable mules, and share the scandalous tales of high society. Discover the fascinating duality of hedonistic pursuits and cultured experiences, as well as the impact of these journeys on both individuals and colonialism!
8 snips
Jul 26, 2024 • 44min
Black Death: everything you wanted to know
Giovanni Boccaccio, a 14th-century Italian writer renowned for his tales during the Black Death, joins historian David Musgrove to delve into this catastrophic pandemic. They discuss the plague's deadly spread across Europe, its devastating impact, and the current understanding of its symptoms through recent DNA findings. The conversation also highlights misguided health beliefs and the myriad of religious and social repercussions at the time. They even touch on the potential resurgence of the disease in a modern context, emphasizing the role of antibiotics.
Jul 25, 2024 • 46min
The Decameron: sex, plague, and a medieval Love Island
Historian Rebecca Bowen discusses how 'The Decameron' by Boccaccio tackled the Black Death through risqué stories. They explore post-plague literature, connections between health practices and social interactions, and the portrayal of female agency in the tales.
Jul 24, 2024 • 35min
Toilets through time | 1. Roman latrines
Historian Dr. Hannah Platts discusses Roman latrines with David Musgrove, exploring communal toilet experiences, gladiator toilet sponge incidents, and ancient ablutions. They delve into Roman toilet designs, British evolution, sensory experiences, and dietary habits, providing a fascinating insight into ancient sanitation practices.
Jul 23, 2024 • 33min
Assassinations that shaped US history
Historian Adam Smith discusses past US presidential assassination attempts, their impact on the nation, and parallels to recent events. Topics include the historical roots of American political violence, conspiracy theories surrounding assassinations, and the implications on presidential security and public interactions.
Jul 22, 2024 • 41min
Is democracy doomed? History behind the headlines
Professor Paul Cartledge, an expert in ancient history, joins the hosts to explore the origins of democracy through historical case studies like Florence's political experiment, India's village assemblies, and the Commons movement in England. The discussion covers the intertwined history of democracy and political violence, contrasts ancient Greek and Roman political systems, and delves into contemporary political landscapes, comparing different democratic systems and philosophical perspectives on democracy.
Jul 21, 2024 • 41min
Catherine of Braganza: the Merrie Monarch's forgotten queen
Elinor Evans discusses her new biography on Catherine of Braganza, the forgotten queen consort of Charles II. They explore her political role in Portuguese independence, power struggles in the court, fertility challenges, feminist advocacy, and her diplomatic and cultural influence on future leaders.
Jul 20, 2024 • 42min
The Spanish Inquisition: everything you wanted to know
Giles Tremlett debunks myths about the Spanish Inquisition, discussing targets like conversos and the Inquisition's operations. He explores the motivations of Ferdinand and Isabella, the legacy of the era, and its impact on society.
Jul 18, 2024 • 40min
1217: the year that (almost) changed English history
Medievalist Catherine Hanley discusses the overlooked year 1217 in English history, highlighting a major French invasion, King John's reign, the split in nobility, Louis's ascent to the English throne, the sieges of Dover and Lincoln, and the significant power shift in England.
Jul 17, 2024 • 34min
Deeds not words | 6. Mission accomplished?
Exploring the suffragette movement's shift to support the war effort during World War I, the impact of their militant actions on women's rights, and the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918. Delving into the aftermath of the suffragette movement, their global influence, and the lasting legacy of the Pankhursts on modern activist movements.
