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
May 11, 2024 • 48min
Ancient Greek theatre: everything you wanted to know
Classicist Sarah Nooter answers top questions about ancient Greek theatre, covering audience preferences, crowd behaviors, and the influence of Dionysus. The podcast explores the origins and development of Greek theater, Athens' cultural flourishing, the Festival of Dionysia, tragedy performances, and different genres like tragedy, comedy, and Seder plays.
7 snips
May 9, 2024 • 28min
The Tattooist of Auschwitz: is it ok to fictionalise the Holocaust?
Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, discusses the controversies of fictionalizing the Holocaust. The discussion touches on the challenges of accurately portraying historical events, the ethical debate of fictionalizing tragedies, and the importance of conveying the true horror and significance of the Holocaust through storytelling.
May 8, 2024 • 36min
WW2's greatest battles | 4. El Alamein
Military historian James Holland discusses the significance of the Battle of El Alamein in WW2, highlighting charismatic leaders, the challenges of desert warfare, and the pivotal role of deception and strategy. The podcast explores the strengths and weaknesses of British and Axis forces, combat tactics in the desert, and the factors leading to the Allies' victory at El Alamein.
May 7, 2024 • 27min
Shardlake: bringing the Tudor murder mystery to the screen
Peter Wagstaff, the historical consultant for Disney+'s new Tudor drama Shardlake, discusses the 16th-century whodunnit set during the dissolution of the monasteries. They explore the portrayal of a lawyer solving crimes in Tudor society, the authenticity in historical narratives, and the unique detectives of Shardlake series.
17 snips
May 6, 2024 • 37min
Kublai Khan: life of the week
Historian Nicholas Morton discusses Kublai Khan's reign, blending Mongol and Chinese influences, military campaigns, cultural exchanges, technological advancements, and the decline of the Mongol Empire. Learn about the remarkable life of this powerful leader who changed the course of history.
12 snips
May 5, 2024 • 42min
Inside a Jim Crow asylum
Journalist and author Antonia Hylton discusses the history of Crownsville Hospital, a segregated asylum for black patients. Topics include discriminatory origins, patient stories, advocacy, Vernon Sparks' impact, and plans to transform the historic land into a memorial park and museum.
May 4, 2024 • 53min
The Spartans: Everything You Wanted to Know
Ancient historian Paul Cartledge discusses Spartan resilience at Thermopylae, tough military training, and austere lifestyle. Explore Spartan culture, politics, and military history with insights into their societal structure, alliances, and key figures like Lycurgus, Leonidas, and Agesilaus II.
4 snips
May 2, 2024 • 30min
Death by nostalgia: the curious history of a dangerous emotion
Agnes Arnold-Forster, author of Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion, explores the cultural impact of nostalgia from East German 'Ostalgie' to Victorian medieval love. She discusses how nostalgia is weaponized in politics and ponders its potential for good. The podcast delves into the historical perceptions of nostalgia as a deadly disease, the revival of medieval themes in different eras, and the role of nostalgia in politics, highlighting its impact on well-being and creativity.
9 snips
May 1, 2024 • 35min
WW2's greatest battles | 3. Battle of the Atlantic
Military historian James Holland discusses why the Battle of the Atlantic was crucial during WW2, highlighting the challenges faced by merchant ships and German U-boats. Insights into convoy systems, U-boat tactics, and the defeat of the 'wolf packs'. Emphasis on the strategic importance of supplies and technological advancements in the naval warfare.
8 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 38min
Smash hits: 17th-century style
Music historians Professor Christopher Marsh and Dr Angela McShane discuss the top 100 17th-century English ballads, exploring themes of love, politics, and dark tales. They delve into the commercial organization, accessibility, and cultural impact of these historical songs, highlighting famous ballad singers and the role of woodcuts in conveying narratives. The podcast also touches on a popular ballad inspired by the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas.
