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
4 snips
Feb 2, 2024 • 30min
Alexandria: the first modern city
Exploring the ancient city of Alexandria, its vibrant atmosphere, and its transformation into a global center of knowledge. From Alexander the Great's vision to the challenges of excavating artifacts, learn about the radical creation of the first modern city and the grandeur, wealth, and dark sides of ancient Alexandria.
5 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 11min
Conspiracy | 3. Who killed JFK?
Gerald Posner, journalist and author of 'Case Closed,' discusses the JFK assassination. They explore why Oswald acted alone, the controversy surrounding the single bullet theory, Oswald's background and motivation, public opinion on the assassination, and the prevalence of conspiracy theories.
Jan 31, 2024 • 45min
Masters of the Air: the real history behind the new show.
Author Donald L Miller discusses the terrifying realities of flying a B-17 Flying Fortress during WW2 bombing missions, and the vital role played by American airmen in the run-up to D-Day. He explores the challenges faced by the 'bloody hundredth' bomb group, the vulnerability of bomber pilots in combat, the treatment of captured airmen, and the impact of bombing campaigns on the German economy.
Jan 30, 2024 • 51min
Life of the week: Spartacus
Explore the fascinating life of Spartacus and his portrayal as a revolutionary hero. Understand the challenges and biases in understanding his life. Discover the vulnerability and risk of slavery in ancient Rome. Learn about the reasons behind the revolts of enslaved people. Dive into the origins and perception of gladiators. Uncover unknown details about Spartacus' final battle and his lasting influence. See Spartacus as a warning to Roman elites about the dangers of their slaves.
Jan 29, 2024 • 50min
The West's enduring fascination with Asia
Historian and author Christopher Harding explores the enduring fascination of the West with India, China, and Japan. From early encounters with war elephants and Indian philosophers to Marco Polo's journeys challenging European beliefs, the podcast delves into the impact of Asia on the West. It also discusses the portrayal of Buddha in 'The Light of Asia', the darker side of Western fascination with Asia, and the growing influence of Asian ideas on Western society.
Jan 28, 2024 • 43min
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: everything you wanted to know
In this podcast, public historian Bettany Hughes answers listener questions about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. She discusses the engineering genius of the Great Pyramid, the intriguing backstory of the hanging gardens of Babylon, and the symbolism behind each wonder. The podcast also explores the connection between the Statue of Zeus and the Olympic Games, the mausoleum of Halikonassus built for King Mozzles, and the Temple of Artemis. The chapter concludes with a discussion on a potential eighth ancient wonder and the speaker's desire to travel back in time to witness the peak of ancient wonders.
Jan 26, 2024 • 34min
Nicholas Winton: the 'British Schindler'
Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker, rescued hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. The podcast discusses the challenges faced during their rescue, Winton's role in WWII, and the impact of his sudden fame. It highlights the importance of celebrating his achievements and how his story can inspire positive change.
Jan 25, 2024 • 36min
Conspiracy | 2. Was Pearl Harbor an inside job?
The podcast explores the conspiracy theories surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack, including the idea that the US had advanced knowledge through intercepted codes. It also discusses the factors that fueled these theories, examines why conspiracy theories around historical events have become prevalent, and touches upon the failures and miscommunications leading up to the attack.
8 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 35min
Ireland's tangled relationship with empire
Historian Jane Ohlmeyer discusses Ireland's complex relationship with empire, from being a 'laboratory of empire' to how imperialism influenced clothing. Topics include Irish land confiscation, exploitation of Irish labor, Ireland as a colonial laboratory, agents of empire, and Ireland's influence on the British Empire.
Jan 23, 2024 • 31min
Life of the Week: Harold Godwinson (Harold II)
David Musgrove explores the life of Harold Godwinson, the king defeated by William the Conqueror. They discuss the famous arrow to the eye story, Harold's rise to power, the Battle of Hastings, and Harold's alleged allegiance to William. They also delve into Harold's character, his reputation as a ruthless leader, and speculate on alternate history outcomes if he had won. The potential consequences of Harold's survival and the future challenges for England are also explored.
