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
Jan 22, 2024 • 31min
Britain's long love affair with sport
Exploring Britain's obsession with sports, from medieval tournaments to the mega-bucks of the Premier League. The podcast discusses the origins of international sport, the connection between medieval tournaments and military training, the rise and fall of women's football, the dominance of horse racing in British sporting life, and the historical origins and popularity of boxing among the Jewish community in Britain.
20 snips
Jan 21, 2024 • 32min
The Silk Road: everything you wanted to know
Explore the origins and significance of the Silk Road, the varied experiences of traveling the route, and the benefits and drawbacks of this ancient trade network. Delve into the heyday of the Silk Road in the 13th and 14th centuries, and learn about its long-term impact and current popularity.
14 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 30min
The Renaissance: an explosion of creativity
Art critic and writer Jonathan Jones explores the Renaissance and its enduring significance. Topics include the spread of Renaissance ideas beyond Italy, the revolutionary shift in art and thinking, the origins and concept of the Renaissance, and the impact on religion and the Counter-Reformation.
Jan 18, 2024 • 26min
Conspiracy | 1. Was Elizabeth I a man?
Tudor historian Tracy Borman explores the conspiracy theory surrounding Queen Elizabeth I's gender. The lack of evidence, role of misogyny, and scrutiny of physical bodies are highlighted. The podcast also includes a discussion on Nicole Kidman's early struggles and an upcoming episode with her.
Jan 18, 2024 • 2min
Conspiracy | Series 2 Trailer
Expert historians delve into popular conspiracy theories like the JFK assassination, the Knights Templar and the Roswell incident in the second series of Conspiracy from HistoryExtra.
Jan 17, 2024 • 34min
From the Mongols to the Huns: the nomads who dominated Eurasia
Kenneth Harl, author of Empires of the Steppes, discusses how nomadic tribes like the Huns and Mongols shaped history, including trade on the Silk Road, dissemination of religion and knowledge, and their impact on sedentary civilizations.
Jan 16, 2024 • 34min
Life of the Week: Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass, a former slave who became an abolitionist, writer, and orator, is discussed in this episode. Topics include his journey to literacy, the black community in Maryland, his escape from slavery, and his influence on literature and writers of color.
Jan 15, 2024 • 30min
The hidden history of women in intelligence
Historian Helen Fry discusses the hidden history of women in intelligence during the world wars, including their roles as spies, code breakers, and network runners. Topics include Edith Cavell, knitting coded messages, and female interrogators in air intelligence.
Jan 14, 2024 • 36min
The Bloomsbury Group: everything you wanted to know
The podcast discusses the formation and members of the Bloomsbury Group, their impact on British culture, and their diverse talents. It explores their personal lives, relationships, mental illnesses, and arguments. The podcast also highlights their influence in economics, arts, and international policies, as well as their contributions to interior design and personal expression.
Jan 12, 2024 • 31min
'Madness' and the supernatural
Professor Owen Davies discusses the connection between supernatural beliefs and insanity, including the influence of psychiatrists on historians. He explores the process of sending someone to an asylum and the clash between psychiatric evidence and legal systems. The podcast also delves into the historical understanding of supernatural beliefs and their intersection with mental illness, as well as the influence of technological advancements on supernatural beliefs during the 19th century.
