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
22 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 41min
Ancient Roman theatre: everything you wanted to know
Jessica Clarke, a historian specializing in ancient Roman theatre, delves into the captivating world of Roman performances. She reveals who attended these spectacles and what made them so alluring. The discussion touches on the political implications of theatre and how it influenced society, including the role of magistrates. Clarke also highlights the emergence of various genres, the significance of iconic stock characters, and the unique performance styles of actors. Discover how theatre served as both entertainment and a reflection of cultural values in ancient Rome.
16 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 52min
Haiti's first and only king
Marlene L. Daut, a Yale professor and author of "The First and Last King of Haiti," illuminates the gripping life of Henri Christophe, the only king of Haiti. She explores Christophe's journey from enslaved origins to a military leader during the Haitian Revolution. Daut discusses the tumult of the era, including Christophe's pivotal role in independence and his controversial reign marked by economic reforms and forced labor. Their conversation also delves into Christophe's complex legacy and his tragic end, highlighting the contradictions of his rule.
27 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 48min
How the Cold War made the modern world
Vladislav Zubok, a Professor of International History at LSE and Cold War expert, discusses the ideological complexities of the Cold War. He reveals that Americans were often more ideological than Soviets. Zubok delves into how decolonization acted as 'nuclear fuel' for global tensions and examines Gorbachev's transformative impact on Eastern Europe. He also highlights how the Cold War's legacy influences today's geopolitical landscape, marked more by trade and diplomacy than ideological conflict.
Sep 15, 2025 • 41min
Alva Vanderbilt: life of the week
Nancy Unger, Professor Emerita of American History and an expert on Alva Vanderbilt, shares insights into the life of the ambitious socialite who revolutionized 19th-century society. Unger discusses Alva's strategic rise in the elite world, her groundbreaking divorce that challenged norms, and her fierce advocacy for women's rights. She highlights the lavish parties and high society ambitions that defined Alva, alongside the personal struggles that shaped her legacy as both a social climber and a suffragist.
Sep 14, 2025 • 46min
How women were erased from economic history
Victoria Bateman, a Fellow at the University of Cambridge and author of "Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth and Power," discusses the overlooked impact of women on economic history. She unveils how bias has erased women's contributions from narratives of prosperity over 12,000 years. Bateman highlights powerful figures like Ching Shih, the pirate leader, and critiques traditional views that limit women's roles. She warns that ignoring women's economic influence risks repeating historical mistakes, advocating for their recognition in shaping societies.
33 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 50min
The Phoenicians: everything you wanted to know
Josephine Quinn, a historian and Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge, dives into the fascinating world of the Phoenicians. These ancient seafarers left a profound legacy, including the development of the alphabet and the establishment of Carthage. Quinn unravels their complex identity and the reasons they’ve been overlooked in history. She highlights their maritime mastery and trade innovations, while also addressing the challenges of understanding their influence amid Greek and Roman narratives. The Phoenicians’ contributions to concepts of ethnicity and heritage are also explored.
Sep 11, 2025 • 39min
Black women and the fight for human rights
Keisha N Blain, a Professor of Africana Studies and History at Brown University, dives into the crucial but often overlooked role of Black women in the human rights movement. She discusses transformative figures like Kadi Diallo and their personal journeys to advocacy following tragedy. The podcast highlights the vital contributions of the Black press in amplifying women's voices and the intersection of racism and sexism in activism. Blain also connects historical struggles to contemporary movements, illustrating the enduring legacy of figures like Fannie Lou Hamer.
12 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 52min
Soviet dissidents who challenged the Kremlin
In this engaging discussion, historian Benjamin Nathans, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause,' reveals the courageous stories of Soviet dissidents who emerged after Stalin's death. He explores their fight for civil rights and the legacy of their movements, connecting their struggles to today's global fight for freedom. Nathans discusses the mechanisms of dissent, like Samizdat, and addresses the evolving tactics of the KGB and the dissidents' role in challenging the Soviet regime.
12 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 31min
El Cid: life of the week
Nora Berend, a Professor of European History at St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, delves into the life of El Cid, the 11th-century warrior known for his complex loyalties. She reveals the rugged political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista and explores El Cid's opportunism amidst shifting alliances between Christian and Muslim rulers. The conversation also highlights contrasting views of him as a hero and villain, the significant roles of women in medieval history, and the evolving legacy of El Cid in Spain.
Sep 7, 2025 • 41min
Burying the enemy: commemorating the world wars' fallen foes
Tim Grady, a Professor of Modern European History and author, delves into the poignant topic of how Britain and Germany managed enemy burials during the World Wars. He discusses the emotional impact of these practices on families and national memory. Grady highlights the complexities of burial customs, shifts in public sentiment towards enemy graves, and the efforts of local communities in fostering reconciliation. Through shared histories and respectful remembrance, he illustrates how perceptions change over time, emphasizing our common humanity even in death.
