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
Jun 9, 2025 • 33min
Archimedes: life of the week
Michael Scott, a Professor in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick, dives into the fascinating world of Archimedes. Beyond the famous 'Eureka' moment, he discusses Archimedes' groundbreaking inventions like the water screw and ingenious military machines. Scott also unravels the enigma of Archimedes’ life, challenging historians' efforts to piece together his narrative. Listeners learn about his profound impact on mathematics and engineering, as well as the legacy that endures in modern science today.
18 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 38min
The Third Reich's first genocide
Dagmar Herzog, a history professor at the Graduate Center, CUNY and author of *The Question of Unworthy Life*, delves into the harrowing history of the Nazi regime's systematic extermination of nearly 300,000 individuals with disabilities. She discusses the chilling influence of eugenics and how societal attitudes toward disability allowed such atrocities to occur. Herzog highlights the bureaucratic methods behind the euthanasia program and the long struggle for recognition and reconciliation of these crimes in modern Germany.
22 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 46min
English folklore: everything you wanted to know
Francis Young, a folklorist and historian of religion, dives into the captivating world of English folklore. He discusses the eerie beliefs surrounding fairy rings and legends like the enigmatic Black Shuck, a menacing creature of East Anglia. The conversation explores iconic figures like Robin Hood and the Green Man, uncovering their historical roots and cultural significance. Young highlights how these tales reflect societal values and the ongoing revival of folklore in modern culture, connecting people to their heritage.
13 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 36min
What happened in Shakespeare's "lost years"?
In this engaging discussion, Daniel Swift, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University and author, unpacks Shakespeare's 'lost years' in the turbulent 1590s. He shares insights into the emergence of The Theatre, London's first playhouse, where the young playwright navigated a competitive scene. Delving into Shakespeare's influences, Swift reveals how a poorly received play may have inspired the Bard's artistry. He highlights the collaborative nature of early theatre, connecting Shakespeare's humble beginnings to his eventual rise as a literary giant.
45 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 52min
Plague, famine and chivalry: a human history of the 14th century
Historian Helen Carr, author of "Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century," guides listeners through the tumultuous 14th century. She examines the struggles of monarchs like Edward II, whose reign was marked by personal and political chaos. The devastating impacts of the Black Death and famine are explored, alongside the emergence of the Peasants' Revolt. Carr emphasizes the human stories behind these events, shedding light on the vulnerabilities and leadership challenges faced by rulers during this transformative era.
26 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 46min
WW2 legacies and Magna Carta: history behind the headlines
Rana Mitter, a specialist in modern Chinese history and the S.T. Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at Harvard, joins the discussion to unpack the lasting legacies of World War II. They dive into how different nations remember VE Day and the historical narratives that shape identities today. Mitter also discusses the evolution of human rights from past conflicts, while highlighting the significance of medieval manuscripts like the Magna Carta. Plus, they explore the cyclical history of British rail privatization, blending cultural nostalgia with modern transport debates.
27 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 35min
Drink, dance, death: wine in ancient Egypt
Join Islam Issa, a Professor of Literature and History at Birmingham City University, as he uncorks the fascinating role of wine in ancient Egypt. Discover how this beloved beverage was integral to merriment, rituals, and even mummification practices. Hear about the whimsical Festival of Drunkenness and the legendary goddess Sekhmet. Learn about the symbolic connections of wine to the afterlife and the intricate winemaking techniques that defined social dynamics. This journey through history reveals wine as a vital thread woven into the fabric of Egyptian culture.
29 snips
May 31, 2025 • 38min
The Scottish Enlightenment: everything you wanted to know
Historian Craig Smith from the University of Glasgow, and author of a key book on Adam Smith, dives into the fascinating world of the Scottish Enlightenment. He discusses how 18th-century Scotland distinguished itself with innovations in social sciences and philosophy. Key figures like David Hume and Adam Smith emerge as central players, while the podcast also highlights the surprising lack of female involvement. Smith explores the vibrant exchange of ideas through public lectures and clubs, and the profound impact of this era on modern thought and society.
27 snips
May 29, 2025 • 45min
Deadly skies: the WW2 mission to fly over the Himalayas
Caroline Alexander, an author and historian, discusses the perilous air supply route over the Himalayas during World War II. She shares fascinating stories of young American pilots who tackled treacherous weather and rugged terrain, risking their lives on missions to aid nationalist China. The podcast delves into the psychological strain known as 'humpitis' faced by these aviators, highlighting their bravery and the mission's overlooked significance in U.S.-China relations. Prepare for thrilling tales of courage and survival amidst deadly skies!
May 27, 2025 • 37min
Royal sisters: the tragic lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters
Frances Welch, an author specializing in royal history, discusses the poignant lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters: Victoria, Ella, Irene, and Alix of Hesse. Their marriages significantly influenced early 20th-century Europe. Welch reveals the emotional aftermath of their lives after Queen Victoria's death and the challenges of royal matchmaking. She highlights the tragic toll of hemophilia in the family and the complex dynamics within the ties to the Romanovs. The fascinating stories showcase loyalty, loss, and the intrigues of royal life.
