History's Greatest Cities

Michael Pye roams the streets of the Belgian city dominated by a medieval fortress and graced by Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance monumentsRenowned for its busy port and leading role in the diamond trade, Antwerp's story has plenty of booms and busts that shaped both its physical form and its psyche. Historian and author Michael Pye leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield around Flanders’ leading city, virtually exploring its old centre, market squares and stately thoroughfares. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the figures who played key roles in the development of Antwerp, and seek out spots to enjoy typical food and drink.History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com.We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/.This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barcelona may be well known for the bustling La Rambla, Gaudi's soaring Sagrada Família and, of course, its lively bars and restaurants, but that’s not all there is to there is to the historic Spanish city. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield joins historian Andrew Dowling to explore not just the iconic thoroughfares and medieval gothic quarter, but also the less-visited sites that speak of pivotal episodes and eras, or reflect the city’s proud Catalan culture and heritage. Along the way, they’ll also meet some of the people who helped shape Barcelona, as well as seeking out spots to enjoy favoured food and drink. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com.We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/.This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the world’s greatest cities become just that – great? Was it location, determination or simple serendipity? This is the question behind History’s Greatest Cities, from HistoryExtra. Join travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield for the latest series, as he ventures to great cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas – all in the company of expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters who played key roles in shaping these cities and take in the most captivating historical sites – from temples and palaces to markets and museums. They’ll also sample the cultural delights of each place and share insider tips to help visitors discover little-known facets of these extraordinary destinations.History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com.We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here:On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4fgRA1dAnywhere Else: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vicious civil wars. Gruelling sieges. Rebellious provinces, galling betrayals and tribes seeking revenge… Join us for the first series of History’s Greatest Battles, where we’re heading back to the Roman empire. Emily Briffett is joined by historian Dr Adrian Goldsworthy to look back at five of the most fascinating clashes of this ancient civilisation, taking in the action blow by blow and identifying the major moments and key commanders that shaped events. They’ll also be uncovering what the military engagements of this mighty superpower can reveal about the age of the emperors, and asking: how history might have turned out differently had things gone the other way?Series 1 is live now.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/historys-greatest-battles/id1794311126Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ph7KUocWnqPREhTZa44MbListen everywhere else by searching: History's Greatest BattlesYou can listen ad-free, access episodes early and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.History's Greatest Cities returns soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How was Edinburgh transformed from an ancient defensive site on top of a volcanic crag into a major centre of power, faith, commerce, and learning? In this second of our two festive bonus episodes, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian Rosemary Goring to visit a city that really lights up at New Year: Scotland’s magnificent capital, Edinburgh. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters that shaped the city, and lead listeners through the most captivating historic sites and moments. As well as touching on the colours and sounds of Hogmanay, they’ll sample Edinburgh’s cultural delights, sharing top insider travel tips.History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Munich may be well-known for its sparkling, aromatic Christmas markets. But beyond the foaming steins of beer and the wafting aroma of glühwein, it’s also a city that has experienced both greatness and turbulence over more than eight centuries, growing from ecclesiastical beginnings to become today’s fascinating city rich in gothic and baroque architecture. In this first of our two festive bonus episodes, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by official tour guide Christine Lehner to explore Bavaria’s historic powerhouse. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters who shaped the city and visit the most captivating historic sites – including those tempting markets. Plus, they’ll sample some of Munich’s cultural delights, sharing top insider travel tips.History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The festive period is upon us, so we’re bringing you two special bonus episodes of History’s Greatest Cities to mark the season, visiting cities with particularly vibrant festive traditions. First, we’re heading to Munich – a city with a long, rich and colourful history, as well as being home to Germany’s largest Nativity Market, redolent with aromas of glühwein and wurst. We’ll also be enjoying the sparkling celebration of Hogmanay in Edinburgh, exploring how the New Year is welcomed in with fireworks, music and a torchlit procession, as well as sharing stories from the Scottish capital’s past.Episodes will be released on 10 December and 24 December. HistoryExtra Plus subscribers on Apple Podcasts can listen to both episodes ad-free immediately from the 10 December.History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra LongReads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was the moon landing faked? Did Shakespeare actually pen the works he’s credited with? And were the pyramids really built by aliens? In History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories, the new podcast from HistoryExtra, Rob Attar takes a deep dive into the some of history’s most compelling conspiracy theories in the company of expert historians to uncover if there's any truth behind these murky myths.Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ap2seBListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZN5NPAHC9oG0JlHl6V1aKListen everywhere else by searching: History's Greatest Conspiracy TheoriesYou can listen ad-free, access episodes early and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.History's Greatest Cities returns soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode eight of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Chandrika Kaul as they guide us through the bustling streets, markets, temples, mosques, and forts of Delhi. Together they explore the city's mythical origins, its conquests, as well as rise to cultural and political prominence. They’ll roam the historic sites and monuments that speak of this long and turbulent past, and meet some of the key characters who played important roles in the development of Delhi. Along the way, Chandrika also shares some insider tips to help travelers make the most of their visit to this fascinating city.History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode seven of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Emeritus Professor Vivian Bickford-Smith as they explore Cape Town – including its diverse historic neighbourhoods, markets and monuments, bays and beaches, as well as as mountains and islands. Together they introduce the pivotal moments in the making of the city and the characters who played key roles in this story. Along the way, they also suggest places that reveal insights into Cape Town's tumultuous past, as well as sharing top tips for visitors to the modern city.History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices