History's Greatest Cities

In episode six of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Doris Behrens-Abouseif as they journey through the diverse historic quarters of Cairo. Together, they explore its roots in ancient cities planted on the Nile over thousands of years, and look at how various occupations and successive Islamic sultanates and caliphates shaped what's now the Egyptian capital. They also meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the development of the modern city, and discover less known places to visit for insights into its heritage.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 five of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Dr Elizabeth Drayson for a trip to Granada. Together they lead through its various incarnations – as a Jewish settlement, a Roman province, a Visigothic kingdom, and as a Muslim Emirate. Along the way, they also meet some of the figures who play major roles in the city’s lifetime and discover lesser-known places to visit for insights into its heritage.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 four of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by David Mendel as they visit Québec City in Canada. Together they explore its pre-colonial origins, development as a French imperial capital and its incorporation into Britain's North American colonies. They also meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the city’s growth and discover monuments and sites to visit for insights into its heritage.History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Travel writer Paul Bloomfield and expert historian Dr. Amy Fuller delve into Mexico City's roots with the Aztec people, the impact of Spanish conquest, and the city's evolution. They highlight important historical figures, hidden heritage sites, and offer travel tips for eager explorers.

In episode two of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Dr Christopher Harding as they delve into the fascinating, yet often turbulent, story of Tokyo. Together, they’ll visit key sites where major events unfolded – from exploring its medieval origins, and its growth as the base of the ruling shogun, to considering the major social and political upheavals of the 19th and 20th centuries. Along the way, they also meet some of the major figures who played pivotal roles in the development of what's now known as Tokyo.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 one of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Elizabeth Horodowich as they roam along the canals and alleys of Venice. Together they explore its roots in medieval colonies on islands in the lagoon, its blossoming as a powerful trading empire as well as the challenges facing an island city in the modern era. They also meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the development of the Italian city and discover some lesser-known places to visit for insights into its heritage.History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How have the world’s great cities responded to centuries of exploration, conquest and increasing globalisation? That’s the question driving series three of History’s Greatest Cities, a podcast from HistoryExtra.Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield once again will be joining expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Venturing to the great cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, they'll explore centuries-long stories of foundation and growth, and examine how contact between continents shaped these far-flung places. Along the way, they'll introduce the colourful characters who played pivotal roles in the development of these cities, and lead listeners through the must-visit palaces, temples, bazaars and, of course, bars and restaurants. And, our experts will also share insider tips to help visitors discover hidden facets of each fascinating destination.Episodes of History’s Greatest Cities series three will be released weekly from 1st June. History Extra Plus subscribers can access all episodes ad-free immediately, via Apple podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Alexandra Richie takes a deep dive into the pivotal historical episodes of Poland’s capital In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating, enduring and historic destinations, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Dr Alexandra Richie for a tour of Warsaw. Together, they consider the city’s medieval origins, 16th-century rise to political prominence, turbulent years under nations such as Sweden and Russia, and the tumult, violence and oppression of the 20th century. Along the way, Alexandra also highlights some top places to visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Marcus Tanner guides listeners through the rich heritage of Croatia’s second largest city In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating, enduring and historic destinations, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by author Marcus Tanner for a journey to Split. Together they explore the city’s Roman pomp and how medieval empires tussled to control it, before considering its turbulent 20th century. Along the way, Marcus introduces some of the figures who played important roles in the development of Split, suggesting top places to visit.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delve into the origins, conflicts, and wealth of York, from its Roman foundations to Viking heritage. Explore its historical significance in the Roman Empire and the cultural fusion between Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian influences. Learn about the events after the Battle of Hastings, the industrialization of York, and the prominent historical sights including York Minster and Clifford's Tower.