Empire
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires, rulers, and the events that shaped world history.William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 43min
292. Ancient Gaza: From The Assyrians to The Romans (Part 2)
Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge and author, brings her expertise on Gaza and ancient Near Eastern empires. She discusses why the Assyrians spared Gaza while conquering the Levant, the Babylonians' devastation and subsequent Persian administration that granted local autonomy, and Alexander the Great's brutal siege of the city. Quinn highlights Gaza's resilience under Roman rule, transforming into a prosperous trade hub despite repeated sackings.
51 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
291. Ancient Gaza: The Philistines (Part 1)
Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge, dives into the rich history of Gaza and the Philistines. She unpacks the significance of Gaza's monopoly on sweet wine during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III and discusses the Bronze Age Collapse that led to the rise of the Philistines. Additionally, Quinn explores biblical narratives of the Philistines, including stories of Samson and David, revealing how these tales reflect local tensions and cultural identities. Join this intriguing journey into ancient urban life!
52 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 38min
290. Medieval India’s Alexander The Great: The Cholas (Part 2)
Anirudh Kanisetti, author of Lords of Earth and Sea and expert on the Chola dynasty, delves into the intriguing life of Queen Sembian and her role in shaping the Chola Empire's identity through temple branding. He explores the military strategies and cultural impacts of the Chola conquests in Southeast Asia, while addressing the complex realities faced by enslaved women in the court. The discussion also touches on the factors leading to the rise and eventual decline of the empire, showcasing its significant historical legacies.
44 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 43min
289. Medieval India’s Game of Thrones: The Cholas (Part 1)
Anirudh Kanisetti, author of Lords of Earth and Sea, delves into the captivating world of the Chola Empire, likening its power struggles to a 'Game of Thrones' saga. He unveils the legacy of a remarkable queen whose imagery influenced a famous hymn. The discussion traverses the Chola dynasty's military prowess and cultural impact, revealing their intricate governance and the role of merchant guilds. Kanisetti highlights the dynasty's architectural wonders and how ancient narratives resonate with modern themes, bringing medieval India to vibrant life.
28 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 43min
288. Suez Crisis: The End of The British Empire (Part 5)
Alex Von Tunzelmann, a renowned historian and screenwriter, explores the Suez Crisis and its monumental effects on the British Empire. He delves into how the crisis marked a turning point in Anglo-American relations. Listeners will discover the chaotic dynamics of the conflict, including the miscommunications and misjudgments that led to civilian suffering. Tunzelmann also highlights the impact of political turmoil on leadership decisions and the lasting legacy of this event on global power dynamics and perceptions of imperialism.
22 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
287. Suez Crisis: Lies, Cyanide Pills, & Soviet Tanks (Part 4)
In this riveting discussion, historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, author of *Blood and Sand: Suez, Hungary, & The Crisis That Shook The World*, dives deep into the Suez Crisis. Learn about the dramatic moment when Nasser ordered cyanide pills for his generals. Discover the unexpected tactics Egyptians employed, including using beer bottles to effectively block the canal. The conversation also covers the intricate interplay of Cold War politics, the unrest in Hungary, and how American leaders navigated these tumultuous waters.
72 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 46min
286. Suez Crisis: Hungary Revolts & Britain Bombs Egypt (Part 3)
Join historian and screenwriter Alex Von Tunzelmann as she dives into the tumultuous Suez Crisis of 1956, revealing the chaotic secret alliances between Britain, France, and Israel against Egypt. Discover the political miscalculations that led to military blunders and international embarrassment. Tunzelmann also sheds light on the simultaneous Hungarian uprising against Soviet rule, reflecting on the desire for liberal reforms amidst oppression. The conversation draws compelling parallels between historical resilience and today's global challenges.
38 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 40min
285. Suez Crisis: The Secret Meeting Between Israel, Britain & France (Part 2)
Alex Von Tunzelmann, a historian and author known for her insights into historical crises, joins the conversation to delve into the Suez Crisis of 1956. She discusses the secret collusion between France, Britain, and Israel against Egypt, revealing the complex motivations behind their actions. The podcast explores the intense rivalry between British Prime Minister Anthony Eden and Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, while also connecting the Suez Crisis to the upheaval in Hungary. The conspiracy, military strategies, and fears of global conflict are intricately examined.
80 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 42min
284. Suez Crisis: The British Imperialist vs The Arab Nationalist (Part 1)
Join historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, known for her work on geopolitical crises, as she delves into the Suez Crisis that nearly ignited World War 3 in 1956. She reveals why the Suez Canal was crucial for European oil and examines British Prime Minister Anthony Eden's animosity towards Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. Expect insights on the personal dynamics between these leaders, the rise of Arab nationalism, and the disastrous cultural missteps that heightened tensions, all of which reshaped global power dynamics.
151 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 55min
283. Partition: East Pakistan Becomes Bangladesh (Part 6)
Join Sam Dalrymple, a South Asian history expert and author of "Shattered Lands," as he unravels the gripping story of Bangladesh's journey to independence from Pakistan in 1971. Discover the intricate web of Indo-Pakistani relations, from early cooperation to the brink of nuclear conflict. Dalrymple sheds light on Mujibur Rahman's rise amid Bengali discontent, the harrowing events of Operation Searchlight, and the ongoing ramifications of this pivotal moment in history. It's a riveting exploration of identity, nationalism, and transformation.
