Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires 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.
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
12 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 53min
324. India’s Greatest Rebellion: Massacre and Revenge in Kanpur (Part 3)
Delve into the harrowing Kanpur massacre during the 1857 rebellion, where chaos reigns as General Wheeler struggles with fragile defenses. Explore the motivations and grievances of figures like Nana Sahib and Azimullah Khan, and witness the dire consequences of the siege, including desperate shortages and brutal reprisals. The shocking details of the Bibighar massacre reveal the depths of violence on both sides, leading to a legacy of trauma that shaped British-Indian relations. It's a chilling tale of revenge and survival.
11 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 53min
323. India’s Greatest Rebellion: The Rebels March On Delhi (Part 2)
The podcast dives into the dramatic mutiny of sepoys that escalated into a national uprising. Rebels raced across a bridge towards Delhi, where tensions mounted around the Red Fort. Tensions of religion played a crucial role, with fears about cartridges igniting chaos. The reluctant Bahadur Shah Zafar faces a dilemma as he’s petitioned by the insurgents, leading to his pivotal support. As violence erupts, both British and natives endure harrowing tales of survival and conflict. The mix of class divisions and desperate SOS messages adds depth to this historical narrative.
67 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 51min
322. India’s Greatest Rebellion: The 1857 Mutiny (Part 1)
In a gripping tale, secret messages hidden in chapattis signal brewing rebellion in 1857 India. Tensions rise as soldiers discover their bullet cartridges are greased with pig and cow fat. The podcast delves into the cultural and political dynamics of the time, exploring Bahadur Shah Zafar’s fading power and his literary circle's contributions. The hosts discuss the mounting grievances of sepoys, religious fears, and the strained relationships between British officers and Indian soldiers. The stage is set for an explosive uprising.
13 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 50min
321. Exploding Rum-filled Coffins, Anglo-Indian Sisterhood, & Julia Margaret Cameron
Art historian Emily Burns joins to delve into the life of Julia Margaret Cameron, the pioneering photographer and great aunt of Virginia Woolf. Sparks fly as they discuss the captivating Anglo-Indian Pattle Sisters, who dazzled Victorian society and hosted many illustrious figures. Discover how Cameron’s self-taught innovation and distinctive pictorialist style redefined photography. Emily also explores the vibrant artistic community fostered at Little Holland House, a hub for creativity and intellect that echoed through time.
19 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 46min
320. Photos That Shook The World: Exposing Leopold in The Congo
Discover the inspiring story of Alice Seely Harris, a photographer who dared to expose the brutalities of King Leopold II in the Congo. With her Kodak Box Brownie, she captured haunting images of atrocities, turning photographic evidence into a powerful weapon for reform. Explore her relentless efforts to smuggle these images back to Britain, rallying support against colonial horrors. Despite her monumental impact, learn how history has largely forgotten her contributions, overshadowed by her husband's political success.
22 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 32min
319. Heist of St Nicolas: The Medieval Mafia Who Stole Santa (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, historian Sam Dalrymple, author of 'Shattered Lands,' unpacks the thrilling Heist of St Nicholas by Italian sailors in 1087. He explores the captivating blend of St Nicholas mythology with Germanic Odin tales, revealing how these legends evolved into today's Santa Claus. Dalrymple also highlights the impact of polar mania and Coca-Cola's 1931 ads that solidified Santa's red-and-white image, reshaping holiday traditions worldwide. Get ready to learn how history shaped our modern festive icons!
33 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 32min
318. Heist of St Nicolas: Raiding Santa's Tomb (Part 1)
Join author and researcher Sam Dalrymple as he delves into the fascinating lore of Saint Nicholas, the bishop from Myra in ancient Turkey. Discover how his tomb became a pilgrimage site and the intrigue surrounding the sailors who sought to steal his bones. Learn about the cultural crossroads of Lycia, the blend of Greek and Persian influences, and the connection to early Indian architecture. Dalrymple also explores the origins of gift-giving traditions associated with Nicholas and how he became a guardian of sailors, merging with Poseidon's legends.
Dec 18, 2025 • 48min
317. Churchill's Photographer: From Escaping Genocide to MLK
Discover the incredible journey of Yousuf Karsh, a renowned portrait photographer who escaped the Armenian Genocide as a child. Learn how he captured iconic figures like Churchill, Einstein, and Martin Luther King, crafting unforgettable images that defined a generation. The fascinating backstory of his life reveals resilience against adversity, from fleeing violence in Mardin to his evolution as a master of lighting. The dramatic moment he created the 'Roaring Lion' portrait of Churchill showcases his bold artistry and resourcefulness.
20 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 47min
316. Hitler's Photographer: Nazi Secrets, Eva Braun, & Escaping Justice
Dive into the intriguing life of Heinrich Hoffman, the man behind Hitler’s carefully crafted image. Learn how he introduced Hitler to Eva Braun and the deceptive tales he spun during a 1950 interview. Explore Hoffmann’s business savvy in monetizing iconic portraits and his role in Nazi art censorship. The discussion reveals his close ties with the regime and how he later downplayed Hitler's antisemitism. Uncover the complex legacy of a man who documented history yet evaded full justice for his actions.
Dec 12, 2025 • 13min
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Dive into the bizarre world of science as gravity gets a playful rethink. Explore how even a falling pen pulls on the Earth, challenging our notions of attraction. Discover the surprising influence of local masses over distant constellations in astrology. Wonder at Einstein's revolutionary take on gravity and its effect on time itself, with tangible examples that leave you questioning reality. This discussion reshapes familiar concepts into mind-bending ideas that illustrate just how strange our universe can be.
