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
6 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 41min
303. Orwell: Fighting Fascism In The Spanish Civil War (Part 2)
Discover George Orwell's motivations for fighting against fascism in the Spanish Civil War. Delve into his near-fatal experience when shot in the throat and how his wife Eileen played a crucial role in his survival. The podcast explores the chaotic political landscape of Spain, the internal conflicts on the left, and how these experiences shaped Orwell's writing and criticisms of totalitarianism. Learn about the influence of iconic figures and the realities of warfare that haunted Orwell, leaving a lasting impact on his beliefs.
60 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 43min
302. Orwell: The Anti-Imperialist In India & Burma (Part 1)
Explore George Orwell's formative years amid the British Empire and the opium trade in India. Discover why he chose to be a colonial police officer in Burma and how these experiences shaped his anti-imperialist views. Delve into his family's influence and the vibrant, multiethnic society he encountered. The hosts discuss the moral dilemmas highlighted in 'Shooting an Elephant' and unveil the complexities of his colonial relationships. This exploration sets the stage for how his experiences birthed crucial literary critiques of power and imperialism.
52 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 48min
301. Gaza: The First Arab-Israeli War & The Creation of The Gaza Strip (Part 11)
Eugene Rogan, a renowned professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, dives deep into the complexities surrounding the First Arab-Israeli War. He explores how Arab nations responded to the 1948 Palestinian displacement, shedding light on General Nasser's presence in Gaza. The discussion includes the staggering increase in Gaza's population due to influxing refugees and the dire conditions they faced. Rogan also addresses the global response to Israel's statehood and the long-term implications of these historical events.
52 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 52min
300. Gaza: The 1948 War (Part 10)
Eugene Rogan, a Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, delves into the complexities surrounding the 1948 War and its aftermath. He explains Britain's abrupt end to its mandate in Palestine due to postwar fatigue. The discussion highlights the differing tactics among Zionist factions, including the Irgun's violent campaigns. Rogan also addresses the UN's controversial partition plan, the massive displacement of Palestinians, and how Gaza transformed as a refuge for many. A thought-provoking insight into a turbulent historical moment!
80 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 49min
299. Gaza: The Palestinian Revolt, The Black and Tans, & Bomber Harris (Part 9)
Caroline Elkins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Harvard professor, joins the conversation to explore the 1936 Palestinian revolt against British rule. She delves into the brutal tactics used by the British, including the controversial air raids led by 'Bomber' Harris. Elkins examines how communal tensions escalated among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, and discusses the implications of British favoritism and repression. The episode sheds light on the lasting impact of colonial violence and the roots of modern conflict in the region.
110 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 50min
298. Gaza: The British Occupation of Palestine (Part 8)
Caroline Elkins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of *Legacy of Violence*, delves into the complexities of the British Mandate in Palestine. She reveals the overlapping promises made by Britain, including the Balfour Declaration. Elkins discusses the violent tactics employed by the Black and Tans and their infamous reputation from Ireland. The conversation covers rising tensions, such as the 1929 Jerusalem riots, illustrating how state-directed violence and colonial policies fueled conflict and deepened divisions between Jewish and Arab communities.
116 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 44min
297. Gaza in WW1: A Rematch For Gallipoli (Part 7)
Eugene Rogan, a historian and author specializing in the modern Middle East, offers fascinating insights into the failed British assault on Gaza in 1917. He discusses General Murray's tactical missteps and how General Allenby’s innovative strategies transformed the battlefield. The conversation explores the intricate connections between Gaza and the Gallipoli campaign, wartime diplomacy, and the implications of the Balfour Declaration. Rogan also highlights the experiences of Ottoman troops and the critical logistics that defined military outcomes in the region.
174 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 57min
296. Ottoman Gaza: Gunpowder Conquests & Rising Nationalism (Part 6)
Eugene Rogan, a Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford and author of The Fall of the Ottomans, dives into the Ottoman era in Gaza. He details the strategic significance of Gaza during Ottoman conquests and the harsh punishments for rebellion. The fascinating growth of the citrus and cotton industries is explored, along with the rise of nationalism in the 19th century. Rogan also discusses the evolution of local identities and the impacts of early Zionism on Palestinian society. Historical tensions and emerging identities paint a vivid picture of this complex region.
124 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 49min
295. Crusader Gaza: Saladin & Richard The Lionheart (Part 5)
Jonathan Phillips, a Professor of Crusading History at Royal Holloway, dives deep into the Crusades and the remarkable Saladin. He explores the motivations behind Crusader expansions into Gaza and the Levant, and how Saladin effectively united forces to challenge the Franks. The discussion reveals the Mamluks' noteworthy rise, emphasizing their defeat of the Mongols at Ain Jalut and subsequent prosperity in Gaza. Through intriguing anecdotes and historical insights, Phillips brings to life a forgotten yet impactful legacy.
161 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 41min
294. Gaza & The Islamic Conquest (Part 4)
Peter Sarris, a Professor at the University of Cambridge specializing in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, explores the Arab conquest of Gaza in the seventh century. He delves into the pivotal role of Amr ibn al-As and the unexpected ambush of the Byzantines at Gaza. Sarris reveals the concept of an 'invisible conquest,' where local structures and languages persisted despite the upheaval. The discussion also touches on early Islamic perceptions among locals, limited mass conversions, and how the region's economy thrived under early Islamic rule despite shifting political landscapes.
