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
40 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 53min
185. The God Kings of Angkor Wat
The rise of the Khmer Empire is a tale of power and divine rulers, with Jayavarman II uniting clans to create a civilization richer than Byzantium. Angkor Wat’s architectural marvels reflect this grandeur, blending divine king symbolism with intricate design. As the podcast dives into the significance of the god-kings, their godlike status intertwined with Brahmin influence is revealed. The discussion also highlights Cambodia’s cultural evolution, emphasizing the deep ties to Hinduism while contrasting this majestic past with the dark shadows of more modern history.
9 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 33min
184. The Buddhist Merlin
Dive into the mystical world of Vajrabodhi, a 8th-century Buddhist magician who journeyed from India to China. Explore his enchanting tales of rain dragons and military miracles that blend magic with history. Learn about his apprentice, Amoghavajra, and their legendary feats during a drought and invasions. The fascinating discussion touches on Tantric Buddhism, the secrets behind Borobudur, and the colorful cultural tapestry of ancient Asia. Discover how these sorcerers used spells to intertwine spirituality with the fate of nations.
4 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 49min
183. The Poet Kings: Taking Hinduism to Southeast Asia
Discover how India’s vibrant cultural heritage, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, spread across Southeast Asia through ancient trade routes. The Pallava dynasty's influence on temple architecture and artistic renaissance in the 6th century is examined. Listen as they delve into the peculiar world of Buddhist theater, blending humor with spirituality. Explore the significance of trade ports like Ok Eo and the poetic contributions of figures like Dandan. The intricate cultural exchanges between India and Southeast Asia reveal a rich, interconnected history.
Sep 2, 2024 • 51min
182. The Lady Macbeth of China
Discover the tumultuous life of Empress Wu Zetian, the first female emperor of China, who rose to power with ruthless tactics and strategic alliances. As she transformed China into a Buddhist powerhouse, her guilt about her violent ascent looms large. Explore her complex relationship with Buddhism, her influence on culture, and the backdrop of political intrigue that defined her reign. Hear about her ultimate betrayal and downfall, revealing the intricate dynamics of power and legacy in 7th century China.
15 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 34min
181. The Dragon Empress: China’s Game of Thrones
Discover the ruthless ascent of Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor, who rose from concubine to the throne through manipulation and betrayal. Explore her strategic use of Buddhism to legitimize her rule amid power struggles in the Tang dynasty. The discussion also weaves in India's significant historical contributions to math and philosophy, presenting a fascinating backdrop to Wu's reign. Delve into themes of brutality, gender bias, and the complex dynamics of imperial court life during this captivating epoch.
22 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 41min
180. Gold & God: Connecting India & Ancient Rome
Discover how India, not China, was Rome's top trading partner during ancient times. The podcast reveals the rich trade routes across the oceans, illustrating India's influence through luxury goods like pepper and ivory. Dive into St. Thomas's journey, connecting Christianity to India, and explore the Indo-Parthian legacy that shaped early Christian communities. Uncover archaeological insights, cultural exchanges, and the intriguing ties between Indian monastic practices and early Christian traditions. A fascinating blend of commerce, culture, and history awaits!
21 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 42min
179. The Golden Road: Rise of the Indosphere
Explore the fascinating maritime trade history of India, shaped by seasonal monsoon winds that revolutionized navigation. Dive into India's profound cultural legacy in mathematics and philosophy, highlighting its overlooked impact on the West. Discover the vibrant connections between India and Southeast Asia, revealing trade routes and cultural exchanges that enriched both regions. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Angkor Wat and Borobudur, which reflect the harmonious blend of Indian and Southeast Asian influences.
13 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 55min
178. The Vietnam War: Nixon, Vietnamisation, and the Fall of Saigon
Fredrik Logevall, an acclaimed author and expert on the Vietnam War, delves into Nixon's attempts to disentangle America from Vietnam. He discusses Vietnamization, Nixon's diplomatic moves to China, and the chaotic withdrawal from Saigon. The conversation touches on the complex dynamics between Nixon and Kissinger and the haunting psychological aftermath for both Americans and Vietnamese. Logevall also reflects on the broader implications of these historical events on U.S. foreign policy and the legacy of the war.
6 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 57min
177. The Vietnam War: Lyndon Johnson, Americanisation, and Operation Rolling Thunder
Fredrik Logevall, author of "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire," delivers insightful commentary on Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency and the Vietnam War. He examines LBJ's immediate struggle with America’s involvement post-JFK and the harrowing impact of Operation Rolling Thunder. The conversation dives into the assassination of President Diem, contrasting leadership styles, and the devastating aerial assaults that led to staggering civilian casualties. Logevall also highlights the generational divide sparked by the war and its lasting effects on American society.
8 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
176. The Vietnam War: The Rise of Ho Chi Minh
Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Vietnam War expert, joins to delve into the historical complexities of the Vietnam War. He explores Ho Chi Minh’s transformation from a Boston chef to a nationalist leader, inspired by French literature. Fredrik discusses the effects of colonialism, American foreign policy, and the intricate dynamics leading up to the war. He highlights key events like the Geneva Conference and contrasts the leadership styles of Ho Chi Minh and his rivals, shedding light on how the war's narrative unfolded.
