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
144 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 47min
278. Partition: India’s Break With Burma (Part 1)
In this engaging discussion, historian Sam Dalrymple, author of 'Shattered Lands: Five Partitions And The Making of Modern Asia,' explores the complex legacy of British colonialism in Burma. He delves into Japan’s invasion during WWII and its effects on Burma's independence. Dalrymple highlights the controversial views of a Burmese fascist leader and connects historical events to the Rohingya genocide. The conversation sheds light on racial tensions and the impact of the Simon Commission, revealing how colonial decisions shaped national identity and ongoing strife.
25 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 42min
277. America Drills Through Hell’s Gorge (Part 5)
Matthew Parker, an author and expert on the Panama Canal, dives into the dramatic tale of American intervention in Panama's independence. He reveals how the U.S. orchestrated the revolution and signed controversial treaties without Panamanian representation. The conversation explores the significant engineering challenges, like battling yellow fever, and highlights the racial disparities in worker treatment. Parker also discusses the canal's impact on American imperialism and the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Panama relations as World War I approached.
63 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 32min
276. The Biggest Corruption Scandal in French History (Part 4)
Matthew Parker, author of Hell’s Gorge: The Battle To Build The Panama Canal, joins the conversation to unravel the shocking corruption surrounding the French Panama Canal project. He discusses how George Eiffel was entangled in this scandal and the devastating impact of Yellow Fever on workers. Parker also introduces the charismatic Philippe-Jean Bunau-Varilla, who brilliantly swayed the US government to support the canal. The episode compellingly links French idealism with American pragmatism amidst a backdrop of ambition and tragedy.
18 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 12min
The Great Fire of London
David Olusoga, historian and co-host of Goalhanger’s Journey Through Time, explores the Great Fire of London’s catastrophic beginnings and the chaotic unraveling on September 2, 1666. He shares insights into Samuel Pepys, whose vivid diary gives a gripping eyewitness account. The conversation dives into the human toll, addressing the emotional turmoil faced by Londoners, and the unjust blame on minorities. Olusoga also connects historical events to modern behaviors, showcasing how crises shape societal reactions and personal actions, all framed by engaging anecdotes.
31 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 42min
275. The Battle To Build The Panama Canal (Part 3)
In this episode, Matthew Parker, author of *Hell's Gorge: The Battle To Build The Panama Canal*, explores the wild ambitions behind the Panama Canal's construction in the 1880s. He shares how the Gold Rush transformed Panama into a transit hub for adventurers. The eccentric Ferdinand de Lesseps even flew a hot air balloon over Paris to rally support for the canal. Parker also touches on the human tragedy and fierce challenges faced by laborers, painting a vivid picture of the madness and missteps of this grand engineering endeavor.
62 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 50min
274. Pirates of Panama: Francis Drake Strikes Spain's Empire (Part 2)
Historian and archaeologist Mark Horton dives into the swashbuckling world of piracy in Panama during the 1600s. He unravels the backstory of Captain Morgan and how a Welsh buccaneer made a name through audacious attacks. Horton also reveals how Elizabeth I funded Francis Drake's notorious slaving ventures and discusses the strategic significance of Panama's forts. With tales of Drake's legacy and a peek into the treasure-filled era, this conversation is rich in maritime history and colorful characters.
45 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 46min
273. Panama’s Brutish Conquistador Who Found The Pacific and Lost His Head (Part 1)
Mark Horton, a maritime historical archaeologist, sheds light on the brutal legacy of conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Delving into the treacherous journey Balboa undertook to claim the Pacific, Horton reveals the harsh realities of early Spanish colonialism and its devastating effects on indigenous populations. The discussion highlights the contrasting legacies of Balboa and other figures like Cortes, as well as the archaeological findings that illuminate this complex period of exploration and greed.
58 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 46min
272. Solving The Mystery of America's Lost Colony
Join archaeologist Mark Horton, who has been uncovering the mysteries of the Roanoke Colony since 2008, as he reveals his latest discoveries at the dig site. The discussion dives into the potential resolution of the 400-year-old mystery surrounding America’s Lost Colony. Horton also critiques historical narratives shaped by racism and explores how misleading historical accounts have influenced public perception. Delight in tales of fraud, intriguing artifacts, and the complex relationships between early settlers and Native Americans.
74 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 49min
271. Canada’s Dark Secret: Stolen Children, Unmarked Graves, & Survival Stories (Ep 5)
Celia Haig-Brown, co-author of "Tsqelmucwilc: The Kamloops Indian Residential School - Resistance And A Reckoning," shares insights into the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children in Canada's residential schools. She discusses the cultural assimilation agenda that these institutions represented, revealing their impact on identity and family ties. The recent discovery of unmarked graves sparked a national reckoning, shifting perspectives on this dark chapter in history. Through powerful narratives, Celia highlights resilience and the essential journey from victim to survivor.
78 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 51min
270. The Day The Brits Burned The White House (Ep 4)
Maya Jasanoff, author of Liberty's Exile, delves into the fascinating dynamics of the American Revolution and its unforeseen consequences for Canada. She explores why Washington's attempts to invade Quebec fell short and discusses the impact of British strategies that led to Canada's emergence as a separate entity. The role of loyalists reshaping Canadian demographics and the significance of events like the War of 1812 in forging a distinct Canadian identity are also highlighted, revealing the complexities of North American geopolitics.
