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
18 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 42min
205. Babur: The Taking of Delhi
Explore Babur's transformative journey from a shy youth in Herat to a formidable ruler aiming to conquer Delhi. Delve into his strategic maneuvers and the complexities of forging alliances amidst chaos. Discover the personal struggles he faced while reclaiming his identity and legacy during a turbulent time. The narrative unfolds with Babur's innovative military tactics during the iconic Battle of Panipat, blending historical intrigue with his character as both an artist and a warrior.
16 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 51min
204. Babur: The First Mughal Emperor
Explore the fascinating early life of Babur, the first Mughal Emperor, who was both a brave warrior and a sensitive poet. Discover his tumultuous journey from a hopeful young prince to a homeless nomad after his defeat at 21. Delve into the complexities of his legacy as both an influential culture-maker and a controversial invader. Hear about his conquests, the emotional struggles he faced, and the vibrant life in Kabul, all while reflecting on the profound impact of his memoirs on history.
22 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 42min
203. Captain Hook, Peter Pan & The Dark Side of Neverland
Explore the intriguing backstory of J.M. Barrie and his iconic creation, Peter Pan. Discover how personal tragedies influenced his characters, particularly the complex Captain Hook. The discussion dives into the dark allure of piracy and its cultural legacy, linking Hook to historical figures like Christopher Newport. Uncover the meaning behind the character of Wendy and the impact of Barrie's life experiences on his work. Delve into themes of childhood, loss, and the timeless struggle between innocence and darkness.
6 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 41min
202. Long John Silver: The Truth Behind Treasure Island
Discover the fascinating origins of Treasure Island, a tale woven from Robert Louis Stevenson's Scottish roots. Dive into the captivating mythology of pirates, featuring the memorable Long John Silver and the real-life inspiration of Alexander Selkirk. Explore the romanticism of rebellion and Stevenson's chaotic bohemian pursuits that shaped his writing. Uncover how childhood dreams fueled his imagination to craft legendary characters like Jim Hawkins. Plus, learn about the origins of the iconic pirate accent that has influenced folklore for generations.
16 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 38min
201. The Raj at War
Renowned historian Yasmin Khan, author of "The Raj at War", reveals the overlooked narrative of the Indian Army's vital contributions in World War II. She discusses the camaraderie built between Indian and British troops, despite the racial inequities they faced. Key topics include the tragic decision to abandon Indian soldiers during Dunkirk and the rise of Indian leaders' civil disobedience in response to British policies. Khan's insights connect these historical events to the seeds of India's independence movement and highlight the complexities of loyalty and sacrifice.
Nov 5, 2024 • 44min
200. The East India Company’s Global Manhunt
Henry Avery's audacious piracy ignited a global manhunt, turning the East India Company into a desperate chase across continents. The intrigue deepens as the podcast reveals the vital role of women in a male-driven maritime era, alongside the grim realities they faced. A fierce naval clash with Mughal forces underscores the brutal truth of piracy, challenging romanticized tales. The narrative twists with Avery's clever escape and the cautionary legacy he leaves behind, crafting a gripping tale of ambition, violence, and survival on the high seas.
11 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 41min
199. Robbing the World’s Wealthiest Dynasty
Discover the captivating tale of Henry Avery, a former naval officer turned pirate who pulled off an ambitious heist against the Mughal Empire. Delve into the complexities of piracy, contrasting its glamorous portrayals with the grim realities faced by those involved. Explore the legendary myth of Long Ben, a figure of intrigue and duality within the pirate world. The podcast also navigates the treacherous pilgrimage paths from India to Mecca, revealing how piracy lurked even in spiritual journeys. Get ready for tales of daring adventures and immense treasures!
13 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 41min
198. The Pirate Trial of the Century
William Kidd, a Scottish privateer, struggles with his crew amid pirate hunts gone awry. Tensions boil over when he resorts to brutal tactics and mutiny brews. His transformation from lawful adventurer to infamous pirate unfolds through tales of violence and treasure-seeking. Delve into his complex relationships, particularly with rival Culliford, leading to betrayal and a dramatic trial. As Kidd fights for his innocence, the dark truths of piracy and political intrigues come to light, culminating in his tragic execution.
12 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 41min
197. The Pirate Hunter
The tumultuous life of William Kidd is unpacked, tracing his transformation from a respectable sailor to a notorious pirate. Delve into the political manipulation that led him astray, and discover the impact of piracy on culture and storytelling. The discussion also highlights the legendary pirate utopia of Libertalia while questioning its historical validity. Explore the conflicts of loyalty and betrayal Kidd faced at sea, revealing the thin line between privateering and piracy in a gripping tale of ambition.
19 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 40min
196. Blackbeard’s Reign of Terror
In this engaging discussion, historian David Wilson delves into the notorious life of Blackbeard, one of history's most feared pirates. Wilson reveals the chaotic rise of Blackbeard's fleet, including the infamous Queen Anne's Revenge, and his brutal war against the British Empire. He discusses the moral complexities faced by pirates, the audacious blockade of Charleston, and the dramatic confrontation with Lieutenant Maynard that sealed Blackbeard’s fate. Wilson’s insights bring to life the legend of a man whose piracy defined an era.
