Dan Snow's History Hit
History Hit
Historian Dan Snow journeys across the globe to tell the stories of history's defining moments. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Great Wall of China, the battlefields of Waterloo to the Tomb of Tutankhamun, join Dan as he explores the how and why of the greatest monuments, battles, heroes, villains and events that have shaped our world.New episodes on Mondays and Thursdays with bonus subscriber only episodes every other Friday.You can get in touch with us at ds.hh@historyhit.comA podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts The Ancients, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 29, 2025 • 29min
What was the Hanseatic League?
Dr. Justyna Wubs-Mrozewicz, an associate professor at the University of Amsterdam, delves into the fascinating world of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trading network that thrived across Northern Europe. She explains how this unique entity functioned without being a formal nation-state, employed innovative conflict management strategies, and established influential merchant alliances. Justyna also highlights the League's lasting impact on modern city cooperation and today’s economic networks. Tune in for an engaging exploration of history's trade pioneers!
7 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 30min
How Did the British Empire Build the Modern World?
Join journalist and bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera as he explores the immense legacy of the British Empire. Delve into its influence on global commodities like sugar and cotton, and the dynamics of settler colonies in America and Australia. Discover how empire shaped language, time zones, and today’s corporations. Sathnam also examines the darker side of imperialism, including the transatlantic slave trade and its cultural impacts. Gain insights into why understanding this history remains crucial in today's multicultural world.
5 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 41min
King Herod
Seth Schwartz, a professor of Classical Jewish Civilization at Columbia University, delves into the complex life of King Herod, known for his grand architectural projects and ruthless paranoia. They discuss Herod's rise to power amid Roman turmoil and his political strategy of client kingship. The podcast explores the infamous Massacre of the Innocents, questioning its historical accuracy while reflecting on Herod’s cruelty. They also touch on Herod’s legacy in Jewish and Christian traditions and contrast him with his more favorable grandson, Agrippa.
Dec 18, 2025 • 32min
A History of Christmas Food
Annie Gray, a food historian and author, dives into fascinating historical Christmas food traditions. She elaborates on the unique dishes enjoyed during medieval feasts, like boar's head and elaborate mincemeat pies, revealing their savory origins. The conversation explores the pagan roots of holiday practices, the evolution of turkey as a festive staple, and the communal joys of wassail. Annie also shares tips on reviving lost customs, such as Twelfth Night cake, making it a delightful journey into the culinary past of Christmas.
12 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 42min
The Origins of the Royal Navy
Rob Smith, a knowledgeable London tour guide and local historian, dives into the fascinating origins of the Royal Navy. He discusses Henry VIII’s ambitions, leading to the grand naval dockyard at Woolwich and groundbreaking ships like the Henry Grace à Dieu. Discover tales of the skilled workforce behind Tudor shipbuilding, the dramatic rise and fall of naval power, and how infrastructure innovations paved the way for Britain’s maritime supremacy. Rob also shares intriguing anecdotes from Samuel Pepys’ inspections, making history come alive with vivid detail!
8 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
How America Invaded Canada
Discover the ill-fated American invasion of Canada in 1775, where optimism met harsh winter reality. Hear about Benedict Arnold's daring raids and the chaos surrounding the Continental Congress's plans. Learn how General Montgomery led a desperate siege while facing brutal conditions. The narrative dives into Guy Carleton's strategic maneuvers and the tragic events of New Year's Eve, culminating in stubborn street fighting in Quebec. This riveting tale underscores the audacity and miscalculations of revolutionary aspirations.
Dec 8, 2025 • 29min
The Bombing of Guernica
This discussion features David Brydon, a Senior Lecturer specializing in 20th-century history at King's College London. He details the horrific 1937 bombing of Guernica, revealing its political significance and the brutal tactics used. Brydon examines the motives behind the attack, including its symbolic impact on modern warfare. He connects this tragedy to later conflicts and explores its legacy, highlighting Picasso's iconic response and the continued implications of aerial bombardment in warfare. A fascinating look at a pivotal moment in history!
Dec 4, 2025 • 53min
Sitting Bull and the Battle of Little Bighorn
In this discussion, historian Paul Hedren, an expert on Sioux Nation history and author of 'Sitting Bull's War,' delves into the pivotal Battle of the Little Bighorn. He reveals insights on Sitting Bull's transformation from warrior to spiritual leader and how his charisma forged key alliances among tribes. Hedren details Custer's miscalculations and the tactical dynamics of the battle, exploring the aftermath and the consequences for the Lakota people. The conversation also touches on Sitting Bull's enduring legacy in contemporary culture.
22 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
How to Survive the Age of Sail
In this engaging discussion, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney, historians and co-hosts of the After Dark podcast, dive into the treacherous realities of life during the Age of Sail. They reveal the grim truths behind sailors' motivations and the harsh conditions they faced aboard wooden ships. Topics include the harrowing practices of press ganging, the role of alcohol in maintaining morale, and the terrifying risks of scurvy and shipwrecks. The conversation sheds light on the striking balance between the glory of exploration and the perils of maritime life.
10 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 28min
The Assassination of JFK
Jefferson Morley, a seasoned Washington-based journalist and author, dives deep into the JFK assassination with a focus on intelligence and secrecy. He recounts the chilling moment of Kennedy's death in Dallas and the chaotic aftermath, including Oswald's arrest and Ruby's shocking actions. Morley critiques the Warren Commission, revealing how key evidence was hidden, and explains why conspiracy theories persist. He also shares insights from his long fight for CIA records, uncovering revelations about surveillance and Operation Northwoods that continue to shape our understanding.
