Dan Snow's History Hit
History Hit
Historian Dan Snow investigates the 'how' and 'why' of history's defining moments.From the Colosseum of Ancient Rome and the battlefields of Waterloo to the tomb of Tutankhamun, Dan journeys across the globe to share the greatest stories from the past that help us understand the present.New episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.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.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 31, 2025 • 36min
Ancient Irish Funeral Traditions
Join historians Dr. Anthony Delaney and Dr. Maddy Pelling as they delve into the hauntingly beautiful world of ancient Irish funeral traditions. Discover the powerful role of keening women, who lamented the deceased’s lives, critiquing and seeking forgiveness. Uncover the superstitions of wakes, like the mystical 'hungry grass' and the rituals surrounding mirrors and windows. Both discuss the evolution of these customs and their resonance in modern society, offering a captivating glimpse into Ireland's rich cultural tapestry of death and mourning.
Oct 29, 2025 • 32min
What Caused Europe's Witch Hysteria?
Duncan Weldon, an economic historian and author of 'Blood and Treasure', joins to delve into the unnerving witch hunts of early modern Europe. He discusses how Heinrich Kramer’s notorious book, 'Malleus Maleficarum', erased centuries of misogyny, while the printing revolution spread fear. Climate changes and economic stress turned independent women into scapegoats. The conversation draws parallels to today's societal scapegoating, prompting questions about modern responses to fear and misinformation.
Oct 27, 2025 • 35min
Atatürk: Fall of the Ottoman Empire
Marc David Baer, a Professor of International History at LSE, delves into the dramatic collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Mustafa Kemal, or Atatürk. He highlights Kemal’s military heroics at Gallipoli, his vision for a modern Turkey, and the struggles against rival factions during the Turkish War of Independence. Baer also discusses radical reforms, including the abolition of the caliphate and the transformation into a secular nation-state, while examining Atatürk's lasting legacy amid ongoing regional tensions.
Oct 23, 2025 • 31min
Elizabeth I: Evil or Genius?
In this engaging discussion, historian Anna Whitelock, an expert on monarchy, takes us through the complex legacy of Elizabeth I. They explore how Elizabeth crafted her powerful image through portraits and symbolism while facing challenges like political repression and the harsh realities of colonial violence. The conversation dives into her turbulent relationships with Parliament, the troubling implications of her policies in Ireland, and her paradoxical nature as both a celebrated monarch and a force of repression. A riveting look at a multifaceted queen!
Oct 21, 2025 • 39min
How to Survive in Renaissance England
Dr. Alanna Skuse, a historian of early modern healthcare and author of 'The Surgeon, the Midwife and the Quack', delves into the medical practices of 16th and 17th century England. She reveals how quacks and wise women sometimes offered better care than physicians. The conversation explores bizarre treatments, including cross-species blood transfusions, as well as innovative surgeries like the arm-to-face skin graft. Alanna also discusses holistic approaches to health, the notorious Bedlam hospital, and the ethical dilemmas of early medical experimentation.
11 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 56min
Richard II vs Henry IV
Helen Castor, an expert on medieval and Tudor history, delves into the tumultuous rivalry between Richard II and his cousin Henry IV. She highlights Richard's sheltered upbringing and the challenges of his rule, alongside Henry's contrasting practical education that shaped his ambitions. The conversation explores the Peasants' Revolt, Richard's dramatic leadership moments, and the political fallout leading to his downfall. Castor also details the intrigue of Henry's return from exile, culminating in Richard's abdication and the surprising consequences for English monarchy.
Oct 16, 2025 • 47min
How Did the Industrial Revolution Change the World?
Duncan Weldon, an economist and journalist, dives into the transformative power of the Industrial Revolution. He explores why it ignited in Britain, emphasizing unique geographical and institutional advantages. The discussion covers the shift from Malthusian stagnation to modern growth, the rise of factories, and the impact of urbanization on society. Weldon highlights the intertwined roles of innovation and empire in driving change, while also touching on environmental consequences and the optimistic view of future productivity gains driven by technology.
Oct 14, 2025 • 38min
The Germans Who Rebelled Against the Nazis
Journalist and author Jonathan Freedland dives into the tale of the Solf Circle, a group of elite Germans in 1943 Berlin secretly plotting against Hitler. He reveals their blend of moral imperatives and practical aid to Jews amidst a deadly regime. The conversation explores their ambitious post-war plans, the crucial betrayal that unraveled their efforts, and the complex motivations that drove individuals to resist Nazism. Freedland emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acting against threats to democracy, drawing parallels to today.
Oct 12, 2025 • 46min
The Battle of Jutland
Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History at King's College London, dives into the pivotal Battle of Jutland. He explores Britain's fears of the German Navy as a formidable rival and the strategic implications of the battle's outcome. Lambert discusses the tactics employed, including Jellicoe's line-ahead formation and Scheer's ambush strategy, alongside the impact of technological advancements. He raises the question of whether the battle was a British strategic victory or merely a missed opportunity, revealing its lasting consequences for both navies.
Oct 9, 2025 • 42min
Medieval Sex
Dr. Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and author, dives into the fascinating world of medieval sexuality with wit and insight. She debunks myths like the chastity belt and explores sexual agency among widows. The discussion spans from erotic manuscript art to the sexual liberation found during pilgrimages. Janega also highlights the roles of gender-variant individuals and the risks of childbirth, revealing a surprisingly open-minded medieval sexual culture. Throughout, she tackles class differences in sexual practices and societal norms with humor and expertise.
