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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Spanish Armada
Delve into the dramatic clash of 1588 when Spain's Armada aimed to conquer England. Discover Philip II's ambitions and the fierce rivalry born from religious turmoil. Hear about the bold tactics of English commanders like Drake, and the strategic mistakes that doomed the Spanish fleet. Learn how a late-night fireship attack shattered the Armada's formation, leading to a decisive English victory. Join the exploration of how this pivotal moment reshaped naval history and national identity.
17 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 40min
Nuremberg: The Trial of Göring
Jack El-Hai, historian and author of *The Nazi and the Psychiatrist*, dives into the chilling dynamics between Hermann Göring and psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley during the Nuremberg Trials. He explores Göring's charisma and manipulative tactics to control his legacy, as well as Kelley’s psychological assessments of the defendants. The conversation reveals Göring’s opportunism in court, his death sentence, and the symbolic connection between his suicide and Kelley’s reflections on the nature of guilt and ambition in authoritarian regimes.
14 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 36min
The Black Death
Helen Carr, historian and author of 'Sceptred Isle', explores the chilling impact of the Black Death. She discusses its origins in the Tian Shan region and the surprising pathways it took through trade routes. Listeners will learn about eerie remedies like chicken bottoms and the baffling lack of understanding regarding fleas. Helen delves into societal responses, revealing how compassion emerged amid chaos. Lastly, she highlights how the pandemic shifted cultural attitudes towards death, sparking both social mobility and artistic reflection.
Nov 10, 2025 • 47min
The Battle of Passchendaele
Jen Baldwin, a genealogist and research specialist for Findmypast, joins to explore the haunting realities of the Battle of Passchendaele. She shares chilling accounts from soldier diaries, detailing the grim conditions and relentless strategies that defined this infamous conflict. Stories of Private James Morby and Captain Edwin Vaughan reveal personal tragedies amidst the chaos. The discussion also highlights the lasting impact of mustard gas and the emotional toll on medical crews, urging listeners to uncover their own family war stories through archival records.
Nov 6, 2025 • 42min
Rome's African Emperor: Septimius Severus
Join historian Simon Elliott, author of 'The African Emperor: The Life of Septimius Severus', as he explores the remarkable journey of Rome’s African emperor. They discuss how Severus transformed the imperial military and expanded Rome's territories, including his ambitious campaigns in Britain and against the Parthians. Elliott delves into Severus's North African roots, his rise through the political ranks, and his controversial legacy. Was he Rome’s ultimate warrior emperor? Tune in for a captivating dive into Roman history!
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
The First Day of the Somme
Join genealogist Jen Baldwin, a specialist researcher for Findmypast, as she delves into the tragic first day of the Somme. Jen shares astonishing personal stories from Pals battalions, revealing how entire communities suffered devastating losses. Explore the impact of underage enlistments and the horrific realities faced by soldiers like James Snalum. Discover how military records and newspapers help reconstruct these poignant histories, and learn about the long-term effects on families who endured the aftermath of this catastrophic day.
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!
