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
Dec 18, 2024 • 38min
Georgian Christmas
In this lively discussion, Rob Smith, a Footprints of London tour guide and expert on the city's history, reveals the raucous nature of Georgian Christmas celebrations. Listeners will be amused by tales of bare-knuckle boxing and absurd antics like an 18th-century showman cooking beef under his arms. Rob also highlights the cultural landscape shaped by the likes of Joey Grimaldi, the world's first clown, and contrasts the festive revelry with the more subdued Victorian times. It's a window into a vibrant, lewd, and extraordinary holiday spirit!
4 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 40min
The Cod Wars
William Reynolds, a Lecturer in Defence Studies at King's College London and an expert on maritime conflicts, dives deep into the peculiar Cod Wars. He reveals how fish sparked fierce naval confrontations between British fishermen and the Icelandic Coast Guard. Tactics included ramming ships and even live fire, shaking NATO’s foundations. Reynolds highlights the economic stakes, Iceland's strategic victories, and the broader implications for maritime law and international relations between the UK and Iceland.
19 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 34min
The Syrian Civil War: How It Started
Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor for The Economist and Middle Eastern politics expert, joins to dissect the Syrian civil war's origins. They delve into Syria's rich cultural history and its transformation into a battleground. Shashank recounts his personal experiences in war-torn Syria, while exploring the Ottoman Empire's legacies and foreign interventions that exacerbated tensions. The discussion reveals the impact of sectarianism and how key political figures shaped the path to instability, laying the groundwork for current conflicts.
11 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 33min
Henry VIII's Tudor Christmas
Tracy Borman, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, and Richard Fitch from the Historic Kitchens Team explore the extravagant Christmas celebrations of Henry VIII. They reveal how the King feasted on lavish dishes like roast swan and venison pasties, famously spending £13 million on festivities. The discussion unveils the complex interplay of festive traditions, from the grandeur of the royal court to the simpler celebrations of commoners, and the essential role of kitchens in Tudor charity and communal dining.
Dec 9, 2024 • 26min
Surviving the Great War: Medics in the Trenches
Tim Cook, a leading Canadian historian and director of research at the Canadian War Museum, reveals the harrowing realities faced by medics during WWI. He discusses the dramatic evolution of frontline medicine, showcasing how methods advanced to meet unprecedented battlefield injuries. Cook also highlights personal stories, including a family legacy of medical service, and delves into the ethical dilemmas of wartime practices. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the immense bravery and innovation shown by those who cared for wounded soldiers.
12 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 33min
Fascism in America
Rachel Maddow, host of the Ultra podcast and MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, delves into the unsettling rise of fascism in America during the 1920s and 30s. She explores how Nazism infiltrated U.S. politics, the role of propaganda, and the complex dynamics between democracy and isolationism. The discussion highlights lesser-known heroes who fought against fascist sentiments, including a veteran's covert operations exposing extremist groups, offering vital lessons from history that resonate in today’s political climate.
Dec 4, 2024 • 23min
Roman Saturnalia
In this discussion, Dr. Frances Macintosh, an English Heritage Collections Curator for Hadrian's Wall and a specialist in Roman traditions, delves into the vibrant Roman festival of Saturnalia. She reveals how its celebrations of feasting and gift-giving shaped our modern Christmas customs. Listeners learn about the playful role reversals during the festival, where masters served slaves, and the wild street parties filled with music and dancing. Dr. Macintosh connects these ancient indulgences with contemporary holiday spirit, showcasing Saturnalia's enduring legacy.
Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
Churchill & FDR: The Origins of the 'Special Relationship'
Lindsay Graham, host of the popular American History Tellers podcast, brings his knowledge of the 'Special Relationship' to the discussion. They delve into the pivotal alliance between Churchill and Roosevelt during WWII. Key moments, including Churchill's crucial visit to Washington, reveal how personal dynamics shaped leadership. The impact of journalist Edward R. Murrow on American sentiment during the Blitz adds another layer to their alliance. Churchill's challenges during the D-Day operation highlight the complexities of wartime decision-making and collaboration.
19 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Greeks vs Persia: The War that Changed the Ancient World
Patrick Wyman, a history expert and host of Tides of History, dives into the monumental clash between the Greeks and Persians that reshaped the ancient world. He reveals the intricate dynamics behind the Battle of Thermopylae and the pivotal role of figures like King Leonidas. The discussion goes beyond mere conflict, examining cultural misunderstandings and the strategic genius at key battles like Marathon and Salamis. Wyman also explores the lasting impact of these encounters on Greek identity and politics.
Nov 27, 2024 • 55min
Oswald Mosley & Fascism in Britain
Stephen Dorril, a former senior journalism lecturer and author of "Blackshirt: Sir Oswald Mosley and British Fascism," dissects the controversial figure of Oswald Mosley. They delve into the rise of British fascism, influenced by anti-Semitic rhetoric and European connections. Dorril explores Mosley's charismatic yet flawed personality, his shifts from Tory roots to Labour ideals, and the impact of key events like the Battle of Cable Street. The conversation also touches on the movement's decline and the complexities surrounding Mosley's legacy.
