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
Aug 22, 2024 • 46min
The Terracotta Warriors
Discover the astonishing story of the Terracotta Warriors, unearthed in 1974, shedding light on China's first dynasty. Learn about the complex burial practices of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the human cost behind his monumental mausoleum. Delve into theories of his mysterious death while exploring the fate of the workers who built this iconic site. Uncover the oppressive legacy of the Qin Dynasty and the political chaos that ensued after the emperor's demise, leaving an enduring imprint on Chinese history and culture.
Aug 20, 2024 • 43min
The First Emperor of China
The remarkable Qin Shi Huangdi, the first Emperor of China, crafted an extraordinary legacy with the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. Discover the fascinating tales of his ruthless ascent to power and the innovative strategies he used to unify diverse regions. Delve into his obsession with immortality, including his infamous mercury elixirs. Explore the mysteries of his monumental mausoleum and the archaeological wonders that continue to surprise historians. From tyranny to visionary leadership, this episode paints a vivid picture of early China's evolution.
9 snips
Aug 18, 2024 • 30min
The Cocaine Craze in Victorian Britain
Dr. Douglas Small, a historian of medicine and author, explores the surprising prevalence of cocaine in Victorian Britain. He details its evolution from a revered indigenous plant to a popular medicinal substance and, eventually, a recreational drug. Listeners will learn how cocaine revolutionized surgery and became entangled in literature, particularly through the character of Sherlock Holmes. The discussion also covers societal anxieties and the shift from medical use to addiction issues, shedding light on the complexities of drug culture during that era.
Aug 15, 2024 • 56min
The Real Society of the Snow: I Survived the Andes Flight Crash
Roy Harley, a survivor of the infamous Andes flight crash, shares his harrowing story of survival against freezing temperatures and starvation for 72 days. Joined by Daniel Nogueira, whose brother was a victim, they discuss the unimaginable moral dilemmas faced when the survivors resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. The conversation explores resilience, the bonds formed under duress, and the profound emotional impact on both survivors and victims' families, offering a powerful insight into an extraordinary tale of human endurance.
Aug 13, 2024 • 36min
The Fall of Roman Britain
Explore the dramatic decline of Roman Britain in the 5th century, where vibrant cities faced barbarian invasions. Discover the multicultural dynamics that shaped its diverse landscape, blending influences from across the empire. Delve into the challenges posed by geographic vulnerabilities and external threats that weakened Roman control. Witness the transformation from Roman rule to a chaotic post-Roman society, marked by local warlordism and shifting identities. Plus, uncover London's historical significance along the Thames in this captivating journey.
Aug 11, 2024 • 37min
The Rise of Roman Britain
Explore Julius Caesar's dramatic invasion of Britain, where he faced fierce Celtic warriors on the shores. Discover how Britain's image transformed from a mystery to a culturally rich region through early trade interactions. Delve into the complexities of Romanization, as towns and roads were built, blending local Iron Age customs with Roman influence. The podcast also highlights Boudica's Revolt, a significant moment of resistance, alongside the rise of Christianity and shifting power dynamics in Roman Britain.
Aug 8, 2024 • 41min
The Bronze Age Collapse
Eric Cline, an expert on ancient civilizations and author of '1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed', discusses the mysterious Bronze Age collapse. He explores the catastrophic events like famine, drought, and invasions that resulted in chaos in the eastern Mediterranean. Cline sheds light on interconnections among civilizations like the Minoans and Egyptians, and examines the role of the Sea Peoples, who may have been climate refugees. The conversation also reflects on the link between past droughts and today's climate challenges.
Aug 8, 2024 • 59min
Lawrence of Arabia
Learn about Thomas Edward Lawrence, a famed British officer who fought alongside Arab guerrilla forces in WW1. Explore his role in the Arab Revolt, his raids on the Hijaz Railway, and his tragic death. Discover Lawrence's adventurous life as an intelligence officer, archaeologist, scholar, and photographer.
Aug 8, 2024 • 28min
The Scottish Island, The Shipwreck and The Whisky
Laura Boon-Williams, a curator, shares the story of the SS Politician shipwreck in WWII, where islanders salvaged whisky. Topics include the cat-and-mouse game with customs officers, merchant shipping in WWII, and the impact of a seemingly endless supply of whiskey on a Hebridean community.
Aug 6, 2024 • 37min
The Falaise Pocket: WWII's 'Corridor of Death'
Peter Caddick-Adams, a prominent military historian and author of '1945: Victory in the West', dives into the often-overlooked Battle of the Falaise Pocket. He details the brutal aftermath of D-Day, highlighting the fierce struggle for the Normandy countryside. Caddick-Adams discusses the tactical challenges faced by Allies, the contrasting strategies of WWII, and the critical role of the Polish Armoured Division. He also sheds light on Hitler's paranoia affecting German strategies, shaping the course of the war and France's liberation.
