

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

Jun 30, 2024 • 54min
How WWI Started
Historian Sue Woolmans joins Dan Snow to discuss the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, triggering WWI. They explore the tense events leading up to the assassination in Sarajevo, the Balkan tensions, and the personal struggles of Franz Ferdinand.

13 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 44min
Origins of the Silk Road
Explore the origins of the Silk Road, how Central Asian communities in the Bronze Age facilitated global exchange networks, the metallurgical practices in Eurasia, and the influence of steppe communities on historical trade routes and empires. Learn about the pivotal role of ancient nomadic pastoralist societies in connecting civilizations and shaping the interconnectedness of early empires through high mobility and trade connections.

Jun 24, 2024 • 26min
The Real Moriarty with Ben Macintyre
Ben Macintyre, the author of 'The Napoleon of Crime', delves into the life of Adam Worth, a renowned criminal mastermind who inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Moriarty. From faking his death to stealing priceless artworks, Worth's audacious heists and gentlemanly code of ethics captivate audiences as his story unfolds.

Jun 24, 2024 • 26min
The Rosetta Stone
Dr Chris Naunton, Egyptologist, joins Dan to unravel the mystery of the Rosetta Stone. They discuss its significance in deciphering ancient hieroglyphs, Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, the controversial journey of the stone to the British Museum, and the collaborative efforts to crack the code.

4 snips
Jun 23, 2024 • 27min
John the Baptist
Professor Joan Taylor discusses the enigmatic figure of John the Baptist, his ascetic lifestyle, influence on Christianity, and archaeological findings in the Jordan River region. Unraveling his significance as a forerunner to Jesus Christ and exploring the historical context of his ministry and legacy.

Jun 18, 2024 • 43min
The Other D-Day: The Eastern Front
Veteran broadcaster and historian Jonathan Dimbleby joins to discuss Hitler's failed plans in the East. They explore Operation Bagration's impact on the Eastern Front, leading the Red Army closer to Berlin. Jonathan's book 'Endgame 1944' delves into Stalin's role in winning the war.

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 12min
Dan's History Heroes: Britain's Greatest Soldier, Part 2
Discover the extraordinary life of Britain's soldier Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart who fought in multiple wars. From surviving the 1939 invasion of Poland to becoming a POW in Italy and eventually Churchill's representative to Chiang Kai-shek in China. A tale of bravery, challenges, and leadership in turbulent times.

Jun 17, 2024 • 47min
Dan's History Heroes: Britain's Greatest Soldier, Part 1
Meet Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart, Britain's legendary soldier who fought in 3 major wars. From his baptism by fire in South Africa to the trenches of the Western Front, his astonishing tale is shared by Dan Snow. Discover his courage, leadership, and resilience in the face of grave injuries and challenges, making him a figure of gallantry and legend.

Jun 15, 2024 • 38min
The Rise and Fall of the Ku Klux Klan
Historian Professor Kristofer Allerfeldt joins Dan Snow to discuss the rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan, delving into the origins, violent tactics, and historical influences of the Klan. They explore the Klan's operations, mythologization post-Reconstruction, and its revival after The Birth of a Nation. The discussion also covers the Klan's ceremonies, growth, decline, and resurgence in the 1960s, leading to its fragmented state with extremist beliefs.

6 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 48min
Civil War Rivals: Robert E. Lee vs Ulysses Grant
Join Jonathan D. Bratten as he discusses the fierce rivalry between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. Delve into their contrasting backgrounds, military careers, and strategic differences, culminating in their defining moments on the battlefield. Explore the evolving legacies of these iconic generals and decide for yourself - who was the better general?