

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

6 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 48min
Rwandan Genocide Explained
Exploring the Rwandan Genocide, the episode covers the historical background, personal survivor stories, and the aftermath of the tragic events. Hear about the colonial divisions, motivations behind the genocide, and the struggles of rebuilding and seeking justice. The power of speaking out against injustice and the impact of silence are also highlighted.

Apr 22, 2024 • 46min
Pontius Pilate
Prof. Helen Bond, a Roman history expert, discusses the enigmatic figure of Pontius Pilate, his role in Jesus' trial, and his legacy in the Roman world. They explore the governance structure in Judea, Pilate's actions during the trial, and his characterization in historical accounts and apocryphal texts.

Apr 21, 2024 • 31min
The Battle of Crécy
The podcast discusses the Battle of Crécy where the English won against the French using longbowmen. Hosts explore human error in history, the rise of Edward III, and military discipline. They also touch on haunted pubs and the darker side of history, inviting engagement from listeners for further exploration.

Apr 20, 2024 • 39min
Iran & Israel: From Allies to Enemies
Join Dan Snow as he delves into the historical transformation of Iran and Israel from allies to enemies with guest Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Topics include recent military actions, the Jewish community in both countries, Iran's evolving relations with Israel, historical rivalry, complex relationships marked by proxy actions, and the intricate dynamics shaping the conflict.

Apr 16, 2024 • 22min
Mao's China, The Berlin Wall and WWII Egypt: Witnessing History with Peter Snow
Dan Snow sits down with Peter Snow, a former foreign correspondent for ITN in the 70s, to discuss his exciting adventures capturing historic events before the internet. They reminisce about witnessing the Fall of the Berlin Wall, exploring Mao's China, and filming the Battle of El Alamein in Egypt. Peter shares tales of handing film to strangers on airport runways and the thrill of traveling as a reporter in a pre-satellite era.

Apr 16, 2024 • 42min
The Battle of El-Alamein Explained
Delving into the pivotal Battle of El Alamein, the podcast explores the strategic movements, key figures, and deception tactics used during the crucial WWII confrontation. It vividly portrays the tensions and valor of the soldiers and delves into the impact of the battle on British morale, shaping their resolve in the war.

Apr 14, 2024 • 45min
The Trial of Charles I
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb discusses the trial of Charles I, exploring the legal process, war crime charges, and debate on the king's execution. The podcast delves into the prelude to the Civil War, military law experts, and the accusations of tyranny against Charles I.

39 snips
Apr 13, 2024 • 44min
What is Zionism?
Peter Bergamin, Lecturer at the University of Oxford, discusses the complex history of Zionism, its origins, and its impact on the Middle East. They delve into Theodore Herzl's vision, the historical roots of Zionism, immigration movements, the Balfour Declaration, the founding of Israel, and the distinctions between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.

5 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 22min
Plagues
Brian Michael Jenkins, leading authority on U.S. national security, joins Dan to discuss the legacy of epidemics, from ancient plagues to modern outbreaks. They explore the devastating impact on economies, social disorder, and political repercussions. Insights shed light on parallels between past pandemics and the current COVID-19 crisis, offering valuable lessons on societal responses to such crises.

Apr 8, 2024 • 25min
Hollywood Spy: The British WW1 Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbour
Ronald Drabkin, author of 'Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor', joins Dan to discuss Frederick Rutland, a British naval pilot turned double-agent for Japan in 1930s Hollywood. They delve into Rutland's pivotal role in espionage, his lavish lifestyle, and his contributions to the Japanese navy's advancements, leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack.