

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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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 28, 2024 • 29min
History of Gulags
Explore the history of Soviet exile and the vast Gulag system, with insights on political prisoners in the Soviet Union. Discover the legacy of Stalin's reign on the modern prison system and reflections on global politics and historical parallels.

Feb 27, 2024 • 36min
How to Survive in Tudor England
Learn about the risks of life in Tudor England, from plague outbreaks to social pressures. Explore blending into society with tips on clothing, manners, and language. Discover the evolution of Tudor fashion trends and the challenges of education, employment, and leisure. Uncover survival strategies and adaptability needed to navigate the era's social upheaval.

Feb 26, 2024 • 34min
Atatürk: Fall of the Ottoman Empire
Exploring the rise of Ataturk and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, focusing on Mustafa Kemal's pivotal role in reshaping Turkey amidst chaos. Delve into the aftermath of Balkan Wars, Mustafa Kemal's rise to power through strategic actions, and his triumph over the Greek occupying army in Anatolia. Learn about the radical reforms and secularization efforts that transformed the multi-ethnic Ottoman Empire into a homogenous Turkish state.

Feb 25, 2024 • 41min
Abraham Lincoln
Delving into Abraham Lincoln's journey from a log cabin to the presidency, the podcast explores his strategic role in the Civil War, the tensions over his anti-slavery stance, and the aftermath of his assassination. It also touches on his political motivations, the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, and reflections on post-Civil War Reconstruction.

Feb 21, 2024 • 36min
Britain's Secret Expedition to Antarctica
Exploring Britain's secret Antarctic mission during WWII, Operation Tabarin aimed to gather data and assert sovereignty. The podcast discusses the strategic significance of Antarctica, scientific contributions to the expedition, challenges faced in establishing a base, and post-war operations in the region.

Feb 20, 2024 • 34min
Harold Godwinson: The Last Anglo-Saxon King
Historian Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis discuss Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada, and William the Conqueror's race for power in 1066. They delve into England's centralization, Harold's alliances, and the strategic significance of the kingdom. The podcast explores Harold's unconventional path to the throne, his coronation, and the quest for legitimacy in a turbulent political landscape.

Feb 19, 2024 • 20min
Greek Myths: The Furies
Natalie Haynes, classicist and author, joins Dan to discuss Greek myths and the goddesses of vengeance. They explore the evolving nature of Greek mythology, the portrayal of women in tragedies, and the complexities of justice and shame within Greek myths.

Feb 18, 2024 • 25min
The Last Gay Men Executed in Britain
Join Dan Snow as he discusses the last men executed in Britain for homosexuality with MP and historian Christ Bryant. They delve into the brutal penal code of Georgian Britain, the controversial trial of James Pratt and John Smith, and the lingering animosity towards the LGBTQ+ community. Explore the historical context of same-sex relationships and the suppression of gay culture in the 18th century.

Feb 14, 2024 • 34min
Life and Death in Greco-Roman Egypt
Explore the unique sarcophagi of ancient Egypt during Greek and Roman rule, featuring realistic paintings of people's faces that showcase a fusion of cultures. Delve into the history of Ptolemaic Egypt and the transition to Roman rule. Discover the beliefs and practices surrounding the afterlife in Greco-Roman Egypt and the significance of divinity portraits. Conclude the series on ancient Egypt and get a special discount on History Hit.

Feb 13, 2024 • 28min
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Discover the construction and history of the Great Pyramid of Giza, including recent discoveries and the mysteries surrounding its burial location. The podcast also explores favorite travel destinations and upcoming episodes on Arabia and Ramesses II.