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
6 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 56min
The Boston Tea Party
Learn about the Boston Tea Party where American patriots protested British taxation by dumping 92,000 pounds of tea into the ocean, leading to the explosive American revolution. Discover the discontent with British rule, the background of the Seven Years' War, the East India Company's role in India, and the transformation of the company. Dive into the Tea Act and its significance, and explore the beginnings of the American Revolution and the promotion of history at TV.
Dec 12, 2023 • 35min
Sara Forbes Bonetta: Queen Victoria's African God-Daughter
Joanna Brown, author of Bright Stars of Black British History, joins Dan to discuss the extraordinary life of Sara Forbes Bonetta, a West African girl who became Queen Victoria's protégée. They delve into Sarah's journey from captivity to the British Empire, her early life and abilities, her encounter with Queen Victoria, and her complex identity. They also touch on other remarkable figures from Black British history.
Dec 11, 2023 • 40min
King Herod
Explore the complex and controversial life of King Herod, including his architectural projects, diplomacy, cruelty, and paranoia. Delve into the Hellenistic world in which he ruled, questioning the infamous tale of him ordering the execution of children. Learn about the politics, dynamics, and resentment during his reign, as well as his ambitious construction projects like the artificial construction of the Temple Mount. Discover the complexities of his marriages, political alliances, succession issues, and Roman influence in the region.
Dec 7, 2023 • 36min
Mother Shipton: Tudor Prophetess of England's Doom
Explore the life and prophecies of Mother Shipton, a Tudor prophetess who allegedly predicted significant historical events. Delve into her mysterious origins and unusual appearance, and learn about her reputation as a fortune teller. Discover how to incorporate her prophecies into daily life and find out where to purchase her merchandise.
Dec 6, 2023 • 42min
A Guide to Ancient Egypt
Explore the rise and fall of ancient Egypt, the construction of pyramids, the changes in the elite during the first intermediate period, the ambition and violence of the Middle Kingdom period, and Cleopatra's involvement in Roman politics.
Dec 5, 2023 • 24min
Medieval Baghdad
Explore the cultural and intellectual movement in ninth century Baghdad, the heart of the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate. Learn about the significant contributions made in science, culture, and more during the Islamic golden age. Discover the hidden gems of the House of Wisdom and its profound impact on the development of mathematics and scientific theories. Contrast the centers of learning in medieval Baghdad and Europe, highlighting the role of learning in legitimizing the empire and evidence of female scholarship. Enjoy a closing conversation expressing gratitude and pleasure for the discussion, along with sponsor messages and a special offer for listeners.
Dec 4, 2023 • 34min
What Really Happened to the Princes in the Tower?
Historian Philippa Langley discusses her theory that Richard III did not kill his nephews, the two princes in the tower. She explores the lack of recorded deaths, the mysteries surrounding their fate and burial, and presents evidence that one of the princes may have fought in a battle against Henry VII.
Nov 30, 2023 • 37min
The Mummy's Curse, Nazi Gold Train & Other History Mysteries
Dan Schreiber, polymath and author, joins Dan Snow to discuss historical mysteries and strange events. They talk about a landlady hiding a dead body while showing an apartment, the commodification of brain space, a train full of Nazi gold, lost treasures, missing historical manuscripts, fascination with relics and curses, ball lightning, and challenges of filming underground installations for archaeology.
Nov 29, 2023 • 34min
The 'Elgin' Marbles
The podcast discusses the controversial 'Elgin' Marbles, exploring their history, significance, and the ongoing debate over their return to Greece. It delves into Lord Elgin's actions, the legality of their removal, and potential resolutions. The podcast highlights the impact on UK-Greece relations and the opportunity for a better future.
Nov 28, 2023 • 57min
Hades: King of the Underworld
Explore the mythological figure of Hades, iconic myths like Orpheus & Eurydice, and ancient Greek beliefs about the afterlife. Discover figures and locations in the underworld, the power of music in ancient Greek society, and cautionary tales about searching for the underworld.
