Dan Snow's History Hit

Jonathan Harris, a Professor of the History of Byzantium at Royal Holloway and author of 'Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium', takes us on a journey through Istanbul's fascinating history. He discusses its origins as Byzantium, the strategic significance that made it a thriving center of trade and culture, and the pivotal moment when Constantine founded Constantinople. Harris delves into the city's resilience during sieges, its wealth from trade, and how the Ottoman conquest transformed it into a modern metropolis, highlighting the enduring impact of its rich legacy.

Join London-born tour guide David Charnick as he reveals the hidden streets of Dickensian London. Discover the old debtor's prison that haunted Dickens' youth, the eerie influences behind Ebenezer Scrooge, and the ghostly settings of A Christmas Carol. Charnick sheds light on Dickens' childhood struggles with debt and how they shaped his characters. The conversation reveals the harsh realities of Victorian life, from despair to redemption, wrapped in a warm, festive atmosphere.

Join local historian Richard Reeves, specializing in the New Forest, and folklore expert Vikki Bramshaw, author of 'New Forest Folklore, Traditions and Charms', as they explore England's winter folk traditions. They dive into the dark origins of Christmas customs, from the Yule log to sinister divination practices. Discover how medieval communities survived harsh winters and the unique traditions, like fortune-telling chestnuts, that shaped today's celebrations. Unravel the intriguing tales of the Hooden Horse and the captivating landscape of the New Forest.

Marie Favereau, an Associate Professor of History at Paris Nanterre University, dives into the profound legacy of the Mongol Empire. She unpacks how the Mongols shaped global development, akin to Rome, and facilitated a vibrant entrepreneurial boom across Eurasia. The conversation reveals the complexity of Mongol governance, their innovative military strategies, and the cultural exchanges they fostered. Favereau also discusses the misconceptions around nomadic societies, highlighting the Mongols' dual role as conquerors and effective city builders.

In this lively discussion, Rob Smith, a Footprints of London tour guide and expert on the city's history, reveals the raucous nature of Georgian Christmas celebrations. Listeners will be amused by tales of bare-knuckle boxing and absurd antics like an 18th-century showman cooking beef under his arms. Rob also highlights the cultural landscape shaped by the likes of Joey Grimaldi, the world's first clown, and contrasts the festive revelry with the more subdued Victorian times. It's a window into a vibrant, lewd, and extraordinary holiday spirit!

William Reynolds, a Lecturer in Defence Studies at King's College London and an expert on maritime conflicts, dives deep into the peculiar Cod Wars. He reveals how fish sparked fierce naval confrontations between British fishermen and the Icelandic Coast Guard. Tactics included ramming ships and even live fire, shaking NATO’s foundations. Reynolds highlights the economic stakes, Iceland's strategic victories, and the broader implications for maritime law and international relations between the UK and Iceland.

Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor for The Economist and Middle Eastern politics expert, joins to dissect the Syrian civil war's origins. They delve into Syria's rich cultural history and its transformation into a battleground. Shashank recounts his personal experiences in war-torn Syria, while exploring the Ottoman Empire's legacies and foreign interventions that exacerbated tensions. The discussion reveals the impact of sectarianism and how key political figures shaped the path to instability, laying the groundwork for current conflicts.

Tracy Borman, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, and Richard Fitch from the Historic Kitchens Team explore the extravagant Christmas celebrations of Henry VIII. They reveal how the King feasted on lavish dishes like roast swan and venison pasties, famously spending £13 million on festivities. The discussion unveils the complex interplay of festive traditions, from the grandeur of the royal court to the simpler celebrations of commoners, and the essential role of kitchens in Tudor charity and communal dining.

Tim Cook, a leading Canadian historian and director of research at the Canadian War Museum, reveals the harrowing realities faced by medics during WWI. He discusses the dramatic evolution of frontline medicine, showcasing how methods advanced to meet unprecedented battlefield injuries. Cook also highlights personal stories, including a family legacy of medical service, and delves into the ethical dilemmas of wartime practices. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the immense bravery and innovation shown by those who cared for wounded soldiers.

Rachel Maddow, host of the Ultra podcast and MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, delves into the unsettling rise of fascism in America during the 1920s and 30s. She explores how Nazism infiltrated U.S. politics, the role of propaganda, and the complex dynamics between democracy and isolationism. The discussion highlights lesser-known heroes who fought against fascist sentiments, including a veteran's covert operations exposing extremist groups, offering vital lessons from history that resonate in today’s political climate.