Dan Snow's History Hit

Shushma Malik, a Roman history expert, provides fascinating insights into the Colosseum's historical context during Nero's reign. Simon Elliott discusses the engineering marvels involved in its construction, showcasing Roman ingenuity. Alexander Mariotti shares the gritty realities of gladiators' lives, from their intense training to their status in society. Together, they unravel the social and political roles of gladiators, the impact of the Colosseum on Roman entertainment, and the intricate, often brutal, spectacle that defined an era.

Ernest Shackleton, a charismatic and brilliant explorer, shares the harrowing tale of the Endurance expedition in 1914. He details how he and his crew faced extreme Antarctic conditions after their ship was crushed by ice. Shackleton's leadership shines as he navigates survival challenges, motivating his men during their two-year ordeal. He reflects on the emotional toll of abandonment and the triumph of rescue. The podcast also touches on Shackleton's legacy and the incredible resilience required to conquer the icy unknown.

Gabriel Gatehouse, a BBC journalist and creator of 'The Coming Storm,' delves into the captivating world of conspiracy theories in American politics. He discusses how narratives like the Clintons' alleged involvement in Vince Foster's death have shaped public perception. The conversation highlights the psychological allure of misinformation, especially among younger generations, and how the internet fuels these beliefs. Gatehouse also unpacks the wild claims of QAnon and the deep-seated mistrust that influences today’s political landscape.

John Nichol, a former RAF navigator and military history author, delves into the poignant story of the Unknown Warrior, a symbol of the millions lost in World War I. He explains how this memorial emerged from the chaos of the battlefield, providing a space for collective grief. Nichol recounts the emotional journey behind the burial at Westminster Abbey and how it reshaped the commemoration of fallen soldiers. He highlights the significance of honoring the sacrifices made, bridging the past with modern reflections on loss and remembrance.

The podcast takes a close look at the upcoming US Presidential election, discussing its razor-thin margins and the role of pivotal swing states. It delves into the complexities of the electoral system, historical elections like 2016 and 1824, and the impact of disenfranchisement. Expect riveting stories from the contentious 19th-century elections, including the dramatic battle between Grover Cleveland and James Blaine. The intricacies of how close calls have shaped America’s political landscape are explored, highlighting the unpredictable nature of elections.

In 1974, a pioneer of the SAS and master of military deception, Dudley Clarke, passed away. His death went almost entirely unnoticed by the British public, despite the fact that he carried out some of the most dramatic deception campaigns of World War Two. He waged a covert war of trickery and misdirection across Europe, which ended up getting him arrested by Spanish authorities while dressed as a woman. He also helped to found one of the world's preeminent special forces; the Special Air Service, or the SAS. His contribution is often overlooked, but without it, the SAS may well have never existed.So who was Dudley Clarke? What were some of the most audacious acts of subterfuge he carried out? And why is he not better known? Dan is joined by former SAS Troop Commander and author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Secret Origins of the SAS, Tom Petch, to answer these questions and more.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.You can take part in our listener survey here.

Historian Matt Lewis, an expert on medieval history and host of the podcast Gone Medieval, delves into the chaos of the Wars of the Roses. He reveals the bloody Battle of Towton and its role in Edward IV's rise to power, alongside the treachery of Warwick the 'Kingmaker.' Discussions include the internal conflicts within the Yorkist faction and Edward's consolidation of power leading to the Tudor dynasty's emergence. Lewis also highlights the shifting political dynamics and the challenges faced by later monarchs in a transforming England.

Join historian Matt Lewis, host of Gone Medieval, as he delves into the brutal Wars of the Roses. Discover the intense rivalries within the Plantagenet family, and learn how Henry VI's ineffective reign ignited chaos among the nobility. The first bloody battles are recounted, including the pivotal Battle of St Albans. Lewis reveals the personal and political tensions that shaped these historic conflicts, culminating in Edward's dramatic rise amidst the turmoil. Get ready for a deep dive into England's fierce fight for the throne!

Dr. Regina Sexton, a food historian, and Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, a folklorist from University College Dublin, explore the rich origins of Halloween. They dive into the traditional Samhain practices, revealing unique customs like turnip carving and the eerie Barmbrack cake, which foretells the future. Fitzgerald unravels the captivating Irish folklore surrounding the ‘three worlds’, sharing tales of fairies and spirits. Together, they illustrate how ancient traditions have evolved into the modern celebrations we know today, blending fun with deeper cultural significance.

Katherine Gazzard, a curator at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich and expert on the Napoleonic Wars, shares the incredible tale of Lieutenant Charles Hare, a young British naval officer who cleverly escaped from a French POW camp. Disguised as a French customs officer, he navigated a perilous journey across Europe with his loyal terrier, evading capture. Gazzard recounts Hare's ingenious strategies, the harsh realities faced by POWs during the Napoleonic Wars, and the historical significance of his daring escape, now showcased in a new exhibition.