The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
46 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 1min
641. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Hannibal’s Nemesis (Part 2)
A sweeping retelling of the Iberian campaign that turned the tide against Carthage. Bold youth, theatrical self-fashioning, and Numidian politics reshape power in Spain. A daring amphibious assault on New Carthage and a crucial clash at Ibera shift momentum. Strategic marches, intercepted reinforcements, and the rise of Scipio set up a dramatic march toward Africa.
11 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 10min
The Arnolfini Portrait, with Laura Cumming
Laura Cumming, art critic and author, guides a fresh look at Jan van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait with a short, vivid mini bio. She teases the painting’s famed mysteries, its hyper-real technique, the puzzling identities and gestures, and the many symbolic objects like the mirror, dog and oranges. Several historical twists and provenance questions are hinted at.
204 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 4min
640. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Carthage at the Gates (Part 1)
A dramatic retelling of Hannibal’s rise and Carthage’s peak after Cannae. They probe why Hannibal did not march on Rome and how Rome somehow kept fighting. The discussion follows naval rivalry, the Barcid campaigns in Spain, and Hannibal’s audacious Alpine crossing. Syracuse and Archimedes’ extraordinary defenses and the siege that shifted power in Sicily also feature prominently.
142 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 12min
639. Revolution in Iran: Death in the Desert (Part 4)
A tense retelling of America’s failed Desert One rescue and the chaos that followed. The rise and consolidation of Khomeini’s revolutionary regime is unpacked. Political fallout at home and the election-shaping hostage crisis are explored. Long-term consequences for Iran, regional war, and Khomeini’s global influence are highlighted.
229 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 15min
638. Revolution in Iran: The Hostage Crisis (Part 3)
They retrace the November 4, 1979 seizure of the American Embassy in Tehran and how it ballooned into a major international crisis. They explore why students targeted the embassy, the role of Khomeini and memories of the 1953 coup, and the chaotic aftermath inside Iran. They also cover the daring Canadian escape of six Americans and Washington’s faltering responses.
353 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 10min
637. Revolution in Iran: Rise of the Ayatollah (Part 2)
Dive into the tumultuous events that led to the Iranian Revolution's climax as the Shah's weak leadership faced a powerful uprising. Learn about Ayatollah Khomeini's strategic rise, leveraging media to craft a compelling image. The hosts explore the U.S. confusion over Iran's Islamic opposition and the critical missteps in diplomacy. Khomeini's impactful rhetoric during Muharram sparked mass protests, culminating in his triumphant return. Discover the revolution's implications, dynamic rivalries, and the shifting geopolitical landscape.
655 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 18min
636. Revolution in Iran: Fall of the Shah (Part 1)
Explore the explosive Iranian Revolution of 1979, focusing on the intricate dynamics between Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and President Carter. Discover the rapid growth of Tehran and the socio-economic pressures it faced. Dive into Ayatollah Khomeini's fiery sermons that ignited public fervor. Learn about the Shah's lavish lifestyle and Western support, as well as how a newspaper article sparked nationwide protests. Witness the events leading to the regime's collapse, including the tragic Abadan cinema fire that mobilized the masses.
143 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 3min
635. Joan of Arc: For Fear of the Flames (Part 4)
Explore the harrowing conditions of Joan of Arc's imprisonment and the charges she faced during her trial. Discover the motivations behind her captors as they aimed to undermine Charles VII through accusations of heresy. Joan's unwavering spirit shines as she recounts her divine visions, despite the overwhelming pressure. The discussion delves into her dramatic decision to recant, only to later resume her male attire, ultimately facing the flames of execution. Reflect on her legacy and the posthumous recognition that solidified her place in history.
116 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 3min
634. Joan of Arc: Heroine in Chains (Part 3)
Explore the captivating journey of Joan of Arc, who helped Charles VII ascend to the throne, showcasing her extraordinary military successes against the English. Delve into her commanding presence at the Siege of Orléans that inspired troops. However, her fate takes a dramatic turn with her capture at Compiègne, as political machinations and perceptions of her as witchcraft come into play. Tune in for a fascinating blend of history, strategy, and the complexities of her legacy.
192 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 56min
633. Joan of Arc: Saviour of France (Part 2)
Dive into the gripping tale of Joan of Arc, the peasant girl turned warrior. Explore her bold mission to save France, including her dramatic meeting with the Dauphin and her fervent charisma that won over the court. Discover her unique choice to don armor and wield a sword, leading a convoy to Orléans. Experience the miraculous wind that aided her army's crossing and the fierce battles that followed, ending in the victorious lifting of the siege and a surge of hope for the French crown.
