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
101 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
604. Greek Myths: Sex, Drugs & Tragedy (Part 3)
Dive into the wild world of Dionysus, the god of ecstasy and chaos! Discover shocking tales from the Bacchae, including the violent dismemberment of a young man. Explore the rituals of Maenads and how they challenged ancient Greek norms. Learn about the origins of Dionysian festivals and their profound influence on Athenian drama. Uncover archaeological insights that reveal Dionysus' ancient roots and the myths surrounding his birth. This fascinating journey unveils how myth and philosophy collide in the history of Greek culture!
182 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
603. Greek Myths: The Riddle of the Sphinx (Part 2)
Dive into the complex tale of Oedipus, the notorious king of Thebes, as his tragic fate unfolds. Discover the origins of this myth through the lens of Sophocles and the societal context of 5th-century Athens. Engage with the harrowing details of Oedipus' quest to evade prophecy and the horror of his ultimate discoveries. Explore the play's influence on Freud's theories and its reflection on human desire. Delve into the interplay of divine and human law, and the enduring emotional power of this timeless tragedy.
400 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
602. Greek Myths: Zeus, King of the Gods (Part 1)
Dive into the vibrant world of Greek mythology as the hosts unravel the origins of Zeus and the pantheon of gods. Learn about Hesiod and Homer, the fathers of Greek literature, and how they shaped cultural beliefs. Discover the tumultuous tales of the Titans and the epic Titanomachy that led to Zeus's rise. Explore the deep roots of these myths and their connections to ancient heroism. The rich narratives not only depict deities but also reflect the values and interpretations of Greek society.
116 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
601. Scandal in the White House
Explore the scandalous life of Grover Cleveland, one of America's most controversial presidents. Discover how his rapid rise from a Buffalo lawyer to the White House was marred by shocking accusations about his past. Delve into the lurid tale of his alleged affair with Maria Halpin, the resulting pregnancy, and the mysterious fate of their supposed child. The hosts dissect the political ramifications of this scandal against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, revealing a captivating story of deceit, ambition, and the media frenzy that ensued.
85 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 2min
600. CHATHAM HIGH STREET
Discover the fascinating layers of Chatham High Street, where the past and the future collide. Explore its rich history, from ties to King John and Dickens to significant naval events. Unearth architectural gems like a 12th-century chapel nestled among Victorian buildings. Delve into the stories of naval legends and the area's vibrant cultural tapestry, including its Jewish heritage. Enjoy tales of personal connections and craftsmanship that highlight the enduring legacy of this historically rich location.
203 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
599. The First World War: Downfall of the Habsburgs (Part 6)
Delve into the chaos of the Eastern Front and the downfall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. Vivid accounts reveal the harrowing conditions faced by soldiers and civilians alike, highlighting the psychological toll of battle and the brutality of warfare. The narrative contrasts the supportive environment of the Habsburg Empire with the violent anti-Semitism of the Russian regime. As winter approaches, moments of compassion emerge amid the horrors, reflecting the depth of human experience during this turbulent time.
257 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
598. The First World War: The Eastern Front Explodes (Part 5)
The podcast dives into the brutal chaos of the Eastern Front during World War I, highlighting its bloodiness compared to the West. It unpacks the early disasters faced by the Austro-Hungarian army against Serbia and the crucial missteps of Russia. Key figures like Paul von Hindenburg emerge as pivotal, and the strategic battle maneuvers are vividly recounted. The psychological toll on soldiers is explored through personal memoirs, indulging in dark humor and historical critique that bring this tumultuous period to life.
233 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 55min
597. The First World War: The Massacre of the Innocents (Part 4)
Explore the brutal Battle of Ypres, where the Germans and British clashed fiercely amid the horrors of trench warfare. Hear about the emotional weight of shared soldier experiences and the misconceptions surrounding the tragic kindermord. Delve into the strategic significance of Ypres and its impact on future conflicts, including the rise of Hitler. Discover tales of heroism, the staggering casualty rates, and the complex narratives that shaped national identities during this tumultuous time.
218 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 8min
596. The First World War: The Miracle on the Marne (Part 3)
Delve into the extraordinary events of the Battle of the Marne, where the French executed a stunning counter-offensive against the German army. Discover how General Joffre's strategy turned the tide and the dramatic plea for unity that stirred the Allies. There's humor in the unexpected use of Paris taxis to transport troops, highlighting the blend of bravery and innovation. The difficult realities of trench warfare reveal a grim contrast, as both sides grappled with despair amidst the chaos of World War I.
353 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
595. The First World War: The Battle of the Frontiers (Part 2)
Discover Britain's first military moves in WWI and the pivotal role of the Battle of the Ardennes. Explore the life of Aubrey Herbert, who chose battle over a royal title, and the complexities of British and French forces facing tension and camaraderie. Delve into leadership challenges, including tragic miscalculations by a French general and the overconfidence of British commanders. Revel in tales of unexpected heroism at the Battle of Mons, where grit clashed with overwhelming odds, all set against the chaotic backdrop of a besieged Paris.
