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 or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
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 or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 27, 2024 • 34min
Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar (Extract)
Dive into the turbulent world of Rome's first imperial dynasty! Discover the rise of Augustus, a master strategist contemplating his legacy. Unravel the chaotic reign of Caligula, a ruler whose infamy redefined madness in power. Historical narratives from Tacitus and Suetonius shed light on the complexities of these emperors' legacies. Expect a colorful cast of characters, where ambition, treachery, and decadence reign supreme, all beautifully narrated by Tom Holland.
28 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 54min
464. Modern British Elections (Part 2)
Delve into the evolution of British election campaigning from the early 20th century to today. Discover the dramatic shifts in public engagement, from William Gladstone's fervor to the current apathy. Explore the media's growing influence on strategy, particularly with Margaret Thatcher's groundbreaking TV tactics. Hear about the political antics of historical figures like Churchill and Wilson, alongside the contrasting charisma of modern leaders. Finally, uncover the role of political satire and the complexities of polarization in the 1980s landscape.
32 snips
Jun 23, 2024 • 53min
463. Mad Elections (Part 1)
Explore the wild history of British elections, from medieval chaos to Victorian shenanigans. Hear about the 'election fever' that led to fatal brawls and the infamous dueling politics of Whigs and Tories. Discover the absurd 'faggot vote' and the colorful traditions of bribery and public revelry that marked early democracy. Laugh along with tales of hired horsemen and raucous street parties as political rivals clawed their way to victory, showcasing a flamboyant side of historical electoral madness.
39 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 50min
462. St George: Dragon-Slayer
Unravel the myth of Saint George, the dragon-slayer, as you explore the transformation of his legacy from martyr to national symbol. Dive into the cultural significance of his story across regions, including the valorous acknowledgment of Malta during WWII. Discover the skepticism surrounding his dragon-slaying narrative during the Reformation, and the connections between his tale and ancient Greek myths. Follow how St. George's image evolved from religious devotion to a symbol of English nationalism, reflecting broader societal themes.
34 snips
Jun 16, 2024 • 54min
461. Dragons
Dive into the captivating world of dragons and explore their evolution from ancient myths to modern pop culture. Discover how dragons symbolize power, greed, and humanity's deepest fears across cultures. Uncover the influence of Tolkien and the contrasting representations in Eastern and Western traditions. The podcast weaves through the rich history of dragons in literature, touching on their dual nature in narratives from Norse mythology to Game of Thrones, and evokes excitement for the upcoming House of the Dragon series.
5 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 26min
Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic (Extract)
Explore the dramatic century of the Roman Republic, where figures like Julius Caesar and Cicero shaped history. Hear about the pivotal moment when Caesar crossed the Rubicon, igniting a civil war that changed governance forever. Discover disturbing parallels between ancient Rome and modern fascism, illuminating the consequences of lost civic virtues. Delve into the challenges historians face reconstructing the lives of lesser-known individuals, revealing the fleeting nature of fame and fortune.
75 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 53min
460. The Empress of the Apocalypse
Discover the captivating life of Theophanu, a Byzantine princess who played a pivotal role in uniting East and West. Journey through the power struggles of the Old Roman Empire and the rise of the Fatimid Caliphate. Explore the Byzantine resurgence under Nikephorus Phokas and the chaotic political landscape where women wielded unprecedented influence. Unravel the intrigue surrounding Theophanu’s personal life and her strategic maneuvers to secure her son’s legacy in a time marked by betrayal and ambition. A riveting exploration of medieval power dynamics!
106 snips
Jun 9, 2024 • 59min
459. The Suit, Savile Row, and Smartly Dressed Men
Delve into the fascinating history of men's suits, tracing their evolution from the 14th century to modern times. Discover how societal changes and political events shaped this iconic attire, revealing its status as a symbol of class and identity. Explore the cultural significance of Savile Row, the epicenter of bespoke tailoring, and key figures who influenced the craft. Plus, enjoy insights into the balance between traditional styles and contemporary trends, as well as the future of men's fashion.
36 snips
Jun 5, 2024 • 49min
458. Helen of Troy: A Family of Blood (Part 2)
Discover the riveting story of Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who unearthed the legendary ruins of Troy, blending myth and history. Explore Agamemnon's dark lineage, marked by betrayal and revenge, and the tragic fates of Iphigenia and Clytemnestra. Dive into the archaeological wonders of Mycenae, including Schliemann's famed mask. The discussion also reassesses Helen of Troy, examining her complex legacy through feminist perspectives and the roles of women in Greek mythology, transforming their narratives from mere victims to powerful agents.
71 snips
Jun 2, 2024 • 52min
457. Helen of Troy: Queen of the Greek Myths (Part 1)
Discover the legendary tale of Helen of Troy, born from an egg and revered for her beauty. Explore her love affair with Paris and the ensuing Trojan War, a clash driven by desire and conflict. Unravel the complexities of Helen's character through the lens of mythology and literature, questioning her role as a victim or a powerful figure. Delve into her upbringing in Sparta and the intriguing dynamics of ancient Greek politics, revealing a timeless allure that still captivates audiences today.
