

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

51 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 52min
488. Hundred Years' War: The Road to Agincourt (Part 2)
In this gripping discussion, listeners explore King Henry V's audacious campaign against France in 1415. The siege of Harfleur reveals brutal tactics and the unexpected hardships faced by English forces. As illness and supply issues threaten their advance, Henry makes bold decisions that lead to a dramatic march across hostile territory. Tension mounts as they approach the looming threat of a massive French army, highlighting both strategic challenges and the heroic spirit of Henry’s troops. Prepare for the climactic Battle of Agincourt!

80 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 57min
487. Hundred Years' War: Henry V’s Invasion of France (Part 1)
Dive into the dramatic backdrop of Henry V's 1415 invasion of France, highlighting the intense siege of Harfleur and the chaos of a fractured French monarchy. Explore how Shakespeare immortalized Henry's call to arms and shaped his heroic legacy. Unpack the turbulent mental state of King Charles VI and the fierce rivalries between factions like the Armagnacs and Burgundians. As Henry V meticulously plans his strategy, tensions rise amidst warfare and ambition, setting the stage for a historical clash that would alter the course of the Hundred Years' War.

39 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 57min
486. Henry IV: Warrior Princes and Fat Knights (Part 2)
In 1403, King Henry IV confronts betrayal from his former friend, Hotspur, while simultaneously battling a Welsh uprising. The rise of Prince Hal and his evolution from a reckless youth to a determined leader is explored, particularly during the intense Battle of Shrewsbury. The carnage of the battle highlights Henry IV's injuries and the brutal reality of war. Additionally, the complexities of governance are examined, including the role of comedic figure Sir John Falstaff and the rise of dissent among the Lollards, challenging the established Church.

77 snips
Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
485. Henry IV: The Usurper King (Part 1)
Delve into the tumultuous reign of Henry IV, a king who rose from admiration to suspicion after usurping the throne. Explore his intense rivalry with Richard II and how he navigated a divided nation amidst brewing rebellions. Discover the dramatic dynamics between Prince Hal and Hotspur, and how Welsh resistance under Owen Glendower played a significant role. The podcast also reflects on the historical and literary implications of betrayal and strategy during Henry's reign, and the complexity of leadership in a time of upheaval.

147 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 47min
484. The Food that Changed the World
Join John Dickie, a Professor of Italian Studies and author of "Delizia: The Epic History of Italians and Their Food," as he uncovers the fascinating evolution of Italian cuisine. Discover how pasta's roots may be traced back to China and the truth behind classic dishes like margherita pizza. Dickie challenges enduring myths about Italian food, revealing its complex history influenced by societal shifts, lavish Renaissance banquets, and the intersection of food with medicine. Explore how culinary identity has transformed, shaped by historical events and cultural exchanges.

47 snips
Aug 11, 2024 • 50min
483. The Mysterious Case of the Ape Man
Discover the sensational story of the Piltdown Man, a skull once believed to be the missing link between apes and humans. Unravel the mystery of its origins, from its enthusiastic endorsement by British society to the shocking revelation of it being a clever hoax. Delve into the roles of controversial figures like Charles Dawson and Arthur Conan Doyle, and explore how this deception influenced scientific thought and debates about evolution. The blend of excitement, intrigue, and historical context creates a captivating narrative.

131 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 5min
482. The French Revolution: The Royal Family Escapes (Part 8)
Discover the heart-pounding story of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's attempt to flee revolutionary Paris. Experience their emotional struggles, clever disguises, and nerve-wracking moments as they embark on an audacious escape plan. The royal family's precarious situation unfolds amidst rising tensions and political chaos, leading to unexpected encounters and near-misses. Dive into the dramatic fallout of their failure and explore how it irrevocably altered the future of the French monarchy.

137 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 59min
481. The French Revolution: The Women's March on Versailles (Part 7)
Tensions in Paris soared as the revolutionists divided over the monarchy's role. Amid rising bread prices, furious citizens, especially women, expressed their outrage. The lavish banquet at Versailles sparked a dramatic response, leading the peasant women to confront the royal family. This act of desperation profoundly changed the course of the revolution, showcasing women's vital role in political upheaval. The chaos that unfolded at Versailles epitomized the clash between a luxurious monarchy and a populace in dire need, culminating in a confrontation that would alter France's future.

158 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 59min
480. The French Revolution: The Rights of Man (Part 6)
Dive into the fierce clash of ideas during the French Revolution! Explore the revolutionary principles enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of Man, a manifesto that marked a dramatic shift from absolutism to national sovereignty. Discover the chaotic backdrop of the Great Fear as rural peasants revolted and the debate over abolishing feudal privileges unfolded. Uncover the Enlightenment influences shaping these ideals, and witness the tensions with the Catholic Church, all while considering the lasting impact on global democracy.

148 snips
Aug 4, 2024 • 59min
479. The French Revolution: The Storming of the Bastille (Part 5)
The chaos of the Storming of the Bastille embodies the brutal spirit of the French Revolution. As tensions escalated due to a bread crisis and political upheaval, a mob seized arms, igniting widespread violence. The fall of the Bastille became a symbol of liberation but also revealed the horrors of the uprising. Key figures like Lafayette emerged during this tumultuous time, influencing the course of events. Ultimately, the aftermath set the stage for a new France marked by shifting loyalties and the specter of ongoing violence.


