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
79 snips
May 5, 2024 • 59min
446. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Civil War (Part 1)
Dive into the thrilling world of the American Indian Wars, focusing on the legendary Custer and the brilliant Crazy Horse. Explore Custer's flamboyant rise from obscurity to military fame during the Civil War, filled with audacious battles and personal drama. The narrative reveals the complex interplay of heroism and brutality, examining Custer's controversial legacy and the myths that followed his Last Stand. Experience the intense chaos of battle and the impact on the Lakota people, all set against a backdrop of 19th-century America's evolution.
80 snips
May 1, 2024 • 56min
445. The Habsburgs: Secrets of a Dynasty
Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke of Austria and Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See, shares captivating insights into his famed lineage. He discusses the Habsburgs’ strategic marriages, like that of Maximilian and Mary of Burgundy, which forged a massive empire. The conversation dives into the dynasty’s legendary death rituals, the supposed consequences of inbreeding, and seven essential lessons for today's political leaders drawn from Habsburg history. Eduard brings a personal touch to the intricate tales that shaped Europe!
111 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
444. The First Emperor of China
Dive into the fascinating world of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, who left a mixed legacy of monumental achievements and brutal tactics. Discover how his ruthless methods, like book burning and scholar executions, shaped China's historical narrative. The conversation explores his obsession with immortality, the eerie Terracotta Army, and the contrast between his actions and Confucian ideals. Uncover the complexities of unity in pre-empire China and how the emperor's legacy continues to influence modern perceptions of power and authority.
44 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 55min
443. Lord Byron: Death of a Vampire (Part 4)
Explore the scandalous life of Lord Byron, from his exile in Italy to his iconic friendship with Percy Shelley. Discover the dramatic summer of 1816 that birthed literary masterpieces amidst ghost stories and rivalry. Delve into Byron's evolving legacy, his tumultuous relationships, and the impact of his life on Gothic literature. His passionate involvement in the Greek War of Independence adds a political twist to his personal drama. As he grapples with fame and mortality, Byron's journey captivates and enthralls.
50 snips
Apr 21, 2024 • 59min
442. Lord Byron: Dangerous Liaisons (Part 3)
Delve into the scandalous life of Lord Byron, the first modern celebrity. His rise to fame came with a whirlwind of romantic entanglements, particularly with the eccentric Lady Caroline Lamb, whose obsession nearly drove them both mad. Explore the tumultuous marriage to mathematician Annabella Milbanke, shrouded in infidelity and societal expectations, while uncovering the shocking and controversial affair with his half-sister, Augusta Leigh. This tale of passion, betrayal, and moral depravity reveals a captivating portrait of one of history's most notorious figures.
44 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 58min
441. Lord Byron: Scandal, Sex and Celebrity (Part 2)
Lord Byron's tumultuous life unfolds as he escapes a debt-ridden England for an Eastern adventure amidst the Napoleonic Wars. He encounters powerful figures like Ali Pasha and the Sultan of Constantinople, blending danger with his audacious charm. The podcast delves into Byron's bold literary ambitions, reflections on sexuality, and romanticized views of Greece. As he finds his identity against the backdrop of cultural clash, 'Byromania' begins to rise, marking his transformation into one of London's most celebrated figures.
79 snips
Apr 14, 2024 • 54min
440. Lord Byron: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know (Part 1)
Dive into the tumultuous life of Lord Byron, a cultural icon of the Napoleonic era known for his devilish charisma and rebellious spirit. Discover the chaotic history of his family, steeped in scandal and financial ruin, and how it shaped his mercurial personality. From his troubled childhood and transformative education to his controversial adolescence, Byron's journey is as captivating as his legacy. Prepare for thrilling tales of intrigue, literary impact, and a life that straddled the worlds of romance and revolution.
47 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 59min
439. Disco: Sex and Race in Seventies America
Disco emerged in the 1970s, igniting a cultural revolution amidst America's societal upheaval. It fostered a unique blend of race, sexuality, and community, particularly within the LGBTQ+ scene, reflecting a time of radical change. The podcast also dives into the vibrant nightlife of iconic clubs, the rise of influential figures, and the genre's spirited sound. Yet, the backlash against disco culminated in the notorious Disco Demolition Derby, a chaotic symbol of the genre's decline, peeling back layers of its hedonism and societal challenges.
57 snips
Apr 7, 2024 • 1h 8min
438. The Moonwalkers, with Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks, acclaimed actor and Apollo missions expert, joins to share his deep insights on the monumental journey to the Moon. He reflects on the intense pressure of the Apollo 11 mission and the tragedies of Apollo 1 and 13. The discussion includes Buzz Aldrin's spiritual awakening on the lunar surface and the innovative advancements of the 1960s that shaped our future. Hanks also explores the legacy of lunar exploration and the exciting possibilities of returning to the Moon and setting sights on Mars.
96 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
437. Luther: A World Torn Apart (Part 5)
Martin Luther's journey takes a dramatic turn as he grapples with his role in a religious revolution that ignites fierce violent uprisings. His clash with radical reformer Thomas Müntzer reveals deep ideological divides, while the Peasants' War surfaces as a pivotal struggle against oppression. The exploration of Luther’s unorthodox methods and relationships highlights the tension between reform and reaction. From battles to artistic representations, the legacy of this tumultuous period echoes in modern thought, revealing the complex interplay of faith and authority.
