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
125 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 14min
607. Nelson’s Lover: The Scandalous Lady Hamilton
Discover the captivating life of Emma Hamilton, mistress to Horatio Nelson, who transformed from poverty to international celebrity. Explore their famed love affair, fueled by passion and political intrigue. Hear about her rise on the London stage, her artistic partnerships, and how she became a high-end courtesan. The hosts dive into Emma's influence on Nelson's military campaigns and her role as a socialite in Naples, revealing a story of ambition, betrayal, and remarkable resilience.
301 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
606. Enoch Powell: Rivers of Blood
Delve into the life of Enoch Powell, the controversial British politician behind the infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech. Discover how his early classical education shaped his worldview and his shift from imperialism to staunch nationalism. The discussion explores Powell's complex relationship with immigration amid postwar societal changes, the media's role in his rhetoric, and the political fallout following his provocative speech. Unpack Powell's lasting influence on modern populism and identity politics in Britain.
218 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 3min
605. Greek Myths: Jason & The Quest for the Golden Fleece (Part 4)
Dive into the thrilling journey of Jason and the Argonauts as they face terrifying trials, from fire-breathing bulls to a dragon guarding the Golden Fleece. Explore the evolving role of Medea, the sorceress with a tragic fate, and the fascinating origins of Greek myths in historical contexts. Discover how Alexander the Great’s reign transformed perceptions of the divine and the rise of skepticism in the Hellenistic world. The enduring legacy of these myths captivates audiences, reflecting timeless human themes and creative adaptations throughout history.
261 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!
304 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.
631 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.
157 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.
117 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.
271 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.
321 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.
