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
93 snips
Aug 9, 2023 • 56min
358: Viking Sorcery
Neil Price, a Professor of archaeology at Uppsala University and expert on Viking culture, joins the conversation to illuminate the bizarre and gruesome aspects of Viking sorcery. They discuss shocking rituals, such as burial practices involving slaves, and the roles of Valkyries as symbols of both war and chaos. The dialogue also unpacks the enigmatic nature of berserkers and their connections to shamanistic traditions. Listeners will be fascinated by the intertwining of Norse spirituality with everyday life and the complexities of Viking beliefs.
29 snips
Aug 6, 2023 • 1h 3min
357: Historical Love Island: The Sequel
In a delightful dive into reality TV, Katy Holland, a Love Island expert and Tom Holland’s daughter, joins the discussion on historic romance. They humorously imagine legendary figures like Catherine Howard and Peter the Great as contestants, exploring love, loyalty, and betrayal through a comedic lens. Katy breaks down the show’s archetypes while drawing parallels to notorious historical relationships. Expect chaos reminiscent of Byzantine drama and playful insights into how past power struggles mirror modern dating culture!
37 snips
Aug 2, 2023 • 52min
356: The Blood-Drinking Bride of Christ
Explore the powerful life of Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century trailblazer who became a Doctor of the Church. Discover her unique spiritual marriage to Christ and how she influenced the Catholic Church amidst the chaos of the Black Death. Delve into her miraculous feats, like healing the sick and even 'bringing her mother back from the dead.' The episode also examines the interplay of food, gender, and spirituality, revealing her struggle with anorexia as an act of empowerment. A captivating journey through faith and resilience!
77 snips
Jul 30, 2023 • 46min
355: Roman Apocalypse: Pompeii 79 AD
Delve into the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, detailed through harrowing accounts like that of Pliny the Younger. Learn about the vibrant life of Pompeii before disaster struck and the societal chaos that followed. Explore the ominous signs leading up to the eruption and the desperate struggle for survival among its residents. Discover how the disaster reshaped Roman beliefs about divine judgment while highlighting the risks and rewards of living near such a formidable volcano.
27 snips
Jul 27, 2023 • 42min
354: Paris 1968: The Return of De Gaulle (Part 2)
Explore the explosive student protests of May 1968 in Paris and how they challenged Charles de Gaulle's leadership. Discover the tumultuous political landscape and de Gaulle's struggle to connect with the youth amid rising dissent. Hear about his transformative speech that rallied support against totalitarianism and his decisive moves to quell the unrest. The discussion reflects on the legacy of these protests, their philosophical impact on modern movements, and the blend of humor and history as contemporary societal shifts echo the fervor of the past.
50 snips
Jul 24, 2023 • 46min
353: Paris 1968: The Students' Revolt (Part 1)
In May 1968, Paris erupted in civil unrest led by passionate students wielding cobblestones. The vibrant atmosphere of the Sorbonne reflects a transformative era in youth culture, amidst philosophical influences like existentialism. Tensions escalated between students seeking radical change and workers focused on practical improvements. Notable figures like 'Danny the Red' emerged, while the protests became a struggle against societal norms and authority. The legacy of these events continues to resonate today, reshaping political activism.
66 snips
Jul 20, 2023 • 56min
352: Amsterdam: Kings, Canals, and Coffee Houses (Part 2)
Discover the fascinating transformation of Amsterdam during the 17th century as a center of trade and culture. Explore the architectural elegance of the Golden Bend while uncovering the political dynamics of the Dutch Republic. Delve into the rich Jewish history and the dual legacy of tolerance and persecution, epitomized by figures like Anne Frank. Finally, examine Amsterdam's post-war embrace of liberalism, shaping its modern identity with a unique blend of progressiveness and cultural heritage.
85 snips
Jul 17, 2023 • 41min
351: Amsterdam: Miracles, Money, and Mud (Part 1)
Discover how Amsterdam transformed from a humble fishing community to the birthplace of modern capitalism. The city’s historical significance shines through its role in the Reformation and its embrace of diverse beliefs. Uncover the story behind the 'Miracle of Amsterdam' and the intriguing rise of tulip mania, a cautionary tale of speculation. The hosts share insights on exploring modern-day Amsterdam while traversing its rich cultural heritage, offering a blend of historical analysis and contemporary travel tips.
101 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 58min
350: The Triumph of George Washington (Part 4)
Adam Smith, a Professor of American History at the University of Oxford and an expert on the American Revolution, shares insights on the dramatic conclusion of the war. He discusses the pivotal surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown and the treaty that followed, addressing its immediate and long-term consequences. The conversation also dives into the complexities of Washington's legacy, examining the moral ambiguities of his leadership and his ties to slavery, while questioning the narratives that shape American identity today.
97 snips
Jul 10, 2023 • 48min
349: The Birth of the United States (Part 3)
In this engaging discussion, historian Adam Smith, an expert on the American Revolution, examines the pivotal moments of July 1776. He highlights the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the shift in focus from Parliament to King George III as the main adversary. The conversation explores the influence of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' and the omitted passage on slavery in Jefferson's draft, as well as the crucial role France played in altering the war's dynamics, showcasing how these elements shaped the birth of the United States.
