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
5 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 44min
370. The 1973 Chilean Coup: Allende, Nixon and the CIA (Part 1)
The dramatic 1973 coup against Salvador Allende in Chile reveals the depths of American imperialism during the Cold War. The podcast dives into Allende's rise to power and his radical vision for the country, juxtaposed with U.S. efforts to undermine him. The impactful role of the newspaper El Mercurio in swaying public opinion against Allende is explored, alongside the lasting scars of Pinochet’s regime on Chilean society. With historical insights and political context, the discussion sheds light on a pivotal moment in Latin American history.
13 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 42min
PAX: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age (Extract)
Dive into the grandeur of the Roman Empire as Hadrian’s ambitions come to life in the construction of his wall in Britain. Discover how Hadrian's Wall evolved from a forgotten relic to a cultural icon, reflecting complex themes of identity. Explore the peace and prosperity of the Pax Romana, alongside the darker sides of Roman entertainment. Unpack John’s apocalyptic vision contrasting Babylon's downfall with Rome's rise. Finally, navigate the ideological shifts during this Golden Age, revealing the intricate ties between Roman elites, Christianity, and the Jewish community.
163 snips
Sep 17, 2023 • 54min
369. The Colosseum: Rome's Arena of Death
Discover the Colosseum’s dark allure, where gladiators battled and emperors showcased dog-eat-dog entertainment. The transformation of these brutal games reflects Roman identity, civic pride, and social hierarchy. Explore the powerful political motives behind its construction during the Flavian dynasty and the dual nature of its legacy—a monument of grandeur steeped in violence. The discussion also draws fascinating comparisons between ancient customs and modern sports culture, tapping into our enduring fascination with brutality.
20 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 55min
368. The History Behind Hogwarts: Ancient Schools and Revolting Students
Discover the tumultuous history behind elite British public schools that inspired Hogwarts. Violent rebellions, gruesome hazing, and oppressive rules shaped student experiences. Explore the elite origins of institutions like Eton and their impact on culture. Learn about gender disparities in education and the chaotic boyhood rebellions of the 18th century, revealing a shocking side of character-building. This journey through the past connects historical chaos to today’s educational dilemmas, creating a fascinating narrative of power and rebellion.
28 snips
Sep 10, 2023 • 1h 2min
367. The Real Harry Potter: Magic, Empire and Beastly Bullies
Dive into the captivating world of Harry Potter and its roots in children's literature! Discover how J.K. Rowling's series shapes the moral compass of young readers, echoing themes from classics like Tom Brown's School Days. Explore the connections between Hogwarts and Victorian public schools, including their educational ethos and social hierarchies. Uncover the magic of community identity in boarding schools while grappling with their darker practices. This journey into fantasy and history reveals lasting impacts on culture and character.
126 snips
Sep 6, 2023 • 57min
366. The Architect of Modern China
Rana Mitter, a Professor at Oxford specializing in modern China, joins for an enlightening discussion on Deng Xiaoping's transformative role in shaping contemporary China. They delve into Deng's political rise and significant reforms that shifted China from a rigid communist framework to a dynamic economy. The conversation highlights the grassroots movements that drove change, the tension leading up to the Tiananmen Square events, and Deng's unique balancing act between progress and maintaining Communist authority. With an amusing nod to Wham!'s historic visit, it’s a fascinating exploration of complex legacies.
14 snips
Sep 3, 2023 • 56min
365. Le Marquis de Sade: Sex and Violence
Dive into the scandalous life of the Marquis de Sade, the notorious figure behind 'The 120 Days of Sodom.' Explore his provocative philosophies on sexuality and morality, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. Discover his eccentric demands during imprisonment and his complex legacy that foreshadowed ideas of Darwinism. Unpack the dark humor in his graphic works while contemplating the unsettling intersections of art, violence, and power dynamics. Sade's influence continues to challenge societal norms and provoke deep reflections!
39 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 53min
364. Sixties Fashion: Swinging London (Part 2)
Dive into the bold world of 1960s fashion as the conversation spins around the scandalous miniskirt debut at Melbourne's Derby Day. Discover how British pop icons like the Beatles shaped a cultural revolution, bringing youthful exuberance and androgyny to the forefront. The rise of the hippie movement is explored, alongside Victorian influences re-emerging in style. With a humorous touch, the discussion reflects on fashion's commercialization and its profound impact on youth expression during the vibrant, transformative years in London.
33 snips
Aug 27, 2023 • 50min
363. Sixties Fashion: The Teenage Revolution (Part 1)
The Sixties marked a vibrant revolution in fashion, elevating London to the world's style capital. From post-war austerity to the bold designs of the Swinging London era, the transition was radical. Discover the clash between Mods and Rockers, each with distinct styles and cultural narratives. Explore the rise of Jean Shrimpton, a model who changed the game. Plus, intriguing insights into the evolution of fashion photography that defined the decade. Dive into the transformative impact of youth culture and iconic trends!
38 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 49min
362. The Taj Mahal: Love and Death
Dr. Mehreen Chida-Razvi, an art historian and expert on Mughal art, joins the discussion about the iconic Taj Mahal. They explore the profound love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal that inspired its creation. The conversation shines light on the Mughal Empire's rich cultural backdrop and its architectural legacy. Additionally, they delve into the monument's evolving significance, controversies surrounding its identity, and the intricate dynamics of love, power, and betrayal in Mughal history.
