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
Mar 30, 2023 • 53min
317: African Amazons
Historian and anthropologist Luke Pepera, author of 'Motherland: 500,000 Years of African History, Cultures and Identity', dives into the captivating legacy of African warrior queens and female fighters. He discusses the fearsome Dahomey warriors and their rigorous training, alongside Queen Nzinga's strategic defiance against colonial forces. Pepera also highlights the influential Ashanti Queen Mothers and the complexities of female leadership, challenging modern narratives and emphasizing the powerful roles women played in shaping Africa's political landscape.
27 snips
Mar 27, 2023 • 51min
316: The First Abolitionist
In 1718, an English Quaker named Benjamin Lay confronted the horrors of slavery in Barbados. His shocking stunts aimed to awaken his fellow Quakers to the inhumanity of the sugar plantations. This riveting discussion reveals Lay’s radical journey from indifference to passionate abolitionist. The episode delves into the brutal realities of 18th-century slavery and the moral awakening it ignited. It also touches on the legacy of Quaker beliefs in social equality and the need to recognize unsung heroes in the fight for freedom.
52 snips
Mar 23, 2023 • 54min
315: Atlantis: Legacy of the Lost Empire (Part 2)
Dive into the fascinating legacy of Atlantis, where claims range from its role in the origins of the alphabet to bizarre Nazi ideologies linking it to Aryan roots. Discover how figures like Francis Bacon envisioned Atlantis as a utopia while examining its metaphorical significance through history. Unravel the connections between ancient civilizations and explore the controversial theories that continue to shape its narrative. Delve into the impact of storytelling on archaeology and ponder humanity's relationship with historical myths.
54 snips
Mar 20, 2023 • 55min
314: Atlantis: The Legend (Part 1)
Dive into the captivating tale of Atlantis, exploring its origins and the cataclysmic events that may have inspired the legend. Uncover how Plato’s political views and the historical context of ancient Athens shape this enduring myth. Discuss the intriguing themes of hubris and divine consequences that resonate through pop culture. The conversation teases a transformative exploration of Atlantis, blending history with personal growth insights, and hints at deeper revelations to come in future discussions.
33 snips
Mar 16, 2023 • 53min
313: Climate Apocalypse
Peter Frankopan, a Professor of Global History at Oxford University and author of "The Earth Transformed," uncovers the haunting historical fears of climate apocalypse. He discusses the ancient Akkadian empire's struggles with climatic shifts and their impact on society. The conversation explores how past civilizations faced environmental challenges, revealing patterns that resonate today. Frankopan emphasizes the need for a global approach to modern climate issues and highlights humanity's resilience amidst ongoing crises.
27 snips
Mar 13, 2023 • 58min
312: Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War (Part 3)
Explore the complexities of Ronald Reagan's presidency, including his controversial responses to the AIDS crisis and the Iran-Contra affair. Discover how his charismatic campaigns shifted political messaging and shaped American optimism in the 1980s. Delve into his foreign policy decisions, including the balance between confrontation with the Soviet Union and calls for nuclear disarmament. The legacy he left behind continues to influence Republican identity and the perception of presidential power.
32 snips
Mar 9, 2023 • 60min
311: Reagan: The Road to the White House (Part 2)
Dive into Ronald Reagan's fascinating journey from Hollywood to the political spotlight. Discover how a pivotal 1964 speech propelled him into the national consciousness and explore his unexpected love for astrology. As Governor of California, he navigated the turbulent political landscape of the 1960s, all while balancing personal relationships and evolving ideologies. Witness the rise of a charismatic leader amidst a backdrop of cultural upheaval and learn how he transformed despair into hope for a nation yearning for change.
21 snips
Mar 6, 2023 • 57min
310: Ronald Reagan and the American Dream (Part 1)
Explore the fascinating early life of Ronald Reagan, from his humble Illinois beginnings to his rise as a beloved Hollywood star and sports broadcaster. Discover how his upbringing and family dynamics shaped his moral compass and political ideology. The discussion highlights key pivotal moments, including his improvisational skills that captured the media's attention. Delve into the complexities of his personal relationships and the disillusionment faced on his journey to embodying the American Dream.
42 snips
Mar 2, 2023 • 56min
309: Columbus: Villain or Hero? (Part 4)
Dive into a riveting discussion on Christopher Columbus, exploring his dual image as both hero and villain. The podcast delves into the impact of his voyages, the complexities of his legacy, and the narrative shifts from his time to today. Listeners learn about the catastrophic effects of European diseases on indigenous populations and how historical perceptions have evolved, especially regarding Columbus Day. The conversation emphasizes the moral dilemmas surrounding his achievements, making for a thought-provoking exploration of a contentious figure in history.
76 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 48min
308: Columbus: Death in the Caribbean (Part 3)
Columbus returns to Spain, facing skepticism while desperately seeking wealth in the New World. His actions lead to turmoil and conflict, as he exploits indigenous populations and struggles with his own leadership failures. The moral complexities of slavery during his time surface, highlighting tensions between his views and those of contemporaries like Queen Isabella. Eccentric behavior characterizes his attempts to regain favor. The podcast examines the biblical parallels in Columbus's legacy, sparking a debate on whether he is seen as a hero or a villain.
