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
25 snips
Aug 18, 2022 • 53min
222. Victorian Holidays
Dive into the birth of mass tourism and the quirky traditions of Victorian holidays. Discover Thomas Cook’s role in shaping modern travel and the contrasting experiences of different social classes. From bizarre German spa treatments to the cultural implications of leisurely trips, the hosts deliver humor and insights. They explore the rise of seaside resorts and evolving views on nature, reflecting on the intertwining of history and personal travel anecdotes. Expect a fascinating plunge into a vibrant past!
33 snips
Aug 15, 2022 • 51min
221. Holidays: Byron's Grand Tour
Explore the fascinating world of the Grand Tour, a rite of passage for 18th-century aristocrats. Discover how Lord Byron and his peers traveled for romance and health, shaping modern vacation culture. Delve into the rise of seaside resorts like Brighton, influenced by seawater therapies. Marvel at the architectural extravagance of the Royal Pavilion and its fantastical elements. Byron's travels reveal the dawn of modern tourism, offering insights into how art and leisure intertwined during this transformative era.
40 snips
Aug 11, 2022 • 53min
220. Justinian & Theodora: The Secret History (Part 3)
Dive into the tumultuous reign of Justinian and Theodora as they grapple with wars and plagues in the Byzantine Empire. Discover how military campaigns reshaped Italy and the harrowing toll of the Justinianic plague. Explore Theodora's surprising journey from controversial figure to champion of women's rights, juxtaposed with the cunning dynamics of historical friendships. With a dash of humor, the hosts connect past rulers to modern reality TV, offering a fresh perspective on power and legacy. Get ready for an intriguing blend of history and insight!
29 snips
Aug 9, 2022 • 40min
219. Justinian: Making Rome Great Again (Part 2)
Discover the explosive Nika riots that almost toppled Emperor Justinian, ignited by a casual sports rivalry. His ambitious reign seeks to restore the grandeur of the Roman Empire while juggling fierce challenges from the Sasanian Empire. Theodora emerges as a fierce ally, inspiring Justinian to confront chaos head-on. Witness the aftermath, marked by destruction and a bold vision for a new Constantinople, including the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, a symbol of his legacy and the Eastern Roman Empire.
33 snips
Aug 8, 2022 • 49min
218. Theodora: Empress of Byzantium (Part 1)
Dive into the scandalous life of Theodora, the Byzantine empress who defied societal norms as a former performer. Discover the rise of Constantinople and its architectural splendor while unraveling Theodora's complex character. Explore the vibrant rivalries of ancient chariot racing and the significant political controversies surrounding Christian doctrine. Delve into her transformative relationship with Justinian, revealing how their union shaped the future of the Byzantine Empire amid conflict and ambition.
68 snips
Aug 4, 2022 • 51min
217. Plague and the decline of the Roman Empire
In this engaging discussion, Kyle Harper, a renowned Professor of Classics and History, sheds light on the underestimated role of pandemics in the Roman Empire's decline. He examines the Antonine Plague and its impact on life expectancy while claiming urbanization paradoxically harmed public health. Migration's role in spreading diseases like the Plague of Cyprian is also highlighted, alongside the transformative societal changes brought about by recurring epidemics. Harper's insights unravel how these health crises reshaped the empire and influenced religious thought.
33 snips
Aug 1, 2022 • 53min
216. Pigeons
In this lively discussion, BBC Security Correspondent Gordon Corera, author of 'Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service', illuminates the often-overlooked roles pigeons have played in warfare and communication. From their pivotal contributions during World War II to the amusing failures of MI5's strategies, Corera shares fascinating anecdotes about these feathered messengers. He also dives into their cultural significance, the sport of pigeon racing, and how their unique communication abilities have shaped history, all while challenging modern perceptions of these extraordinary birds.
30 snips
Jul 28, 2022 • 48min
215. Stalingrad and the Red Army (Part 2)
In this discussion, historian Iain MacGregor, an expert on Stalingrad and author of "The Lighthouse of Stalingrad," brings to life the intense battle for Pavlov's House, a symbol of Soviet resistance. The gripping narrative explores psychological warfare tactics used by Russian forces, which turned the tide against the Germans. MacGregor highlights the dramatic moments leading to the German surrender, delving into the resilience of the Red Army and the long-lasting impact of Stalingrad on military history and national identity.
15 snips
Jul 25, 2022 • 49min
214. The Battle of Stalingrad (Part 1)
Iain MacGregor, a historian with a focus on Eastern European history and World Wars, joins the conversation to dive deep into the Battle of Stalingrad. They explore the historical context of Operation Barbarossa, showcasing how it set the stage for Stalingrad's significance. MacGregor highlights the geographical and industrial importance of the city, while also discussing the strategic challenges faced by both the Germans and Soviets. The vivid parallels between Stalingrad and ongoing conflicts today provide fresh insights that connect past and present.
Jul 22, 2022 • 34min
213. London: Moments (Part 5)
Discover quirky tales from London's past, including a drunk elephant and a polar bear swimming in the Thames. Uncover the history of the Tower of London's exotic menagerie, where regal animal gifts revealed poignant connections between royals. Explore the whimsical side of ghosts and sustainable fashion while diving into the societal impact of the Metropolitan Railway. Delve deep into the 'Metroland' dream, reflecting on suburban aspirations during the Victorian era, all packed with humor and insightful reflections.
