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
71 snips
May 5, 2022 • 59min
182. Operation Barbarossa
Join historian James Holland, a WWII expert and brother to Tom Holland, as he dives into the complexities of Operation Barbarossa. The discussion highlights parallels between this infamous invasion and Putin's recent actions in Ukraine, exposing striking military strategies and miscalculations. Holland reveals the ideological backdrop of the Nazi offensive, the significant delays caused by Mussolini’s blunders, and the resilient Soviet response that ultimately shaped the war's outcome. A fascinating exploration of history's repeat lessons!
33 snips
May 2, 2022 • 48min
181. The Birth of Babylon
Dive into the rich tapestry of Babylon's ancient history, from its unique location along the Euphrates River to its emergence as a cultural beacon. Discover the allure of Marduk's statue and the frequent thievery that surrounded it. Delve into the cultural contributions of figures like Hammurabi and the complexities of Babylonian identity amidst conquests. The discussion also highlights the significant roles of myth and reality, exploring how Babylon's history weaves together violence, philosophy, and resilience.
14 snips
Apr 28, 2022 • 57min
180. England & Englishness
In this lively discussion, Jason Cowley, Editor of the New Statesman, shares his insights on the nuanced concept of Englishness. He reflects on George Orwell’s take during the Blitz and how historical events shape modern identity. The conversation shifts to the complexities of urban versus rural life and how football has redefined what it means to be English, especially in a multicultural society. They also delve into environmental challenges and the contradictions in English identity, blending personal anecdotes with societal observations.
13 snips
Apr 26, 2022 • 45min
179. French Presidents: 1981-2022 (Part 2)
Delve into the dynamic world of French politics from Mitterrand to Macron, uncovering fascinating transformations and rivalries. Discover François Mitterrand's shift from conservative roots to leftist leadership, and the political turmoil faced by Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. Explore the humorous contrasts of François Hollande and the ambitious rise of Emmanuel Macron. The discussion also highlights the evolving identity of young voters, reflecting on the influence of historical conflicts on today's political landscape.
Apr 25, 2022 • 41min
178. French Presidents: 1958-1981 (Part 1)
Dive into the riveting world of French politics as Tom and Dominic explore the legacies of Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Discover how de Gaulle reshaped the presidency post-World War II and navigated the Algerian War. Uncover the cultural and political contributions of Pompidou, including his famous center. Plus, hear about bizarre political scandals and a peculiar literary venture of a former president that reveals the intersection of politics and personal narratives.
46 snips
Apr 21, 2022 • 54min
177. The Jewish Revolt (Part 3)
Unpack the devastating events of the Jewish Revolt, including the burning of the Temple and the siege of Masada. Discover how Vespasian and Titus shaped history through their brutal tactics and explore internal divisions among the Judeans. Dive into the lasting impact of the revolt on Jewish identity and its complex relationship with early Christianity. Josephus's narratives emerge as critical in understanding these events, offering a nuanced view of their significance in modern times.
53 snips
Apr 18, 2022 • 32min
176. The Jews Against Rome (Part 2)
The podcast dives into the gripping tale of the Jewish Revolt and the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. It highlights pivotal figures like Pontius Pilate and Nero, alongside their complex interactions with the Jewish community. With humor sprinkled throughout, the hosts analyze Jesus' prophecies and their modern geopolitical implications. The buildup of tensions from oppressive Roman taxation sets the stage for rebellion, revealing deep cultural resentment and internal divisions among the Judeans. This historical conflict resonates in today's world.
47 snips
Apr 14, 2022 • 1h 5min
175. Crucifixion (Part 1)
Dive into the chilling origins and gruesome details of crucifixion in ancient Rome, a punishment reserved for slaves and rebels. Explore its dark history as a public spectacle and its critical role in the narrative of Jesus's death. The discussion includes the societal implications and the evolution of crucifixion's symbolism, transforming from a tool of execution to a powerful emblem in Christianity. They also touch on cinematic portrayals and philosophical critiques, urging a deeper understanding of this pivotal historical event.
32 snips
Apr 11, 2022 • 56min
174. Merlin, Magic and the British
Francis Young, author of 'Magic in Merlin's Realm', joins the discussion to unravel the intriguing ties between British history and magic. They explore the legendary Merlin's influence on monarchy and politics, linking him to figures like Richard II and his decline due to superstition. Young shares insights on the occult practices from Tudor to Stuart England, touching on witchcraft as a tool of political betrayal. They even delve into WWII's mysticism with medium Helen Duncan, highlighting how magic has shaped the power dynamics of British royalty.
93 snips
Apr 7, 2022 • 1h 4min
173. Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution
Rana Mitter, a Professor of the history and politics of modern China at Oxford, joins the discussion on the Cultural Revolution's brutal impacts. They dive into the origins of this upheaval, highlighting the Red Guards' role in dismantling traditional culture. Mitter elaborates on Mao's quest for power, the violent societal shifts, and the deeply ingrained fear within communities. The conversation also touches on the bizarre cult of Mao, symbolized by 'holy mangoes,' and examines how the legacy of this chaotic period continues to shape China's political landscape today.
