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
24 snips
Jan 3, 2022 • 25min
12 Days: Martin Luther and J.R.R. Tolkien
Explore the dramatic excommunication of Martin Luther that ignited the Protestant Reformation and its surprising cultural legacy. Discover the humorous connections between J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday and his Catholic heritage. Delve into Tolkien's early life experiences and how they shaped the stark contrasts between rural and urban settings in his work. Unpack the anti-industrial themes in 'The Lord of the Rings' that resonate with modern concerns, alongside reflections on morality and society through its beloved characters.
9 snips
Jan 2, 2022 • 31min
12 Days: Reconquest of Spain and the Old Queen of Hawaii
Discover the dramatic reconquest of Granada and its impact on Spain's multicultural legacy, revealing the complex interactions between Christian and Islamic influences. Unpack the forgotten tales of the Hawaiian monarchy, from cultural transformations to the remarkable story of Queen Emma. Explore the economic implications of the Hawaiian monarchy's decline, shaped by American interests, and delve into alternative histories that could have reshaped the islands. This exploration intertwines history with contemporary themes, making for a compelling and thought-provoking listen.
21 snips
Jan 1, 2022 • 32min
12 Days: Nero's succession and the fall of the Byzantine Empire
Dive into the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors as political upheaval marks the end of Nero's era and the rise of Galba. Discover the fascinating downfall of Romanus IV and the pivotal defeat at Manzikert that changed the Byzantine Empire's fate. Enjoy a lighthearted spin on hypothetical roles within a Byzantine court, revealing the humorous side of history. Plus, explore the importance of January 1st in Roman culture and its rituals surrounding power transitions. History has never been this entertaining!
Dec 31, 2021 • 27min
12 Days: Jean-Bédel Bokassa and the memory of pandemics
Dive into the extraordinary life of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, from his rise to power through a military coup to his controversial self-coronation as emperor. The discussion reveals the complexities of his legacy amidst reflections on how historical memory shapes our understanding. The hosts also draw parallels between the COVID-19 pandemic and past outbreaks like the Spanish flu, exploring their long-term societal impacts and potential future implications. Join them for an engaging mix of history, personal growth, and contemporary relevance.
10 snips
Dec 30, 2021 • 31min
12 Days: The Battle of Wakefield and Emperor Karl I
The chaos of the Battle of Wakefield unfolds, revealing Richard of York's ambitious downfall amid the tumult of the Wars of the Roses. Meanwhile, the resilience of Margaret shines through as she navigates a male-dominated medieval landscape. The podcast humorously contrasts the legacies of Richard and Austria's troubled Emperor Karl I during World War I, exploring imperial struggles and the lasting impact of their leadership failures. It's a fascinating dive into the past with a mix of drama and levity!
11 snips
Dec 29, 2021 • 39min
12 Days: The Murder of Thomas Becket and the Wounded Knee Massacre
Dive into the shocking 1170 murder of Thomas Becket, a pivotal moment that shaped literature and religion. The hosts dissect his tumultuous relationship with King Henry II and the haunting legacy of his martyrdom. Transitioning from Becket, they also examine the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, revealing the painful history of the Lakota Sioux amid settler expansion. The discussion highlights the broader themes of tragedy and martyrdom, emphasizing how these events resonate through time, affecting modern perspectives on suffering.
4 snips
Dec 28, 2021 • 25min
12 Days: Massacre of the Innocents and the Tay Bridge disaster
Dive into the darker side of the festive season as a biblical tale of King Herod’s massacre unfolds. The poignant tragedy of the Tay Rail Bridge disaster in 1879 highlights construction flaws and a devastating storm. Delight in the hilarity of William McGonagall's poorly received poetry about the incident. Explore the complex legacies of historical figures while blending humor with poignant reflections on guilt and remembrance. Enjoy a whimsical look at circus poetry amidst serious themes of history. It's a festive mix of tragedy and laughter!
8 snips
Dec 27, 2021 • 30min
12 Days: Port wine and Darwin sets sail
Discover the fascinating roots of England's love affair with port wine and how it became a festive staple. Unearth the history behind the Methuen Treaty, which opened the gates to this beloved beverage. Delve into the trials and triumphs of Charles Darwin during his transformative voyage on the HMS Beagle. Explore the complex dynamics between Darwin and Captain Fitzroy, as their different beliefs shaped their journey. This blend of history and personal anecdotes illuminates significant cultural shifts and scientific breakthroughs.
Dec 26, 2021 • 22min
12 Days: Good King Wenceslas and the first Gilbert & Sullivan
Discover the intriguing life of Duke Wenceslas of Bohemia, the man behind the beloved carol, examining his acts of charity and his contrasting brother. Enjoy a humorous take on expanding festive traditions into '13 Days of Christmas' with playful commentary. Delve into Gilbert & Sullivan's satirical masterpiece, 'Thespis,' exploring its cultural significance and criticisms. The hosts also reflect on the renaming of the Czech Republic to Czechia, blending history with modern cultural insights.
7 snips
Dec 25, 2021 • 37min
12 Days: Coronation of Charlemagne and the collapse of the Soviet Union
This podcast dives into the fascinating legacy of Charlemagne, spotlighting his Christmas Day coronation in 800 AD and its monumental effect on the Holy Roman Empire. The discussion then transitions to the chaotic end of the Soviet Union, detailing Gorbachev's struggles and Boris Yeltsin's rise amidst turmoil. With a playful tone, the hosts blend festive cheer with serious historical events, revealing how these pivotal moments intertwine with the spirit of the season.
