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
10 snips
Dec 23, 2021 • 1h 8min
133. Christmas churches
Join an exploration of Christmas churches featuring fan favorite Rachel Morley. Discover top festive church traditions, quirky holiday anecdotes, and the humorous history of Christmas music composers like Handel. Reflect on the legacy of 'A Christmas Carol' intertwined with festive films and charitable acts throughout the centuries. Delve into the quirky past of self-raising flour, and uncover tales linking medieval churches to Camelot. Lastly, enjoy playful discussions on tinsel's history and exciting holiday announcements!
26 snips
Dec 20, 2021 • 49min
132. A Christmas Carol
Dive into the festive world of Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim as the hosts explore the rich history of 'A Christmas Carol.' They journey through historical London, revealing Charles Dickens' influence on Christmas traditions. Scrooge's transformation from a lonely miser to a symbol of generosity is dissected, along with the deeper themes of isolation and redemption. Personal anecdotes and humorous mishaps add charm, while the discussion also highlights the societal reflections woven into Dickens' beloved tale.
Dec 18, 2021 • 13min
The 1960s (preview)
The 1960s are dissected as a decade of cultural revolution versus individualism. The hosts debate if it represented a true break from the past or merely built on earlier trends. They dive into the rich tapestry of race, gender, and economics during this transformative era, alongside the emergence of youth culture. Anxieties from the fallout of World War II and fears of nuclear conflict are explored, revealing the tension between everyday life and global crises. All this while Tom treats listeners to a rendition of Bob Dylan!
67 snips
Dec 16, 2021 • 1h 2min
131. Burgundy: Europe's forgotten superpower
Bart van Loo, a renowned author and expert on Burgundy, explores the region's once-mighty influence in medieval Europe. He shares tales of notable figures like Philip the Good, whose romantic exploits and leadership shaped history. The discussion intertwines themes of power and betrayal, diving into the intricate relationships that defined Burgundy's legacy. Listeners learn how this forgotten superpower played a pivotal role in the identity of contemporary regions like Belgium and the Netherlands, and the cultural and political ramifications that still resonate today.
Dec 13, 2021 • 1h 2min
130. Superheroes
Explore the fascinating origins of superheroes, tracing their rise in the 1930s alongside the rise of fascism. Discover how cultural shifts shaped these iconic characters, from Superman to Spider-Man. The discussion delves into themes of dual identity and societal reflection, including the unique background of female heroes like Wonder Woman. Humor and personal connections highlight the impact of superheroes on mental health and societal perceptions. Join a lively examination of lesser-known characters and the evolution of comic book narratives.
4 snips
Dec 9, 2021 • 1h 9min
129. Cricket
Jon Hotten, author of 'The Meaning of Cricket,' dives into the fascinating journey of cricket from its peasant origins to a global phenomenon. He highlights the sport's cultural significance, particularly its links to British identity and the Empire. The discussion also covers pivotal moments like the Ashes series and contrasts cricket's evolution with baseball in America. Hotten reflects on cricket's social fabric, touching on its amateur roots and the timeless appeal that keeps fans engaged across generations.
Dec 7, 2021 • 13min
History's greatest clubs (preview)
Dive into the fascinating world of historic clubs, from ancient Rome to modern elites. Discover hilarious anecdotes about the extravagant lifestyles of iconic figures like Antony and Cleopatra. Uncover how these organizations shaped social dynamics and community interactions. Join a lively conversation about the potential of clubs to foster connections and ideas among like-minded individuals. The presenters invite listeners to engage and share their thoughts in an inclusive atmosphere, adding a touch of humor to the historical discourse.
9 snips
Dec 6, 2021 • 1h 1min
128. Rasputin
Dive into the extraordinary life of Grigory Rasputin, the peasant who swayed the Russian Empire’s fate. Explore his prophetic warnings to Tsar Nicholas II about war and dissect the mystique surrounding his influence within the royal family. Unravel the tangled web of rumors versus reality, from scandals and appearances to political implications that echo through history. The discussion even draws parallels with today’s political advisors, revealing how Rasputin's legacy continues to resonate in modern narratives.
36 snips
Dec 2, 2021 • 59min
127. Neanderthals
Join Chris Stringer, a leading researcher in human evolution from the Natural History Museum, as he unravels the mysteries of Neanderthals. Explore their sophisticated social structures and profound connection to the environment. Learn about their complex behaviors and interactions with early Homo sapiens, challenging our notions of humanity. The discussion also touches on Neanderthal cultural legacies, their potential vocalizations, and the intriguing impact of interbreeding on modern human genetics, all while teasing out the echoes of their existence in today's world.
87 snips
Nov 29, 2021 • 1h 2min
126. Napoleon in Egypt
Dive into Napoleon's ambitious campaign in Egypt, where dreams of glory collided with profound cultural exchanges. Explore the Battle of the Nile, where naval strategy met personal determination. Discover the dualities of Napoleon's motives, oscillating between anti-imperialism and colonial ambition. Unpack the emergence of Egyptology and the rich legacies left behind, including the Rosetta Stone. This journey links historical grievances with contemporary tensions, revealing how the echoes of this era continue to shape identities today.
