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
26 snips
Sep 21, 2021 • 59min
99. Thermopylae & Salamis Episode 2
The podcast dives into the legendary battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, exploring how these conflicts shaped Western civilization. It highlights Leonidas' heroic stand against overwhelming Persian forces, emphasizing themes of honor and sacrifice. The strategic genius of Themistocles is discussed, questioning Greece's victory without his leadership. The challenges faced by Xerxes and the naval clash at Salamis showcase the importance of tactics over numbers. Personal reflections on Herodotus and the broader implications of these events add a layer of depth to the historical narrative.
34 snips
Sep 20, 2021 • 56min
98. Thermopylae & Salamis Episode 1
In 480 BC, 300 Spartans made a legendary stand at Thermopylae against the Persian army, sparking tales of bravery and sacrifice. Soon after, the Greeks achieved a surprising victory at Salamis, shifting the balance of power in the war. The discussion also delves into the rich historical significance of these battles, drawing connections to modern economic strategies and political dynamics. Amidst the serious topics, the hosts add a humorous twist, reflecting on past episodes and the mixing of ancient and contemporary narratives.
47 snips
Sep 16, 2021 • 1h 18min
97. Top Ten Mistresses
Join Tom Holland and guest Ali Ansari, a renowned Professor of Iranian Studies, as they dive into the captivating world of history's most influential mistresses. They discuss how these women, often starting from humble beginnings, shaped political landscapes, with figures like Cleopatra and Emma Hamilton taking center stage. The conversation highlights the societal perceptions of these relationships, including Nell Gwynn's rise from orange seller to royal mistress. Ansari illustrates how these powerful women navigated patriarchal structures to leave their mark on history.
Sep 13, 2021 • 1h 9min
96. The UK’s Best Churches
Rachel Morley, Director of Friends of Friendless Churches, passionately advocates for preserving the UK's historic churches. She joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to debate the finest churches, sharing unique stories and emotions tied to these sacred spaces. The trio dives into the rich histories of notable churches, like Little Gidding and St. Bainal, blending humor with poignant reflections. They also explore the enigmatic Aen Hallow and discuss the mission of protecting these architectural marvels at risk of loss.
10 snips
Sep 9, 2021 • 56min
95. 9/11
The discussion dives into the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks and their historical parallels, such as the Siege of Vienna. The hosts dissect the motivations behind the attacks and key figures like Osama bin Laden, as well as the cultural narratives that fueled radicalization. The emotional aftermath for America is explored, along with President George W. Bush's leadership and policy decisions. Furthermore, the conversation reflects on the complex legacy of 9/11 on American values and the interplay between disaster imagery and real-world events.
41 snips
Sep 7, 2021 • 46min
94. Silicon Valley Part 2
Join tech pioneer Marc Andreessen as he delves into the rise of social media and its impact on populist politics. He shares his theory that software is akin to real-life magic, sparking discussions on the Americanization of culture and its global effects. The conversation explores how social media can unite communities while also creating echo chambers. Andreessen reflects on the transformative power of the internet in shaping modern activism and identity, alongside the historical legacy of tech giants like Apple.
61 snips
Sep 6, 2021 • 48min
93. Silicon Valley Part 1
Tech pioneer Marc Andreessen, co-author of the groundbreaking Mosaic browser, joins Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland for a deep dive into the origins of the internet. They discuss how military research ignited the internet's evolution and reflect on whether early developers recognized their world-changing impact. The conversation reveals Silicon Valley's chaotic yet innovative culture, tracing its journey from agricultural land to a tech powerhouse, and explores social media's complexities, including its addictive nature and the shifting views on online identity.
42 snips
Sep 1, 2021 • 60min
92. Nuclear Weapons
Joining the hosts are Taylor Downing, a renowned author and historian focused on the Cold War and nuclear weapons, known for his book "1983: The World on the Brink." They dive into the chilling events of 1983, a year when the world teetered on the edge of nuclear catastrophe. The discussion highlights the fears sparked by NATO's Able Archer exercise and reveals the dangerous misunderstandings of the era. Taylor also explores the psychological aspects of nuclear strategy, emphasizing resilience and the dire need for clear communication in preventing future crises.
6 snips
Aug 30, 2021 • 59min
91. The Beatles
Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook dive into the cultural phenomenon of The Beatles, exploring their rise from post-war Britain to global icons. They discuss the band’s profound impact on music, youth identity, and social issues during the transformative 1960s. Anecdotes reveal John Lennon's controversial remarks and the contrasting lifestyles of band members. The conversation highlights how The Beatles forever changed the cultural landscape and examines their ongoing legacy through the lens of peace, love, and societal change.
26 snips
Aug 26, 2021 • 1h 2min
90. The Western Front
Gary Sheffield, a historian and author specializing in World War I, joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to dissect the infamous Western Front. They challenge the 'lions led by donkeys' narrative, discussing the strategic complexities and technological advancements that shaped trench warfare. Sheffield explores the soldiers' complex emotions and faith amidst chaos, alongside the influential literature that emerged from the war. The conversation also touches on shifting perspectives and hypothetical outcomes of the conflict, revealing the intricate dynamics of the era.
