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
36 snips
Aug 23, 2021 • 1h 1min
89. Climate & Weather
Dive into the fascinating relationship between climate and historical events! Discover how freezing conditions halted wars and political unrest surged during bad weather. Uncover the legend of Japan's typhoons that allegedly thwarted invasions, blending history and folklore. Explore the significant impacts of adverse weather on the French Revolution and military strategies in battles like Agincourt. Plus, enjoy humorous anecdotes and engaging stories that highlight how climate has shaped human civilization through the ages.
Aug 19, 2021 • 59min
88. The First Anglo-Afghan War
William Dalrymple, an award-winning historian specializing in India and the East India Company, joins Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland to explore the First Anglo-Afghan War. They delve into the war's chaotic legacy and its absurd yet tragic moments, linking it to modern conflicts in Afghanistan. Key figures like George Rawlinson are discussed in the context of espionage, while the disastrous retreat of British forces reveals strategic miscalculations. The conversation also reflects on Afghan resilience and highlights ongoing challenges for refugees.
37 snips
Aug 18, 2021 • 1h 7min
87. Afghanistan - Part 1
Dive into Afghanistan's rich historical tapestry, where empires rise and fall. Explore the intricate relationship between Afghanistan and British forces during the Anglo-Afghan wars. Discover the cultural impact of various empires on Afghan identity, from Alexander the Great to the Mughal Empire. Listen to stories of independence struggles, led by figures like Amanullah Khan, amid the fight for women's rights and modernization. Finally, reflect on the complex legacies of foreign intervention and the ongoing challenges faced by the nation.
71 snips
Aug 16, 2021 • 57min
86. The Enlightenment
Discover the transformative ideas of the Enlightenment, illuminating how reason, science, and revolution reshaped society. Explore the intricate ties between Enlightenment thought and Christianity, challenging traditional views. Delve into the global impact of key figures like Voltaire and Newton while uncovering paradoxes like scientific racism entwined with progress. Unearth the vibrant coffee house culture that fueled intellectual exchange and critique the contrasting philosophies of thinkers like Rousseau and Burke. It's a fascinating journey through one of history's most pivotal eras!
14 snips
Aug 12, 2021 • 56min
85. Sherlock Holmes
Dive into the enduring allure of Sherlock Holmes, as Tom and Dominic unravel why this iconic detective has captivated generations. Discover the unique dynamic between Holmes and Watson, blending brilliance with humor. Explore the cultural impact of Holmes against the backdrop of Victorian society and British imperialism. From intriguing theories about his name to Arthur Conan Doyle's multifaceted life, the conversation reveals deep insights into literature, justice, and the evolution of this legendary character.
Aug 9, 2021 • 58min
84. Exams
Daisy Christodoulou, an educationalist and founder of No More Marking, joins the discussion to unpack the gripping history of examinations. They delve into the evolution of tests from ancient China to modern standardized assessments and explore how these have shaped societal perceptions and educational practices. The conversation also touches on the debate surrounding exams' impact on creativity versus meritocracy, highlighting the tensions between traditional methods and innovative approaches. Expect humor and insights in this engaging analysis!
14 snips
Aug 5, 2021 • 1h 5min
83. The Berlin Wall
Iain MacGregor, author of "Checkpoint Charlie: The Cold War, the Berlin Wall and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth," shares his deep insights into the Berlin Wall's history. He discusses its role as a symbol of division during the Cold War and the emotional scars it left on families. MacGregor also emphasizes the ideological motivations behind its construction and the struggles for freedom faced by East Germans. He reflects on the Wall's impact on culture and the significance of preserving its memory for future generations.
57 snips
Aug 2, 2021 • 1h 4min
82. Sparta
Dive into the fascinating world of ancient Sparta, where strength and culture collide in unexpected ways. Discover the brutal realities of Spartan youth, including their infamous agogae training and the harsh treatment of helots. Explore the legendary black soup that has become a symbol of their endurance. From the heroics of Leonidas at Thermopylae to the psychological struggles of King Cleomenes, the complexities of Spartan identity reveal both valor and oppression. Plus, a humorous look at their portrayal in popular culture connects past and present.
Jul 30, 2021 • 47min
81. Modern Olympics - Part 2
Dive into the riveting world of the Modern Olympics, exploring its evolution from post-war struggles to high-stakes competition. Discover the gripping political rivalries of the Cold War and how they shaped the Games. Laugh along with stories of athletes' quirky shoe choices and the challenges of misinformation. Unpack the controversies surrounding doping and financial crises, while celebrating the resilience and inspiring personal tales of athletes. This engaging discussion highlights the profound intersection of sports, politics, and human stories that define the Olympics.
Jul 29, 2021 • 51min
80. Modern Olympics - Part 1
Discover the captivating origins of the modern Olympics, tracing back to the dramatic games in Athens. Unearth astonishing tales from the chaotic 1904 St. Louis Marathon, where competitors faced bizarre challenges. Explore personal stories of resilience from athletes like Jesse Owens and the political intrigue surrounding the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Reflect on how sports intersect with identity, societal norms, and political ideology throughout history. Each segment is packed with humorous anecdotes and thought-provoking insights!
