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
32 snips
Jul 26, 2021 • 57min
79. Ancient Olympics
Dive into the chaotic world of the Ancient Olympics, where athletes competed nude and glory often came with a side of violence. Discover the heroic yet brutal stories behind Greek superstars like Pelops and the political significance of the Olympic truce. Uncover the hidden struggles of women and the societal norms they challenged, along with the dark legacies that cloud these ancient games. The past and present clash as the podcast explores the evolving ideals of competition and camaraderie, and how modern sports compare in spirit and commercialization.
Jul 22, 2021 • 46min
78. Statues: Parliament Square
Dive into the intriguing world of statues at Parliament Square! Explore the debate surrounding Winston Churchill's memorial, highlighting its complex legacy in today’s society. Discover the underrepresentation of influential leaders like Atlee and Callaghan, and the need for more diverse representation. Reflect on the importance of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in a space steeped in colonial history. Enjoy a humorous take on British kings and their quirks, all wrapped up in lively banter!
Jul 20, 2021 • 34min
77. Statues: Whitehall
Join the hosts as they navigate the intriguing world of Whitehall's statues, featuring war leaders and infamous royals. They humorously unpack the legacy of figures like George, Duke of Cambridge, questioning the merits of memorializing 'useless' historical personalities. The conversation delves into the deeper significance of the Cenotaph and the complex narratives surrounding statues like Boudica. Expect lively debates on who truly deserves to be honored in the kingdom, all wrapped up in a mix of keen analysis and entertaining banter.
Jul 19, 2021 • 39min
76. Statues: Trafalgar Square
Join Tom and Dominic on a historical walking tour of Trafalgar Square, where they uncover the intriguing stories behind its famous statues. They tackle the cultural significance of figures like Nelson and Charles I, while also diving into the debates surrounding public monuments and societal values. With humor, they discuss the extravagant breakfast of the Duke of Wellington and the complexities of memorializing historical figures. The conversation navigates the intersection of history and modern perspectives, making for an enlightening and entertaining exploration.
65 snips
Jul 15, 2021 • 1h 3min
75. The East India Company
William Dalrymple, a renowned historian specializing in Indian and British history, joins the discussion to unravel the intriguing tale of the East India Company. He explores how a mere handful of corrupt merchants expanded a global empire from London, delving into their rise after the pivotal Battle of Plassey. Dalrymple sheds light on the transformation from a trading entity to a ruling power, highlighting the consequences of their exploitation on India and how their decline set the stage for burgeoning anti-colonial movements.
43 snips
Jul 12, 2021 • 55min
74. The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Delve into the dramatic lives of Henry VIII's six wives, each wielding influence in their tumultuous marriages. From Anne Boleyn’s pivotal role in the Reformation to Catherine of Aragon’s resilience, their stories reveal intense political and personal struggles. Laugh along as the hosts whimsically debate which queen would thrive on a modern reality show. Explore the intriguing dynamics between the wives, their cultural impact, and the tragic fate of characters like Catherine Howard in this engaging blend of history and humor.
11 snips
Jul 9, 2021 • 1h 2min
73. England v Italy
The podcast dives into England's historical and cultural rivalry with Italy, tracing influences from the Roman era to modern times. It recounts a thrilling football clash, weaving in vibrant national pride and dramatic sporting moments. The discussion broadens to explore the Grand Tour's impact on British culture, including cuisine and fashion. Notably, it highlights the intertwined legacies of figures like Garibaldi and the evolution of attitudes during pivotal historical events. Humor and reflections on masculinity enrich the cultural tapestry shared.
39 snips
Jul 8, 2021 • 59min
72. The Vietnam War
Join Andrew Preston, a Cambridge University Professor of American History, as he discusses the Vietnam War's complex legacy. They explore how the war divided America, shedding light on Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign and the anti-war movement. Preston emphasizes the war's roots in colonialism and contrasts U.S. and Vietnamese perspectives. The moral ramifications of military actions are examined, along with the transformative impact of media on public perception, culminating in a lively comparison of 'The Deer Hunter' and 'Apocalypse Now'.
11 snips
Jul 6, 2021 • 60min
71. England v Denmark
In a lively discussion, the hosts delve into the fascinating Anglo-Danish history, from Viking invasions to royal entanglements. They explore peculiar events like the siege of Wilton and the tumultuous marriage of James VI and Anne of Denmark. Listeners learn about the cultural legacies that shaped both nations, including the quirky role of royal dogs. With insights on historical battles and modern parallels, the conversation balances depth with humor, all while reflecting on the enduring ties between England and Denmark.
Jul 5, 2021 • 46min
70. Children’s History
Discover the challenges of writing history books for kids, focusing on engaging storytelling that captures their interest. Explore how authors tackle sensitive topics like World War II and the Holocaust while keeping narratives relatable. Dive into reflections on the historical context of violence among young boys and the vital role of support systems in mental health. The discussion highlights the balance between appealing tales and the serious nature of historical facts, making learning about the past both engaging and educational.
