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
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!
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.
