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
233 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
567. The Great Northern War: Murder in Moscow (Part 4)
Peter the Great's reign transformed Russia into a European power but came at a personal cost. The podcast explores his eccentric court, highlighted by a humorous dwarf wedding that marked the absurdity of his rule. Tensions rise as Peter's relationship with his son Alexis turns tragic, culminating in a harrowing tale of betrayal and manipulation. The dramatic pursuit of Alexis, who fled to Vienna, underscores the fragility of loyalty and power in a turbulent era, providing a poignant reflection on the dark side of familial ties and authority.
169 snips
May 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
566. The Great Northern War: Slaughter on the Steppes (Part 3)
Discover the gripping tale of the Battle of Poltava, a turning point in European history. Learn about Charles XII's audacious invasion of Russia and the intense challenges faced by his Swedish troops. Explore the chaos following the battle and the impact on Peter the Great's reforms. A humorous encounter of Peter at a German spa adds levity amid the turmoil of war. Imagine a world where Sweden triumphed and the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically. The richly woven narratives are both dramatic and enlightening.
235 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
565. The Great Northern War: Revenge of the Cossacks (Part 2)
Dive into the turmoil of the Great Northern War as Peter the Great faces brutal winter and fierce battles against Sweden. Discover the dramatic betrayal of Ukrainian Cossack leader Ivan Mazepa, whose alliance with Sweden shifts the war's fate. The struggles of the Swedish army reveal the human costs of combat, while royal resolve shines through as Charles XII defies his injuries to inspire his troops. The impending clash at Poltava looms large, shaping the destinies of two mighty monarchs in a historic showdown.
447 snips
May 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
564. The Great Northern War: The Battle of the Baltic (Part 1)
Dive into the Great Northern War, where the fierce rivalry between Sweden's Charles XII and Russia's Peter the Great shook Europe. Discover early miscalculations that led to brutal losses for Denmark. Uncover the havoc caused by Peter's Cossacks in the Baltic and the surprisingly romantic twist of Peter’s marriage to a farm girl. Explore innovative military tactics, the strategic ambitions of both leaders, and the transformative impacts on their nations during this tumultuous period.
199 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
563. Peter the Great: Bloodbath in the Kremlin (Part 2)
Dive into the wild escapades of Peter the Great during his unconventional youth in Europe. Discover the antics of his 'Jolly Company' and how these hedonistic pursuits shaped his future as Tsar. Uncover his strategic ambitions to modernize the Russian Navy while cleverly navigating complex political landscapes incognito. From chaotic encounters in London to his controversial reforms, including the shaving of beards, experience the dramatic personal and political upheavals that led to the Great Northern War.
372 snips
May 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
562. Peter the Great: The Rise of Russia (Part 1)
Delve into the bloody early life of Peter the Great, marked by palace coups and political intrigue. Discover how a violent uprising shaped his destiny and the Russian court's power dynamics. Hear about his transformative experiences that laid the groundwork for his leadership during the Great Northern War. Explore his dramatic rise from childhood ambitions to military innovations as he established Russia's superpower status. This tumultuous tale blends bloodshed, ambition, and the quest for national identity, setting the stage for a legendary reign.
227 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
561. The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)
Dive into the captivating world of Imperial Japan's Heian period, where women wielded pen and poetry to navigate courtly intrigues and societal norms. Explore the sharp wit of Sei Shōnagon, whose observations in 'The Pillow Book' illuminate the elegance and hidden perils of court life. Discover the interplay of fashion, identity, and power among female authors, and unravel the complex relationships that shaped their literary legacies. This vibrant discussion reveals the beauty and impermanence that defined an era of profound cultural significance.
268 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 54min
560. The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)
Dive into the splendor of Imperial Japan, where court intrigue and artistry flourished. Discover the enigmatic figure of Genji and his tumultuous relationships, especially with the brilliant Lady Murasaki, who defied norms to author a timeless literary gem. The episode explores the profound impact of 'The Tale of Genji' on Japanese culture and its feminist undertones, revealing the struggles and innovations of women in a male-dominated society. With cultural echoes of China and themes of love and loss, the narrative unfolds the exquisite, complex world of 11th-century Japan.
73 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
559. The Rolling Stones: Satanic Majesties of Sixties Rebellion (Part 2)
The podcast dives deep into the chaotic world of the Rolling Stones during the late 1960s. It explores the band's brush with the law, cultural backlash, and the infamous Altamont concert that marked a turning point in rock history. Brian Jones's mysterious death is also examined, revealing the dark side of fame and fortune. Listeners learn how the Stones navigated a turbulent landscape of psychedelic music and shifting societal norms, contrasting their rebellious lifestyle with that of their contemporaries, like the Beatles.
151 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 1h 8min
558. The Rolling Stones: Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 1)
Discover the rebellious origins of The Rolling Stones and what set them apart from The Beatles. The band’s rise in the turbulent 1960s, marked by sexual liberation and youth culture, is explored in depth. Brian Jones' complex persona is dissected, revealing his brilliance and struggles. The narrative dives into their early days, how management shaped their trajectory, and the notorious incidents that solidified their infamy. Join a captivating discussion about music and cultural impact that defined an era.
