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
43 snips
Feb 22, 2021 • 54min
25. Empires
Dive into the enduring debate on whether the age of empires has truly ended. Explore the moral complexities and historical definitions of empires, from ancient Egypt to the Ottoman and British realms. Discover how these legacies have shaped modern views on power and identity. The discussion also challenges conventional notions of governance and colonialism, pondering the future of political structures like the European Union. All this, sprinkled with humor and insightful reflections on how technology might redefine empires today.
5 snips
Feb 18, 2021 • 48min
24. Sex in the City
Join Hallie Rubenhold, a celebrated historian specializing in 18th and 19th-century British sexual dynamics, as she uncovers the secrets of love and lust from the past. She delves into the lives of courtesans and their powerful narratives, shedding light on the memoirs of sex workers that reveal harsh realities yet empower women's voices. Explore the evolution of sexual norms across classes, the societal struggles surrounding pregnancy, and how public perceptions of women's sexuality shifted dramatically over the centuries.
Feb 15, 2021 • 47min
23. The 90s
Dive into the colorful chaos of the 1990s! Explore the rise of iconic figures like Tony Blair and unexpected cultural phenomena such as Mr. Blobby. Reflect on the profound impact of Princess Diana's death and the quirks of lesser-known conflicts. Engage in a lighthearted debate about the decade's relevance while recalling nostalgic fashion and shifts in mental health awareness. Plus, discover how decisions around currency shaped Britain's future, linking the past to the present in a hilariously insightful way!
34 snips
Feb 11, 2021 • 46min
22. Weird Wars
Dive into the quirkiest conflicts in history! From the absurd War of Jenkins' Ear to the laughable Emu War, explore the strange but true tales of warfare. Discover how battles were driven by bizarre motivations and examine the peculiarities behind lesser-known wars. The hosts serve a mix of humor and insight as they unwrap these odd narratives, demonstrating the complexities of military history and its often absurd nature. Prepare for a fascinating journey through the oddities of war!
67 snips
Feb 8, 2021 • 43min
21. The History of the Future
Explore humanity's obsession with predicting the future, from ancient Greek oracles to modern scientific projections. Delve into the contrasting perceptions of time throughout history, shaped by crises like climate change. Discover how literature reflects evolving narratives, swinging between utopia and dystopia. Engage with philosophical struggles and the significance of mental health support. Finally, reflect on historical forewarnings about civilizational decline and the shifting geopolitical landscape between East and West.
121 snips
Feb 4, 2021 • 59min
20. China
Michael Wood, a renowned broadcaster and expert in Chinese history, shares fascinating insights with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. They explore the significant events that shaped China’s 4,000-year narrative, including the Opium Wars and their impact on modern identity. The birth of the Chinese Communist Party and the complex legacy of Chairman Mao take center stage, revealing how historical perceptions influence contemporary politics. Together, they unravel how Confucian values contribute to governance and stability amid rapid modernization.
24 snips
Feb 1, 2021 • 52min
19. King Arthur
The podcast delves into the enigmatic legend of King Arthur, questioning whether he is history or myth. Humorous analysis reveals Arthur's complex origins and the cultural significance of his story during turbulent times. Tintagel shines as a focal point for Arthurian claims, linking him to both Cornish and Breton heritage. The iconic sword Excalibur is explored, revealing its power symbol status and impact on modern narratives. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on Arthur's lasting influence and invites contemplation on what he represents today.
8 snips
Jan 28, 2021 • 55min
18. The North South Divide
Join Dan Jackson, author of "The Northumbrians" and former advisor to Cheryl Cole, as he discusses the intricate North-South divide in England with hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. They explore whether Northerners feel more akin to Scots and Welsh than to Londoners. Dan shares insights on regional identities, the historical influences of the Danelaw, and how words like 'dinner' and 'tea' vary by area. The conversation humorously weaves together meal traditions and cultural tensions, shedding light on England's rich tapestry of heritage.
68 snips
Jan 25, 2021 • 49min
17. Fascism
The discussion dives into the intriguing origins of fascism, highlighting its emergence in post-World War I Italy under Mussolini and the allure of Roman symbolism. An exploration of modernist literature reveals its surprising connections to fascist ideologies and Nietzsche's philosophy. Humorously contrasting contemporary clothing choices, the speakers tackle serious questions about fascism's relevance today. They also clarify the differences between fascism and authoritarianism, reflecting on their historical impacts and the ethical responsibilities of historians.
125 snips
Jan 21, 2021 • 51min
16. Pompeii
Join Dr. Sophie Hay, a leading expert and archaeologist with 25 years at Pompeii, as she unravels the mysteries of this ancient city. She discusses the vibrant daily life before the eruption, the rich tapestry of social dynamics, and the ethical dilemmas of interpreting erotic art and preserved victims. Exciting recent discoveries, like an ancient bar with culinary delights, also highlight ongoing excavations. The conversation touches on the complexities of blending tourism with research and what Pompeii reveals about our history.
