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
44 snips
Dec 7, 2020 • 44min
8. The Echo of a Coffee House
The impact of social media on society is compared to historical innovations, like the printing press. The conversation ties Martin Luther’s influence during the Reformation to today’s culture wars and cancel culture. Ancient practices of ostracism in Athens mirror modern cancel culture. Humorous insights into future food choices, such as vegetarianism, highlight shifting societal values. The discussion also touches on evolving attitudes toward homosexuality since its decriminalization, emphasizing how societal norms transform over time.
69 snips
Nov 30, 2020 • 48min
7. The Lessons of History
Can we truly learn from history, or do we repeat our mistakes? The conversation dives into iconic moments, like the failed invasions of Russia, highlighting the hubris of leaders throughout time. From the heroism debates in the Iliad to the complexities of financial challenges across civilizations, the hosts inject humor while tackling the nuances of learning from the past. They explore how cultural influences shape societies, leaving us to ponder whether clear lessons can be drawn from history in our modern context.
94 snips
Nov 23, 2020 • 39min
6. Troy
Did the legendary Trojan War really happen or was it just a myth? Discover the political legacy of leaders like Margaret Thatcher in the context of ancient battles. Explore how Alexander the Great connected with the tale, visiting Achilles's tomb. Uncover the contrasts between historical accounts and archaeological evidence regarding Troy. Delve into the tragedy of Achilles and the influential beauty of figures like Helen of Troy. Finally, reflect on the portrayal of suffering in Greek tragedy and its impact on modern views of war.
43 snips
Nov 16, 2020 • 41min
5. 1981
Revisit the tumultuous year of 1981 in Britain, marked by high unemployment and urban riots under a controversial prime minister. Discover how the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana provided a glimmer of joy amidst national strife. Explore the connection between historical events and pop culture, as music and media reflect the era's political unrest. Delve into the legacy of key figures like Margaret Thatcher and the resilience of ordinary people during chaotic times. It’s a fascinating look at how history shapes identity.
70 snips
Nov 9, 2020 • 37min
4. We’re all so 17th Century
The podcast dives into eerie parallels between today's world and the chaotic 17th century. Plague and pestilence make a comeback in discussions, alongside humorous comparisons of modern leaders to historical figures like Oliver Cromwell. The conversation expands to encompass political divisions, societal upheaval, and the influence of media. Personal stories emphasize the importance of support systems and mental health, while engaging anecdotes about fashion add a lighthearted touch. Essential 17th-century literature recommendations round out this intriguing exploration.
117 snips
Nov 9, 2020 • 39min
3. Is Trump Caesar or Nixon?
The podcast dives into the intriguing comparison between Donald Trump and historical figures like Julius Caesar and Richard Nixon. It humorously analyzes Trump's reaction to Joe Biden's election and reflects on the scandalous exits of both leaders from the White House. The conversation also connects ancient Roman political practices to modern American governance, highlighting themes of populism and power. Discussions about Trump’s lasting political legacy and potential legal challenges round out this captivating examination of contemporary politics.
187 snips
Nov 2, 2020 • 39min
2. Civil War
Explore what ignites civil wars and the fragile nature of democracy. Historians dissect profound societal tensions that have led to neighbor killing neighbor, from ancient times to modern examples like Yugoslavia and Spain. They examine the disillusionment of youth, the role of unemployment in unrest, and how climate change could trigger future conflicts. With reflections on current political divides and events like Brexit, the discussion offers a thought-provoking look at the potential for modern societies to descend into chaos.
201 snips
Nov 2, 2020 • 33min
1. Greatness
The hosts explore what it means to be 'great' throughout history. They debate figures from Nero to Churchill, contrasting ancient ideals of power with modern views emphasizing morality. The discussion touches on contemporary leaders like Trump and Putin, and the complexities of political legacy. They also examine cultural differences in the perception of greatness, such as Western versus Chinese ideologies. Throughout, the conversation challenges the notion of greatness and its implications in today's society.
14 snips
Oct 28, 2020 • 4min
Trailer
Two historians explore the quirks of history, starting with the unexpected significance of footwear influenced by figures like Kaiser Wilhelm II. They delve into the intriguing idea of political apathy, highlighting how disengagement has sometimes led to more peaceful outcomes compared to those embroiled in conflict. From Greatness in history to unlikely comparisons of leaders like Nixon to Caligula, their witty banter brings a fresh perspective to the past.
