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
18 snips
Jan 18, 2021 • 46min
15. Walls and Borders
Delve into the fascinating history of barriers, from the Great Wall of China to modern borders. Discover the evolution of security and technology in relation to migration. Analyze the effectiveness and cultural significance of structures like the Berlin Wall. Explore the emotional implications of walls on identity and belonging, while questioning their true purpose. Lastly, examine the intriguing case of Kaliningrad, revealing how enclaves challenge our understanding of borders today.
38 snips
Jan 11, 2021 • 59min
14. Historical Fiction
The discussion dives into the intricate balance between historical accuracy and compelling storytelling in historical fiction. Key authors like Patrick O'Brien and Charles Dickens are highlighted for their impactful contributions. Themes of moral ambiguity and imperialism are explored through notable works like 'I, Claudius.' The conversation also addresses the evolving perceptions of authors' responsibilities in shaping modern history narratives. Personal anecdotes and the complexities of teaching provocative literature add depth to the conversation.
112 snips
Jan 7, 2021 • 1h 3min
13. Stephen Fry and Troy
Stephen Fry, a polymath and author of a book on the Trojan War, joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to dive into Greek myths. They explore the complex characters of the Trojan War, reflecting on how Homer's works and archaeological finds reshape historical narratives. The conversation touches on the emotional impact of classical literature, especially the Iliad, and its resonance with modern themes. Fry eloquently discusses the balance of comedy and mortality in storytelling and the enduring legacy of myths in contemporary culture.
40 snips
Jan 4, 2021 • 48min
12. Conspiracy Theories
Delve into the wild world of conspiracy theories, from historical plots to recent vaccine myths. The hosts share quirky insights into famous conspiracies like JFK’s assassination and the Watergate scandal. Explore the psychological allure behind these narratives and how they shape identity and politics. Uncover the dark roots of social media's role in spreading these tales and why they captivate us so intensely. Plus, enjoy some amusing takes on celebrity conspiracies and the impact on our cultural landscape.
53 snips
Dec 28, 2020 • 45min
11. Brexit
As Britain navigates its exit from the EU, historical parallels take center stage. The discussion dives into past events, like the Roman departure in 410 A.D., shedding light on national identity and sovereignty. Geographical influences on Britain’s sense of self are explored, along with surprising connections to Shakespeare’s characters amid modern debates. The episode highlights how historical narratives define today’s political climate, revealing the intricate relationship between Britain and Europe throughout time.
126 snips
Dec 21, 2020 • 40min
10. Christmas
Explore the origins of Christmas, from ancient festivals like Saturnalia to its commercialization today. Dive into personal stories of holiday mishaps and nostalgic traditions that embody the season's spirit. Unravel the contrasting Nativity narratives in the Gospels and their deeper meanings. Discover how the holiday evolved through history, the influence of iconic figures, and the significance of Christmas truces during World War I, showcasing moments of humanity amid conflict. It's a journey through time, laughter, and heartfelt reflections!
156 snips
Dec 14, 2020 • 46min
9. Causes of the First World War
Delve into the intricate web of alliances that pulled Britain into World War I, sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The naval arms race between Britain and Germany reveals rising tensions, underscored by fears of imperial decline. Discover the psychological mindset of leaders and the military calculations leading to inevitable conflict. The legacy of the war in art and media questions its necessity while revealing veterans' complex reactions. Finally, explore common misconceptions about the war’s nature, contrasting naïve perceptions with harsh realities.
56 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.
102 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.
