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 or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
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 or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
206 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 54min
524. Charlemagne: Pagan Killer (Part 2)
In the midst of the 8th century, Charlemagne embarks on ruthless military campaigns against the Saxons and Lombards following his brother's death. His ambition drives him to model himself after ancient leaders, blending warfare with a profound transformation of European society. The podcast explores Charlemagne's moral dilemmas, the pivotal role of scholar Alcuin, and the contrasting approaches to Christian conversion. Listeners are drawn into the intertwining of violence and faith, witnessing the rise of a unified Latin Christianity under his reign.
324 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 51min
523. Charlemagne: Return of the Kings (Part 1)
Dive into the staggering ascent of Charlemagne, shaped by battles, betrayals, and the quest for power. Discover how the papacy rose in authority while warring empires clashed, setting the stage for the Holy Roman Empire. Explore the dramatic sibling rivalry between Charles and Carloman, and the pivotal moments that transformed Charles into the legendary figure we now know as Charlemagne. Uncover the complexities of faith, politics, and the evolving role of bishops in medieval Europe. This historical saga is both captivating and enlightening!
132 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 60min
522. Warlords of the West: A Clash of Ice and Fire (Part 3)
Dive into the dramatic clash of the Battle of Tours as Frankish warlord Charles Martel faces the Umayyad forces. Discover how this monumental confrontation shaped European identity, viewed through differing historical lenses. Explore the rapid Muslim conquests in the Iberian Peninsula and their implications for the Christian territories. Uncover the intricate power dynamics of early medieval Gaul while connecting the battle's outcome to the rise of Charlemagne. Plus, hints of celestial omens add a quirky twist to this historical saga!
183 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h
521. Warlords of the West: Killer Queens (Part 2)
The rivalry between two formidable queens, Fredegund and Brunhild, takes center stage as ambition and betrayal fuel their conflict. Fredegund, a former slave, becomes a ruthless queen after eliminating her rival, showcasing the brutal politics of the era. Their feud reveals the treacherous dynamics of Merovingian Gaul, filled with assassination plots, vengeance, and power struggles. This gripping tale explores how their actions shaped the future of the Frankish kingdoms and highlights the harsh realities faced by powerful women in a patriarchal society.
215 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 52min
520. Warlords of the West: Barbarian Heirs of Rome (Part 1)
Dive into the captivating rise of the Franks, fierce warlords who emerged from the remnants of the Roman Empire. Discover the legendary King Charlemagne and his role in forging medieval civilization. Explore the clash of old gods with new while witnessing tales of sorcery, betrayal, and epic battles. Hear about the intriguing journey of Martin, a soldier turned saint, whose transformation altered power dynamics in Gaul. The saga intertwines history and myth, echoing the grandeur of fantasy literature.
400 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 51min
519. The World's First City
Discover the fascinating story of Uruk, the world's first city, known for its towering walls and advanced irrigation systems. Uncover how it became a cradle of urbanization, trade networks, and even early writing. Dive into the Agricultural Revolution that transformed societies, leading to permanent settlements. Explore how this magnificent city thrived and ultimately faced decline, raising questions about its mysterious fate. The legacy of Uruk reveals much about the birth of modern urban civilization and the complexities it brought.
279 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 52min
518. Nelson: The Battle of the Nile (Part 5)
On August 1, 1798, the British fleet, led by Horatio Nelson, braced for the epic Battle of the Nile against Napoleon’s forces. The atmosphere was electric as they spotted the enemy ships, foreshadowing a clash of titans. Tactical brilliance, surprise maneuvers, and the sheer brutality of war shaped this pivotal naval engagement. Amidst chaos, stories of heroism emerged, highlighting Luc Julien Joseph Casabianca's valiant stand. The aftermath saw a shift in naval power, with Napoleon acknowledging Nelson as a formidable rival, marking a turning point in European military history.
192 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 52min
517. Nelson: The Hunt for Napoleon (Part 4)
Horatio Nelson, celebrated for his courage at Cape St. Vincent, faces personal turmoil after a disastrous attack on Tenerife. As whispers of Napoleon’s growing forces surface, Nelson’s resolve strengthens. The discussion navigates his legendary status, injuries, and triumphant return to England. Listeners learn about Nelson's sympathies for mutinous sailors amid public unrest and his strategic maneuvers leading the charge to locate the elusive French fleet. The tension builds as the looming threat of Napoleon heightens the stakes in this gripping historical narrative.
146 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 39min
516. Nelson: God of War (Part 3)
A thrilling naval showdown unfolds at Cape St. Vincent, where Captain Nelson defies orders to attack the heavily armed Santísima Trinidad. The stakes are high as the British fleet faces overwhelming numbers, risking a French invasion. Amidst chaos, hear about Nelson's audacity that turns despair into triumph. Plus, explore the emotional highs and lows surrounding victory, and the unexpected bravery shown in the heat of battle. Dive into the bold tactics of this historic confrontation that reshaped naval warfare.
118 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 38min
515. Nelson: Attack the French! (Part 2)
In 1793, Horatio Nelson emerges as a passionate leader in the British Navy amidst the chaos of the French Revolutionary Wars. Discover his intense psychological journey during the Siege of Toulon, his strategic preparations on the Agamemnon, and the rivalry with Napoleon. Learn about Nelson's severe eye injury during the siege of Calvi and its implications for his future. The narrative highlights the complexities of naval warfare, local connections, and the personal dynamics influencing this tumultuous historical backdrop.
