Not Just the Tudors

In the final episode of her short series on the Habsburg dynasty, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb turns to one of the most fascinating and misunderstood rulers of early modern Europe: Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. Often remembered—if at all—as the "mad emperor" who withdrew from politics and lost his grip on power, Rudolf’s story is far richer than the stereotype. Instead of governing from Vienna or Madrid, he relocated his imperial court to Prague, transforming it into a dazzling hub of art, science, alchemy, and astrology. Was he truly unfit to rule, or has history been unfair? Suzannah is joined by Professor Thomas Kaufmann to re-examine Rudolf II's reign not as decline, but as a bold, eccentric vision of imperial rule during a turbulent age of religious wars, Protestant uprisings, Ottoman expansion, and dynastic rivalries.MORE:Rise of the HabsburgsChales V, Habsburg Holy Roman EmperorPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb engages in a captivating conversation with award-winning dramatist Liz Duffy Adams about the new Royal Shakespeare production of her play Born With Teeth, which imagines a thrilling collaboration between William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. Suzannah and Liz delve into the fiery dynamics of the two men's relationship and the influence of politics on their works.Shakespeare and Marlowe existed under a time of oppressive royal censorship, when displeasing the crown would mean a trip to the Tower, or worse. How did they balance this struggle for truth and creativity amid the palpable danger?Extracts from Born With Teeth by Liz Duffy Adams, performed by Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel, courtesy of Royal Shakespeare CompanyMORE:Murder of Christopher MarloweShakespeare's Son Hamnet with Maggie O'FarrellPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle. Edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Natalie Donnell sheds light on the often-overlooked Habsburg women who wielded power in the Netherlands. She discusses the formidable Mary of Burgundy, who confronted French aggression, and Margaret of Austria, who raised Charles V. The conversation dives into the complexities of female regents like Mary of Hungary, navigating political turbulence with skill and resilience. Donnell reveals how these women shaped political landscapes, proving that behind every dynasty, there’s a matriarch quietly steering the course of history.

With six wives, Henry VIII must have had something going for him, right? Was he handsome? Charming? Intelligent? Just plain powerful? In this episode, the tables are turned on Professor Suzannah Lipscomb as she becomes the guest of Dr. Kate Lister on our sister podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. Together they discuss the vanity of Henry VIII, his sporting prowess, and his injuries. Listen to discover just how terrible this Tudor king smelt.MORE:Sex and the TudorsHenry VIII's Billionaire WardrobeHear more intimate stories that would make your history teacher blush, on Betwixt the Sheets: the History of Sex, Scandal and SocietyPresented by Dr. Kate Lister. Edited by Tim Arstall and Amy Haddow. The producers are Sophie Gee and Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of our special Habsburg dynasty series, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by renowned historian Professor Geoffrey Parker to uncover the extraordinary life of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor—once hailed as the “Monarch of the World.”By the time he abdicated in 1556, Charles presided over the first truly global empire, stretching from the Netherlands and Spain to Austria, Naples, and the Americas, including Peru and the New World. As King of Spain, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, and Lord of the Netherlands, Charles' titles only hinted at the scale of his power.Yet behind the grandeur lay contradictions: a ruler torn between faith and politics, unity and fragmentation, ambition and exhaustion. Drawing on decades of research and thousands of surviving documents, Professor Parker paints a vivid portrait of Charles V’s reign—one that defined 16th-century Europe and shaped the course of world history.MORE:When Women Ruled the Low CountriesIsabel & Ferdinand: Renaissance Power CouplePresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Elizabeth Goldring, a Renaissance scholar, and Emma Rutherford, an expert on portrait miniatures, dive into a newly discovered painting that may unveil secrets of Shakespeare's intimate poetry. They explore the androgynous figure possibly representing Henry Wriothesley, Shakespeare's patron, suggesting a deeper connection to his sonnets. The discussion highlights gender roles in Elizabethan art and literature, unraveling themes of love and identity while challenging traditional perceptions of Shakespeare’s relationships and muse.

In this insightful discussion, Professor Martyn Rady, a leading expert on Central European history and author of *The Habsburgs*, delves into the incredible journey of the Habsburg dynasty from modest origins to imperial dominance. He explores their ingenious strategic marriages, which expanded their influence across Europe, and the darker impacts of inbreeding on their lineage. The conversation also highlights the Habsburgs' intricate governance strategies and their rivalry with the Ottoman Empire during a transformative period in history.

In this engaging discussion, historian Ted Vallance unpacks the tumultuous clash between King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil Wars. He explores the unprecedented trial and execution of Charles, emphasizing the collapse of the divine right of kings. Vallance vividly recounts the pivotal battles that led to this historic moment and the radical shift toward parliamentary governance. The conversation highlights the lasting significance of these events in shaping modern democratic ideals, making history resonate with today’s audience.

Historian Jonathan Healy shares fascinating insights into the English Civil War, shedding light on the financial and political machinations of King Charles I's reign. He discusses the complex interplay of religious and political tensions that ignited conflict across England, Scotland, and Ireland. Key events like the power struggles with Parliament and the pivotal battles at Edge Hill and Marston Moor showcase how these confrontations reshaped the monarchy. Healy also explores the emergence of the New Model Army and its significant political implications.

The rich and powerful Guise family was one of the most treacherous and bloodthirsty in sixteenth-century France. They whipped up religious bigotry, overthrowing the king. They ruled Scotland for nearly 20 years through Mary Queen of Scots, plotting to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth I. And they unleashed the bloody Wars of Religion, playing a crucial role in the murder of 4,000 Protestants in the infamous Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre.In this final episode for Not Just the Tudors' Tudor True Crime month, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks to Professor Stuart Carroll - author of Martyrs and Murderers: The Guise Family and the Making of Europe - about this cultivated, charismatic and violent dynasty.MORE:Catherine d'Medici: Serpent Queen >Mary Queen of Scots' Lost Letters Decoded >Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Edited by Stuart Beckwith and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.