The Rest Is History

303: The Bloodiest Crusade

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thought by some as the first genocide in Europe, the Albigensian Crusade was the bloodiest crusade in history. Following the Mystery of the Cathars an...

302: The Mystery of the Cathars

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Was the Catholic Church Europe’s first revolutionary group? How are the Cathars linked to the genesis of genocide? Where does the term crusade come ...

301: The Real Da Vinci Code

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Secret societies, Jesus' ancient bloodline, Catholic conspirators; all backed up by documents in the Bibliothèque Nationale. It must be true, mustn’...

300: The Real Downton Abbey

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Edwardian Britain: Domestic service is at its peak. However, as Britain modernises, things were about to change. Tom and Dominic are joined by Lucy L...

299: The Greatest Female Pharaoh

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"One of the greatest rulers to have ever lived" - Tom Holland. But how much do you know about Hatshepsut? And how did she propel herself from regent t...

298: The Nazis: Total Power (Part 4)

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hitler is chancellor, but he is not yet all-powerful. How does he go from becoming the leader of the Reichstag, to an unshackled dictator with nothing...

297: The Nazis: Hitler's Triumph (Part 3)

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wall Street crashes. The German economy capitulates and governments start to fall. Backroom deals and political scheming come to the fore. Join Tom an...

296: The Nazis: The Beer Hall Putsch (Part 2)

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

German hyperinflation. The Beer Hall Putsch. Hitler’s trial. Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the Nazis in the early 1920s as the Weimar Republi...

295: The Rise of the Nazis (Part 1)

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Where do the origins of Nazism lie? The Second Reich? Hitler’s time in Vienna? The First World War? Join Tom and Dominic in the first of their four-...

294: Lady Jane Grey: The Axe Falls (Part 2)

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

‘It had the alchemy of a bitter Tory leadership race’. Reigning for the shortest period of any British monarch, can Lady Jane even be considered...

293: Lady Jane Grey: The Nine Days' Queen (Part 1)

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Edward VI is dead - but who will succeed him on the throne?  In the first of two episodes, Tom and Dominic discuss the succession question that sur...

292: The Shadow of the Holocaust

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our second episode exploring the story of Rudolf Vrba, Jonathan Freedland joins Tom and Dominic again, to discuss the global reaction to the Vrba–...

291: The Man Who Escaped Auschwitz

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Dominic are joined by Jonathan Freedland to discuss the incredible story of Rudolf Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler, who escaped from Auschwitz in Apr...

290: 2022: A History

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic for the final episode of 2022 in which they discuss the historical importance of this year. What will historians of the future re...

289: Drink

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For a festive special, Tom and Dominic are joined by author and alcohol historian Henry Jeffreys to discuss some Christmassy tipples, from sherry to p...

288: Jesus Christ: The History (Part 2)

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic for the second of two episodes on 'Historical Jesus'. They discuss scepticism around his existence, the theories about resurrecti...

287: Jesus Christ: The Mystery (Part 1)

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

*The Rest Is History Live Tour April 2023*: Tom and Dominic are going on tour in April 2023 and performing in London, Edinburgh, and Salford! Buy your...

286: England: Beef and Liberty

18 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

England: Roast Beef and Liberty While it has now been dethroned by the mighty Tikka Masala and the moreish fish and chips, Britain's most iconic di...

285: Canada: Beaver Wars

17 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Canada: Beaver Wars Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the illustrious history of the beaver. This story intertwines these small bundles of fur with...

284: Denmark: The Great Escape

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Denmark: The Great Escape In today's episode, Tom and Dominic look at the story of how the vast majority of Denmark's Jewish population survived the ...

283: Ecuador: Darwin's Adventure to the Galapagos

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ecuador: Darwin's Adventure to the Galapagos Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Charles Darwin's time in Ecuador, where his observation of Finches, ...

282: Morocco: The Rif War

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Morocco: The Rif War In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the Rif War, predecessor to the Spanish Civil War, set in 1920s Morocco, featuring Fr...

281: Spain: The Caliphate of Córdoba

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Tom and Dominic are in Islamic Spain discussing Roman conquests, melancholy Emirs and vibrant harems... Don't miss the extraordinary story of t...

280: Serbia: The Birthplace of Civilisation

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A little known story. Serbia, the home to one of the first great civilisations. They had the first written scripts, they smelted copper before anyone ...

279: Cameroon: The Slave General of Peter the Great

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s World Cup special on Cameroon, Tom and Dominic tell the fascinating story of “probably the most famous Cameroonian to become a Russian ...

278: France: The Mystery of Le Prince

10 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic explore the origins of the motion-picture camera, a device invented by "gentle giant" Louis Le Prince, who's œuvr...

277: Japan: Samurai and Shoguns

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the history of Japan through six characters, with leading cultural historian of Japan, Chris Harding, as t...

276: Netherlands: The Maid of Holland

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic as, for the first time ever, they dip their toes into the Dutch republic. They discuss the Maid of Holland, who as both a warrior...

275: Argentina: The Welsh Colony

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why are there Welsh speakers born in Argentina? Join Tom and Dominic to understand the fascinating and unlikely story of a Welsh colony in the Souther...

274: Switzerland: Calvin's Cancel Culture

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Tom and Dominic are in 16th century Calvinist Geneva, where Michael Servetus is being condemned for heresy. Execution, imprisonment, treachery ...

273: Portugal: The Carnation Revolution

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's World Cup episode, Tom and Dominic return to the history of Portugal to discuss military coups, defence of dictatorship, Castro in Cuba, ...

272: Senegal: The Door of No Return

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the Senegalese island of Gorée, and its complex relationship with the transatlantic slave trade. They loo...

271: Belgium: History's Greatest Artist

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who is the greatest artist of all time? Join Tom and Dominic as Belgian historian Bart van Loo puts forward the case for the hyper-realistic and highl...

270: Poland: Copernicus, the Dragon and the Salt Mine

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic as they explore the seven wonders of Poland. Hear all about Krakus the dragon-slayer, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, "Kaiser soup", th...

269: Ghana: The Ashanti Empire

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's World Cup episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the Ashanti Empire. Tune in to hear about the Anglo-Ashanti wars, the Golden Stool, the role of...

268: Brazil: The Last Emperor

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As promised during the Portugal mini-series, Tom and Dominic are returning to Brazil to discuss its history post-independence. This episode will focus...

267: Wales: The Roar of the Red Dragon

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are the origins of Wales? And how do the Welsh define themselves against Englishness? As England play Wales in the World Cup today, Tom and Domin...

266: South Korea: The Riddle of Hwang Jini

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic on their journey to the 16th century Korean peninsula, as they discuss Hwang Jini - a gisaeng, poet, and entertainer - and her e...

265: Saudi Arabia: The Mystery of the Kaaba

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic for their World Cup episode on Saudi Arabia, where they discuss 'the most famous structure in global Islam' - the Kaaba in Mecc...

264: Mexico: Day of the Dead

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the Day of the Dead you eat pan de muerto and exchange calaveras with your friends. This celebration is often claimed to have its roots in ancient ...

263: USA vs England: The 200-Year Rivalry

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's World Cup special, Anglo-American relations are at their most tense, as the USA and England take to the football/soccer pitch. Join Tom an...

262: Tunisia: Dido of Carthage

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic as they tell the story of the tragic heroine of Virgil’s Aeneid - Dido of Carthage. Listen as they discuss the origins of Carth...

261: Uruguay: The Tupamaros

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In 1963, with the influence of the Cuban Revolution strong in South America, the left wing guerrilla group the Tupamaros emerged. Listen to tales of k...

260: Croatia: The Man Who Saved The Roman Empire

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"In conditions of chaos, people from outside the Roman social elite can rise to the top." Join Tom and Dominic for their World Cup episode on Croati...

259. Iran: England - 'The Little Satan'

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the day of England vs. Iran, Tom and Dominic are joined by friend of the show, Ali Ansari, to discuss Anglo-Iranian relations.  Tune in to hear s...

258. Costa Rica: Civil War

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic as they continue the World Cup series by discussing the Costa Rican Civil War. This event is filled with tremendous characters, i...

257. Australia: The Mystery of the Somerton Man

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s Australian-themed World Cup episode, Tom leads us through the incredible true story of the Somerton Man, a murder mystery that involves ...

256. Germany: The White Rose

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Since the conquest of Poland, 300,000 Jews have been murdered in this country in the most bestial way ... The German people slumber on in dull, stu...

255. Qatar: A History

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It is finally here. Tom and Dominic are embarking upon their mighty World Cup themed extravaganza. Every day they will be releasing a new episode, eac...

254. The World Cup: The Falklands, despots, and corruption (Part 3)

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In their last episode on the World Cup, Tom and Dominic are joined by the face of football, Gary Lineker. They discuss England playing Argentina in th...

253. The World Cup: Post-war reconciliation, Brazilian dictatorship, and North Koreans in Middlesbrough (Part 2)

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the second episode of The Rest Is History's definitive guide to the history of the FIFA World Cup. In this episode, Tom and Dominic discuss...

252. The World Cup: British Imperialism, South American rivalries, and Mussolini (Part 1)

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Rest Is History's definitive guide to the history of the FIFA World Cup, which looks past the football and uncovers the personalities, ...

History's coming home... (preview)

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Forget the football, the next month's entertainment is coming from The Rest is History! Join Tom and Dominic over the coming weeks as they embark on ...

251. Alfred the Great: Return of the King (Part 2)

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Battling with the expanding power of the Vikings, listen to Tom and Dominic discover how King Alfred the Great earned his name in the second instalmen...

250. Alfred the Great: Fury of the Vikings (Part 1)

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alfred the Great is under invasion from the Vikings. Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Alfred's anointment by the Pope in Rome, his duality as bot...

249. Treason in Modern Britain (Part 2)

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic for the second part of their exploration of the history of treason. How has the 1351 treason act impacted Britain and the world s...

248. Medieval Treason (Part 1)

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic at the National Archives as they explore the history of treason in Britain, going right back to the 1351 treason act. How has tre...

247. Monty & Patton vs. the Nazis

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do commanders matter? Were the British generals effective or "foppish"? How did the Allies rebound from huge losses such as the Battle of Dunkirk to...

246. The Fall of Liz Truss

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After just 45 days, Liz Truss has resigned. Join Tom and Dominic for this special episode to discuss her place in history. Is she Britain's worst eve...

245. Trafalgar: Victory (Part 3)

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode Tom and Dominic discuss the legendary Battle of Trafalgar. Despite being outnumbered and facing the biggest ship in the world, N...

244. Trafalgar: Countdown to Annihilation (Part 2)

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the second episode of Tom and Dominic's Trafalgar trilogy, the stakes could not be higher. They discuss: Napoleon's plan to invade Britain (and the...

243. Trafalgar: A World at War (Part 1)

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Was the Battle of Trafalgar the most decisive battle of the 19th century? Join Tom and Dominic as they embark on a three part series discussing this ...

242. French History on Film

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Dominic welcome film critic Muriel Zagha to discuss the home of cinema, France, and its history through ten films, spanning from Vercingétori...

241. Young Churchill: Prisoner and Fugitive (Part 3)

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the final instalment of our series on Young Churchill, learn how Churchill escaped a prisoner of war camp in the Boer War, becoming an imperialist ...

240. Young Churchill: Soldier of Empire (Part 2)

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Tom and Dominic in the second episode of our mini-series on Young Churchill as they dive into his imperial exploits. From Cuba to Sudan, they exp...

239: Young Churchill: Born to Lead (Part 1)

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

‘The child is the father of the man.’ In the first episode of this mini-series on Young Churchill, Tom and Dominic explore the early life of Wins...

238. The Regency Revolution

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How were the bonnets, corsets, and empire line dresses of the Regency period expressive of a revolutionary era? In this episode, Tom Holland and Domi...

237. Marilyn Monroe

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Actress, singer, model and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe has long been associated with old school Hollywood glamour and American pop culture. But why is s...

236. China and World War II (Part 2)

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Dominic welcome back special guest Rana Mitter to discuss China's position during World War Two. This episode covers the Rape of Nanjing ...

235. China and World War II (Part 1)

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Friend of the show Rana Mitter joins Tom and Dominic this week to discuss the role of China in the Second World War. In the first of two episode...

234. Germans Behaving Badly

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why is modern society so self-obsessed? The answer may be found in a group of late 18th century German rebels, including the writer Goethe and playwr...

233. The Loch Ness Monster

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does the Loch Ness Monster exist? When was the first mention of it recorded in history? And who are the people who have claimed to have seen it? Join...

232. Queen Elizabeth II (Part 2)

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In February 1952, on the death of her father King George VI, the 25-year-old Elizabeth became Queen. During her long reign she was served by 15 Prime ...

231. Queen Elizabeth II (Part 1)

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The death of the Queen at the age of 96 brings to an end seven decades of her reign over Britain and the Commonwealth. In the first of a two-part seri...

230. Portugal: Football, Fado, and Fascism? (Part 4)

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the final chapter of this series on the history of Portugal, Tom and Dominic explore Portugal in the 20th century, the two World Wars, the Mirac...

229. Portugal: Gold, Earthquakes, and Brazil (Part 3)

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Earthquakes, gold rush, and Brazil. Join Tom and Dominic for the third episode in this history of Portugal series. *The Rest Is History Live Tour 20...

228. Portugal: The Golden Age of Discovery (Part 2)

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the second episode of this Portugal mini-series, Tom and Dominic discuss the Portuguese setting sail for far flung reaches of the world, their rela...

227. Portugal: On the Edge of the World (Part 1)

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Rest Is History's Portugal mini-series! In the first of four episodes on Portugal, Tom and Dominic chart the nation's early history: R...

226. The Lord of the Rings

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Written in stages between 1937 and 1949, The Lord of the Rings is one of the best-selling books ever written, with over 150 million copies sold. Join...

225. J.R.R. Tolkien

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is one of the most prestigious authors in modern history, best known for writingThe Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In th...

224. Roman Holidays

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grand villas on the Bay of Naples, engraving names on Egyptian singing statues, and sightseeing tours of Biblical sights in the Levant. The fourth an...

223. Sun, Sea, and Sex

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The rise and fall of Butlin's, Benidorm and Franco, class, package holidays, bikinis, mass tourism and sunbathing. The third episode in our holiday se...

222. Victorian Holidays

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The birth of guide books, resorts, and the package holiday. In the second episode in our holidays series Tom and Dominic drill down into the story of...

221. Holidays: Byron's Grand Tour

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the first of four episodes on the history of holidays: Byron's Grand Tour; The Invention of Mass Tourism; Sun, Sea and Sex; and Roman Holid...

220. Justinian & Theodora: The Secret History (Part 3)

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wars, disease, and legacy. In the final episode of the trilogy, Tom and Dominic discuss the Byzantine reconquest of Italy, the arrival of the Justin...

219. Justinian: Making Rome Great Again (Part 2)

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Riot that destroyed a city and almost brought down an Emperor... In the second part of our trilogy, Tom and Dominic discuss the Nika riots in the...

218. Theodora: Empress of Byzantium (Part 1)

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the first episode of a three part series, Tom and Dominic dive into the incredible story of Justinian and Theodora. Tune in for an incredible (and...

217. Plague and the decline of the Roman Empire

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Dominic are joined by friend of the show Kyle Harper to discuss how pandemics and disease played a far greater role in the decline of the Roma...

216. Pigeons

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

‘If it became necessary immediately to discard every line and method of communications used on the front, except one, and it were left to me to sele...

215. Stalingrad and the Red Army (Part 2)

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and Dominic are again joined by Iain MacGregor to discuss the climax of the Battle of Stalingrad, Pavlov's House, and the Red Army's counter offe...

214. The Battle of Stalingrad (Part 1)

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stalingrad: the bloodiest battle of the Second World War. Tom and Dominic are joined by Iain MacGregor to discuss the build up, context and outbreak ...

213. London: Moments (Part 5)

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the fifth and final episode in our London Week. Enjoyed the series? Click here to become a member of The Rest Is History Club - you'll ge...

212. Haunted London (Part 4)

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the fourth episode in our London Week mini-series. To get tomorrow's final episode right now, become a member of The Rest Is History Club...

211. London: People (Part 3)

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the third episode in our new mini-series: LONDON WEEK. From Monday to Friday we're releasing an episode daily. Monday's 'Londinium' and Th...

210. London: Places (Part 2)

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the second episode in our new mini-series: LONDON WEEK. From Monday to Friday we'll release an episode daily. Monday's 'Londinium' and Thu...

209. Londinium (Part 1)

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the first episode in our new mini-series: LONDON WEEK. From Monday to Friday we'll release an episode daily. Today's 'Londinium' and Thurs...

208. George Orwell

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

George Orwell is one of the most celebrated novelists, essayists, and journalists in modern British history.  Tom and Dominic are joined by Robert C...

207. Historical Love Island: THE WINNER

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Historical Love Island has swept the nation and the podcasting world since Monday, when four couples made it to the final: General Custer & Lola Monte...

206. Historical Love Island

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Love Island phenomenon is sweeping the nation, so Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by Tom's daughter, Katy Holland, to play their part...

205. The Last Days of Boris Johnson

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson has resigned. In a special episode of The Rest Is History Tom and Dominic dissect the tumultuous last few days in British politics, wit...