The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history. William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires. From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today? Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
This episode explores the journey of Indian numerals through history, tracing their transmission from India to Europe. Against the backdrop of their initial adoption in Baghdad and subsequent spread across the Islamic world, the podcast highlights the surprisingly late arrival of these numbers in Europe, persisting wit...
This episode explores the largely unknown history of Indian mathematics and its significant contribution to the development of the global number system. Against the backdrop of William's personal struggles with mathematics, the conversation delves into the origins of Indian numerals, highlighting the revolutionary con...
This episode explores the historical relationship between Scotland and its diaspora in America and the Caribbean, particularly focusing on the period after the 1745 Jacobite rising. Against this backdrop of political upheaval and economic hardship, many Scots, both willingly and forcibly, emigrated to these regions. ...
This episode explores the multifaceted relationship between Scotland and Africa, tracing it from the early 17th century to the late 19th century. The narrative begins with the captivating, albeit tragic, story of Sir John Henderson, the first known Scot to visit Africa, who was enslaved and later found love with an Ar...
This episode explores the significant role Scots played in the British Empire's expansion into India, particularly focusing on the period following the Battle of Culloden. Against the backdrop of Culloden's aftermath and the subsequent displacement of many Scots, the discussion details how a large number of Scots found...
This episode explores the 1745 Jacobite rising in Scotland, focusing on Bonnie Prince Charlie's campaign and its ultimate failure at the Battle of Culloden. Against the backdrop of the War of Austrian Succession, Charles Edward Stuart's arrival in Scotland sparked a rebellion, initially gaining momentum with victories ...
This episode explores the history of the Jacobite risings in 18th-century Britain, focusing on the motivations and events surrounding the attempts to restore the Stuart monarchy. Against the backdrop of the Glorious Revolution and the ascension of the Hanoverians, the interview delves into the complexities of Jacobiti...
This episode explores the Acts of Union and the creation of Great Britain in 1707, examining the role of imperial ambitions and economic factors in shaping this historical event. Against the backdrop of Scotland's failed attempts at establishing its own empire (like the disastrous Darien scheme), the discussion delves ...
This episode explores the disastrous Darien Scheme, a 17th-century Scottish colonial venture to establish a colony, New Caledonia, on the Isthmus of Panama. Against the backdrop of Scotland's poverty and exclusion from burgeoning colonial trade, the scheme, spearheaded by William Paterson, attracted massive investment,...
In this episode of "Empire," Anita Anand and William Durham-Poole explore the origins of the Khmer Empire, also known as the Empire of Angkor. William sets the scene with a reading about Phnom Kulen, the birthplace of the empire. They discuss the Khmer Rouge's association with the term "Khmer" and highlight the vast we...
In this episode of Empire, William Dalrymple and Afua Hirsch discuss Vajrabodhi, a South Indian Buddhist tantric magician and cousin of Mahendra Pallava. They explore Vajrabodhi's journey from Nalanda University to becoming a powerful figure known for his magic spells, including creating rain with magical dragons and d...
In this episode of Empire, hosts Afua Hirsch and William Dalrymple delve into the cultural and economic history of South India, specifically focusing on the Pallava dynasty and the reign of Mahendra Varman Pallava. They discuss Mammalapuram, a city known for its ancient monuments, and explore Mahendra Varman's influenc...
In this episode of Empire, Anita Arnon and William Durhampool delve into the life of Empress Wu Zetian, picking up from their previous discussion. They explore her rise to power, marked by ruthless actions and strategic alliances, including her relationship with Xuanzang and the promotion of Buddhism. The hosts discuss...
In this episode of Empire, William Dalrymple and Afua Hirsch discuss India's empire of ideas, focusing on William's new book, "The Golden Road." They delve into the story of Empress Wu Zetian, China's only woman emperor, and her rise to power through Buddhism. The discussion covers Wu Zetian's origin story, her entry i...
In this episode of the Empire podcast, William Dalrymple and Anita explore the influence of ancient India on the Roman Empire, focusing on the trade relationship between the two. They discuss archaeological finds like the Berenike Buddha, which signify the intersection of cultures, and the importance of Indian goods su...
In a special episode of the "Empire" podcast, hosts Iona Craig and William Dalrymple discuss Dalrymple's new book, which explores the concept of the "Indosphere," a region from Afghanistan to Japan where Indian culture, particularly Sanskrit literature, exerted significant influence between 250 BC and 1200 AD. They del...
In this episode of "Empire," Anita Anand and William Dalrymple are joined by Fredrik Logevall to discuss Nixon's approach to the Vietnam War. The conversation explores Nixon and Kissinger's private doubts about the war, the strategy of Vietnamisation, and the "Madman Theory." They delve into Nixon's diplomatic efforts,...
The podcast explores the complexities of the Vietnam War, focusing on key decisions and turning points from the early 1960s through the Americanization of the conflict. It examines the motivations and constraints faced by leaders like JFK and LBJ, highlighting the internal debates within the US government regarding int...
The podcast explores the historical events and factors leading to the Vietnam War, focusing on French colonialism in Indochina and the rise of Ho Chi Minh. It examines France's motivations for colonizing Indochina, including commercial profit, geopolitical strategy, and the "civilizing mission" rhetoric. The discussion...
The podcast explores the complex and fraught relationship between Cuba and the United States, particularly focusing on the rise of Fidel Castro and the events leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis. It examines how Castro's initial nationalist stance gradually shifted towards socialism and communism, influenced by America...
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