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 of the "Empire" podcast interviews Stacy Schiff, author of a biography of Cleopatra, focusing on Cleopatra's relationship with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony. The discussion traces Cleopatra's journey from Egypt to Rome, her interactions with Roman society, and the political ramifications of her rela...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of a Cleopatra biography, to discuss Cleopatra's life and reign. The hosts and Schiff explore Cleopatra's upbringing in Hellenistic Alexandria, her complex family dynamics (including sibling marriages and assassinations), and h...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews William Dalrymple about his book on Xuanzang, a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk who journeyed to India. The conversation follows Xuanzang's perilous journey, highlighting his encounters with bandits, pirates, and harsh landscapes, ultimately reaching the renowned Nalan...
This podcast episode discusses the spread of Buddhism in China, focusing on the journey of Xuanzang, a Chinese monk who traveled to India in the 7th century CE to study Buddhism at the Nalanda monastery. The hosts explore the historical context of Buddhism's arrival in China, its initial reception as a foreign faith, ...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews William Dalrymple about the Kushan Empire, a little-known dynasty that ruled parts of Central Asia and India from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The discussion traces the Kushans' origins, their interactions with Roman and Chinese empires, and their significa...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews William Dalrymple about his new book, "The Golden Road," focusing on Emperor Ashoka. The discussion begins with Ashoka's background, tracing his lineage back to Chandragupta Maurya and Alexander the Great's interactions with Indian ascetics. It then details Ashoka's con...
This podcast episode features an interview with William Dalrymple about his new book, "The Golden Road," which explores the spread of Indian culture and ideas across Asia between 250 BC and 1200 AD. The conversation begins with an enthusiastic introduction of the book and its cover art, representing ancient Indian cos...
This podcast episode explores the evolution of food and dining practices in India during the British Raj. The hosts discuss the initial similarities between British and Indian cuisine, the subsequent divergence due to increased British influence and racism, and the emergence of distinct Anglo-Indian dishes. They high...
This podcast episode explores the complex culinary history between India and England, delving into the unique dishes, ingredients, and cultural influences that have shaped the cuisines of both nations. The discussion highlights the initial similarities and eventual divergence of British and Indian cooking methods, the ...
This Empire podcast episode interviews Iona Craig, an investigative journalist, about Yemen's history, culture, and the ongoing conflict involving the Houthis. The discussion traces Yemen's unification in 1990 under Ali Abdullah Saleh, highlighting his autocratic rule and the rise of the Houthi movement, a Zaydi Shia ...
This podcast episode of "Empire" focuses on the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), exploring its causes, key events, and lasting consequences. The co-hosts discuss the political and ideological backgrounds of both Saddam Hussein's Iraq and the post-revolutionary Iran, highlighting the role of the Ba'ath Party and the Ayatolla...
This episode of the Empire podcast interviews Kim Ghattas, author of The Black Wave, about Hezbollah's origins and evolution. The discussion traces Hezbollah's formation in 1982, highlighting its initial support from Iran and its role in the Lebanese Civil War, including its pioneering use of suicide bombings. The in...
This podcast episode interviews Kim Ghattas, author of Black Wave, about the seismic impact of 1979 on the Middle East. The discussion traces the interconnected events of the Iranian Revolution, the siege of Mecca, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, arguing that these events created a "year zero" for the region's...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Professor Ali Ansari, an expert in Iranian studies, about the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The discussion traces the Shah's declining popularity, highlighting his mistakes and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini as an alternative offering clarity and decisiveness amidst societ...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Ali Ansari, Professor of Iranian Studies, about the lead-up to the Iranian Revolution. The discussion begins with a quote from a British diplomat highlighting societal divisions in 1960s Tehran, then delves into the 1953 coup, exploring the roles of the CIA, MI6, and int...
This episode of the Empire podcast interviews Ali Ansari, Professor of Iranian Studies, about the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi and the subsequent rise of his son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The discussion traces Iran's modernization under Reza Shah, including social reforms like the removal of the veil for women and th...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Professor Ali Ansari about Iranian history, focusing on the period from the early 20th century to the Iranian Revolution. The discussion begins with the context of the Qajar dynasty, the brutal reign of Agha Muhammad Shah, and the subsequent rise of Fath Ali Shah. It th...
This podcast episode of "Empire" focuses on the life and reign of Nader Shah, an 18th-century Persian king. The co-hosts discuss Nader Shah's humble origins, his rise to power through military prowess and innovative tactics (including camel-mounted artillery), and his eventual downfall due to paranoia and violence. T...
Shah Abbas, the fifth ruler of the Safavid dynasty, transformed Isfahan into a stunning capital, renowned for its architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Through strategic alliances and economic reforms, he secured peace, expanded trade, and fostered artistic achievements. Isfahan's Maidan, the city's central square, ...
This podcast episode delves into the complex history of the Sunni-Shia divide, tracing its origins to the early days of Islam and exploring its cultural and political dimensions. It focuses on the reign of Shah Ismail, the founder of the Safavid dynasty, and his role in establishing Shiism as the dominant faith in Iran...
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