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 podcast episode discusses the Timurid dynasty, focusing on the cultural achievements of Timur's successors after his death. The hosts explore the significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and the arts in Samarkand and Herat, highlighting Ulugh Beg's astronomical observatory and the artistic flourishing...
This episode of the Empire podcast features Anita Anand and William Dalrymple discussing Timur (Tamerlane), a 14th-century conqueror. The conversation begins with a description of Timur's architectural achievements, contrasting his brutal reputation with the beauty of his grandson's creations. They then delve into Ti...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Vesta Sarkosh Curtis, an expert on Persian studies, about the Shahnameh ("Book of Kings"). The hosts and guest discuss the Shahnameh's significance to Persian culture and language, its historical context following the Arab conquest, and its literary structure and themes,...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Gabrielle Walker about Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The discussion begins with the Endurance becoming trapped in the ice, progresses through the crew's abandonment of the ship and perilous journey to Elephant Island, and culminates in Shacklet...
This episode of the Empire podcast interviews Gabrielle Walker, author of Antarctica, about her experiences on the continent and the history of Antarctic exploration. The conversation covers Walker's personal experiences, including a description of a whiteout, and delves into the historical context of Antarctic explor...
This podcast episode features an interview with Peter Moore about his book on Captain Cook's first voyage on the Endeavour. The conversation traces the journey from its start, detailing the crew, ship conditions, and significant encounters in Tahiti, New Zealand (including the controversial interaction with Māori), an...
This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Peter Moore, author of "Endeavour," focusing on the history of the ship, not just James Cook's voyages. The discussion traces the ship's journey from its construction in Whitby, England, using 100-year-old oak, to its transformation into a vessel of scientific exploratio...
This episode explores the extraordinary voyages of Admiral Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty in 15th-century China. Against the backdrop of a turbulent period following the Mongol Yuan dynasty, the discussion delves into the political context of Zheng He's rise to power, highlighting his unique background as a eunuch an...
This podcast episode delves into the unexpected rise of the Arabs from the depths of Arabia in the 7th century, leading to the formation of an unprecedented empire that conquered both the Persian and Byzantine superpowers. The podcast explores the factors that contributed to this remarkable triumph, including the unity...
This podcast episode explores the history of Zoroastrianism, the Sasanian Persian Empire, and the Byzantine Empire. It also tells the love story of Khusrow and Shireen, who were separated by circumstance and war. The episode highlights the religious and cultural diversity of this era, as well as the conflicts and allia...
This podcast episode explores the fascinating world of Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion with a profound impact on the development of Western thought. Listeners will learn about its origins, beliefs, and how it has influenced religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. We will also delve into the modern-day sign...
This episode explores the Battle of Gaugamela and its aftermath, focusing on the decisive defeat of Darius III by Alexander the Great. Against the backdrop of ominous signs and the revelation of Persian battle plans, Alexander employed a strategic maneuver, outwitting Darius, who fled the battlefield. More significantl...
This episode explores the fall of the Persian Empire from the perspective of both Alexander the Great and Darius III. Against the backdrop of the 320s BCE, the podcast delves into the contrasting views of Alexander as a hero (in the West) versus a destroyer (in Persia). More significantly, the discussion examines the ...
This episode explores the Battle of Salamis (480 BC), focusing on the Persian invasion of Greece and its aftermath. Against the backdrop of the preceding battles of Marathon and Thermopylae, the discussion delves into the contrasting military strategies and cultural ethos of the Spartans and Persians. More significant...
This episode explores the Battle of Thermopylae, examining its historical significance and challenging conventional narratives. Against the backdrop of the Persian invasion of Greece, the discussion delves into the reliability of historical sources, particularly Herodotus, whose account emphasizes the Greek defiance o...
This podcast episode takes an in-depth look at the intricate relationships between Cyprus, Persia, and the Greek city-states during the time of the Ionian Revolt, revealing how acts of defiance, cultural narratives, and historical interpretations have shaped our understanding of these pivotal historical events. By exam...
This podcast episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Darius the Great's multifaceted reign, highlighting his bureaucratic innovations, ruthless power consolidation, ambitious territorial expansions, and significant cultural impacts. Through a detailed exploration of his administrative prowess, military campaigns, ...
This podcast episode delves into the rich historical and cultural complexities underlying the figure of Cyrus the Great and the terminology surrounding Persia and Iran. It examines the multifaceted narratives of Cyrus's origins, education, rise to power, and the influential empire he built, while challenging various my...
This podcast episode delves into the intricate history and cultural significance of the Persianate world, tracing its roots from ancient Persia to its medieval influence, while emphasizing the enduring impact of Islam on Iran and its geopolitical relevance today. The hosts articulate how Persian civilization served as ...
This episode explores the complex history of Ukraine and its relationship with Russia, focusing on the period from the Holodomor to the 2022 invasion. Against the backdrop of the devastating famine and Soviet occupation, the discussion delves into the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its consequences, including the Sovieti...
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