The Rest Is History

18. The North South Divide

17. Fascism

This podcast episode offers an in-depth look at fascism, tracing its origins and unraveling its intricate nature as an ideology that arose from the socio-political chaos after World War I. The hosts argue that fascism's vague definition stems from its strong rejection of fundamental Christian values, its connections to...

16. Pompeii

In this podcast episode, archaeologist Sophie Hay takes us on an intriguing journey into the fascinating history of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Drawing from her extensive excavation and preservation experience, she discusses the unique challenges these archaeological sites face today. The conversation tackles the ethical ...

15. Walls and Borders

14. Historical Fiction

This podcast episode examines the transformative nature of historical fiction and its impact on our understanding of history, emphasizing how narratives shape perceptions from simplistic portrayals to complex understandings. Through discussions on influential authors like Rosemary Sutcliffe and the exploration of narra...

13. Stephen Fry and Troy

In this podcast episode, the illustrious Stephen Fry explores the captivating world of Greek mythology, with a special focus on the Trojan War. His observations shed light on the enduring significance of these ancient stories, from the gripping battles of the Iliad to the intricate character arcs of figures like Helen ...

12. Conspiracy Theories

11. Brexit

10. Christmas

In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the fascinating history of Christmas traditions, starting with personal stories and moving into a deeper discussion about how the holiday has evolved over time. They examine the Gospel narratives and how early Christmas celebrations were influenced by pagan customs, as well as...

9. Causes of the First World War

In this podcast episode, the hosts, led by Tom Holland, dive into the complex causes and consequences of World War I, challenging traditional narratives by exploring various viewpoints, including counterfactual scenarios and the influence of domestic politics. They analyze the events that led to the war, weigh the idea...

8. The Echo of a Coffee House

Social media functions as a modern iteration of historical phenomena, particularly the Reformation, where new communication technologies like the printing press amplified divisive rhetoric and individual conscience. Just as Martin Luther utilized pamphlets to dominate public discourse and incite conflict, contemporary ...

7. The Lessons of History

History rarely offers neat, universal lessons, as people often manipulate historical narratives to justify pre-existing ideological agendas. While patterns like the rise and fall of empires or the recurring struggle between sedentary centers and nomadic peripheries appear throughout time, these cycles remain contingent...

6. Troy

In this episode of the podcast, the hosts dive into the intriguing world of the Trojan War, investigating its historical truth through archaeology and literary insights. They unpack the rich tapestry of stories surrounding this ancient conflict, shedding light on the complexities of its characters and the deeper meanin...

5. 1981

The year 1981 serves as a prism for understanding the tumultuous transition of modern Britain, characterized by economic recession, mass unemployment, and deep-seated social divisions. While the Royal Wedding offered a fairy-tale narrative, the era’s true historical weight lies in the visceral political and cultural sh...

4. We’re all so 17th Century

The 17th century serves as a mirror for contemporary societal upheavals, characterized by plague, political polarization, and the disruptive influence of new media. Just as the printing press fueled inflammatory pamphlets and religious factionalism, modern digital platforms exacerbate current divisions, creating a soci...

3. Is Trump Caesar or Nixon?

The 2020 United States presidential election outcome prompts a historical examination of Donald Trump’s refusal to concede, drawing parallels to Richard Nixon’s resignation and the collapse of the Roman Republic. Trump’s behavior mirrors the "imperial presidency" era, where leaders accumulate power and challenge establ...

2. Civil War

Civil wars arise from intense political polarization, the dehumanization of opponents, and the breakdown of democratic legitimacy. Historical precedents like the Yugoslavian collapse, the Spanish Civil War, and the English Civil War demonstrate that conflict often stems from weaponized rhetoric and the perception of an...

1. Greatness

The concept of historical "greatness" originates from ancient Persian traditions of the "Great King," later adopted by Alexander the Great and subsequently institutionalized by Roman historians. While historically reserved for monarchs who expanded empires or modernized states, the title remains problematic in modern d...

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