Historian Dan Snow journeys across the globe to tell the stories of history's defining moments. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Great Wall of China, the battlefields of Waterloo to the Tomb of Tutankhamun, join Dan as he explores the how and why of the greatest monuments, battles, heroes, villains and events that have shaped our world. New episodes on Mondays and Thursdays with bonus subscriber only episodes every other Friday. You can get in touch with us at [email protected] A podcast ...
…
continue reading
1
How America Invaded (and Nearly Won) Canada
1:05:32
1:05:32
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:05:32Dan narrates the remarkable story of how George Washington's newly established Continental Army tried to conquer Canada in the brutal winter of 1775. The American Revolutionary forces believed their northern neighbour would surely welcome them as liberators, as they themselves fought off the yoke of British rule. Many imagined that these two vast t…
…
continue reading
The aerial bombardment that rained down on the Spanish city of Guernica in 1937 was one of the most shocking atrocities of the Spanish Civil War. Dan and David Brydan - historian of Modern Spain at King's College London - explain why this Basque town was targeted, how the attack unfolded and what it meant for civilians on the ground. They explore t…
…
continue reading
1
Sitting Bull and the Battle of Little Bighorn
53:10
53:10
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
53:10The Battle of the Little Bighorn - also known as the Battle of the Greasy Grass - was one of the most dramatic and important clashes in American history. In June 1876, on the rolling plains of Montana, Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry charged into a vast encampment of Lakota and other tribes — and were utterly destroyed by the su…
…
continue reading
1
How to Survive the Age of Sail
38:01
38:01
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
38:01What was life really like aboard the great wooden ships of the Age of Sail? Dan joins After Dark hosts Anthony and Maddy to step aboard these creaking vessels and uncover who served at sea, what drove them to enlist, and just how slim their chances were of making it home alive. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. Sign up to…
…
continue reading
Anyone alive at the time remembers the day President John F. Kennedy was shot dead in Dallas, Texas, on November 22 1963. In this episode, Dan provides a moment-by-moment account of the day that shocked the world and speaks with Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post journalist who has spent years researching the event to discuss the aftermath …
…
continue reading
1
John F. Kennedy: Myths vs Reality
43:41
43:41
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
43:41John F. Kennedy was a man of charm, power, and contradictions. Behind the public image of the heroic president lay a figure plagued by pain, haunted by his past, and driven by desire. Dan is joined by esteemed biographer Randy Taraborelli to explore Kennedy's private life, delving into his turbulent marriage to Jackie, the domineering influence of …
…
continue reading
In 1588, Spain’s mighty armada sailed to invade England and change the balance of power in Europe. Dan explains why Philip II launched the Armada, details the high-stakes clash in the Channel, and outlines the decisive tactics, leadership and luck that helped the English prevail. Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore. Sir Francis …
…
continue reading
1
Nuremberg: The Trial of Göring
40:03
40:03
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
40:03Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide. When the Nuremberg Trials began in November 1945, Hermann Göring was the highest-ranking Nazi to face justice for the crimes of the Third Reich. Charismatic, manipulative and unrepentant, he became the central figure of the proceedings. This episode examines Göring’s performance in the courtroom…
…
continue reading
Could the plucked backside of a chicken really cure the plague? If that question has ever crossed your mind, then this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into the Black Death - where it originated, how it tore across continents at terrifying speed, and the gruesome symptoms it unleashed. We're joined by Helen Carr, author of 'Sceptred Isle', a…
…
continue reading
1
The Battle of Passchendaele
46:42
46:42
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
46:42In partnership with Findmypast, Dan narrates the extraordinary story of the Western Front at its most unforgiving. Passchendaele became a byword for the futility, endurance and industrialised slaughter of the First World War. In a battle that lasted from July to November 1917, men, horses and equipment trudged through a swampy moonscape of shell ho…
…
continue reading
1
Rome's African Emperor: Septimius Severus
41:31
41:31
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
41:31We dive into the life and legacy of the North African-born ruler who rose through the ranks to seize the imperial throne. We discover how Severus transformed the Roman military, led daring campaigns across continents, and left a mark that shaped the empire for generations. Joining us is Simon Elliott, author of 'The African Emperor: The Life of Sep…
…
continue reading
1
The First Day of the Somme
1:05:39
1:05:39
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:05:39In partnership with Findmypast, Dan narrates the extraordinary story of the bloodiest day of the First World War. The first day of the Somme saw units wiped out as men charged from their trenches directly into German fire. The losses were devastating, exacerbated by the tragic reality that units were often composed of groups of friends, co-workers,…
…
continue reading
1
Ancient Irish Funeral Traditions
35:32
35:32
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
35:32Have you ever been to an Irish wake? If so, you may have heard of the ancient tradition of keening or the superstition of the 'hungry grass'. In this episode, Dan is joined by the hosts of the After Dark podcast, Dr Anthony Delaney and Dr Maddy Pelling, to explore some of the historic rites and beliefs surrounding death and mourning in Ireland. Ant…
…
continue reading
1
What Caused Europe's Witch Hysteria?
31:40
31:40
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
31:40Across early modern Europe, fear spread like wildfire; between the 15th and 17th centuries, tens of thousands were accused, tortured, and executed as witches. At its centre was a man named Heinrich Kramer, whose infamous book, Malleus Maleficarum, or The Hammer of Witches, fanned the flames of hysteria and codified centuries of misogyny. Dan is joi…
…
continue reading
1
Atatürk: Fall of the Ottoman Empire
34:54
34:54
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
34:54On the 19th of May, 1919, an Ottoman general stepped ashore at the Black Sea port city of Samsun. This marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, and ultimately the end of the Ottoman Empire. The man's name was Mustafa Kemal, the soldier, statesman and reformer who would create the Republic of Turkey out of the rubble, and become its …
…
continue reading
1
Elizabeth I: Evil or Genius?
31:22
31:22
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
31:22Elizabeth I is often celebrated as one of the greatest English monarchs - but should she be? From her commanding portraits and grand speeches to her brutal suppression of dissent and controversial decisions, we explore whether Elizabeth’s legacy is one of power and stability or one marked by bloodshed and negligence. Renowned historian Anna Whitelo…
…
continue reading
1
How to Survive in Renaissance England
39:29
39:29
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
39:29Quacks, wise women, barber surgeons and private madhouses - just some of the options available if you were to find yourself in ill health in the 16th and 17th centuries. Dan is joined by historian Dr Alanna Skuse to look at healthcare in Renaissance England, from healing the humours and blood letting to cross animal blood transfusions, skin grafts …
…
continue reading
Today, we dive into the dramatic tale of two men whose rivalry changed the course of English history. We unravel the complex relationship between King Richard II and his ambitious cousin, Henry Bolingbroke - later crowned Henry IV. We're joined by Helen Castor, historian, broadcaster and author of ‘The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II …
…
continue reading
1
How Did the Industrial Revolution Change the World?
47:02
47:02
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
47:02Was the Industrial Revolution the most important event in human history? Dan is joined by economist and journalist Duncan Weldon to explore why exactly the industrial revolution started on the soggy archipelago of Britain and the impact of its entrepreneurs, politics, and empire had on the country and the rest of the world across the 18th and 19th …
…
continue reading
1
The Germans Who Rebelled Against the Nazis
38:17
38:17
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
38:17Today, we journey back to Berlin in the summer of 1943, where a clandestine gathering of Germany’s elite quietly plots to resist Hitler’s regime. But there is a traitor in their midst... We're joined by acclaimed journalist and author Jonathan Freedland, author of 'The Traitors Circle: The Rebels Against the Nazis and the Spy Who Betrayed Them'. He…
…
continue reading
On 31st May, 1916, 250 warships and nearly 100,000 sailors converged in the North Sea for the world's first full-scale clash of dreadnought fleets. Admiral Jellicoe’s Grand Fleet was pitted against Admiral Scheer’s High Seas Fleet for what was supposed to be a decisive battle - but which ended with a less than certain outcome. We're joined by Andre…
…
continue reading
Warning: this episode contains explicit language. Medieval people weren’t prudish—far from it. Dan is joined by medieval historian Dr Eleanor Janega to explore sex, marriage, and desire in the Middle Ages. They delve into the beliefs around sodomy as “non-procreative sex”; pilgrimages as raucous release valves, raunchy art and love spells. They'll …
…
continue reading
…
continue reading
Why did Spain spiral into civil war in 1936? Today, we delve into the grinding class conflicts and ferocious political divisions that split Spain in two, from the dictatorship of the 1920s to the ambitious and divisive government of the early 1930s. We explore why democracy unravelled in Spain, and how foreign intervention - or lack of it - turned …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Dan explains the dramatic story of the Battle of Agincourt when, against overwhelming odds, Henry V’s underdog English army emerged victorious over their mighty French opponents. We explore why the battle happened in the first place, as well as the key characters, weaponry, and tactics that turned the tide. Join Dan to discover how…
…
continue reading
Dan and leading medieval historians explain everything you need to know about Magna Carta...and the story is more dramatic than you might think. Magna Carta sprang from an England on the brink of civil war; the feeble king John left grappling for control after a disastrous defeat in France in the early 13th century and a baron's rebellion in Englan…
…
continue reading
On 27 September 1825, a steam-powered marvel known as Locomotion No.1 made history, pulling passengers and coal from Shildon to Stockton-on-Tees in the North of England. This 25 mile journey, changed the world forever. Dan is joined by historian Steven Brindle as they mark the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger steam train journey—a m…
…
continue reading
On 14 October 1066, the armies of William, the Duke of Normandy, and the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson clashed near Hastings in one of the most famous battles in history and one that would decide the fate of the English throne. We all know the outcome, but how and why did the battle take place? To answer this question, Dan returns with another …
…
continue reading
1
The Mongol Invasion of Europe
46:58
46:58
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
46:58In the 13th century, a force unlike any Europe had ever seen came thundering across the steppe. The Mongols had already carved out the largest land empire in history - but after conquering vast swathes of Asia, they turned their gaze west. Today, we explore why the Mongols began pushing into Europe and how successful their invasions really were. Fo…
…
continue reading
1
Did the Trojan War Really Happen?
34:58
34:58
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
34:58The Trojan War is one of the great foundational stories of Western literature - a tale of gods and heroes, betrayal and siege, immortalised by Homer in the Iliad. But was it mere myth, or did it spring from real events in a real place? Today we're joined by Eric H. Cline, a professor of ancient history and archaeology at The George Washington Unive…
…
continue reading
1
Anne Boleyn: Myths vs Reality
1:01:42
1:01:42
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:01:42The life of Anne Boleyn has intrigued audiences for centuries. Everyone knows something about her time as Queen of England, and of course, her betrayal and execution. But her formative years in France remain a bit of a mystery. Joining us today is Estelle Paranque, an Associate Professor in History at Northeastern University London, and author of ‘…
…
continue reading
Augustus has often been hailed as Rome’s greatest emperor - he ended civil war, built an empire and declared a new age of peace. But behind the architectural marvels and military triumphs lies a story of ruthless power plays, propaganda and dynastic uncertainty. In this episode, we're joined by Gregory S. Aldrete, a Professor Emeritus of history an…
…
continue reading
1
The Greatest Knight That Ever Lived: William the Marshal
2:07:59
2:07:59
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
2:07:59William the Marshal’s story reads like a legend. Born a landless younger son, he rose through sheer skill and courage to become the greatest knight of his age. In this Explainer episode, Dan takes you through his extraordinary life - from tournament competitor to fearsome warrior, loyal servant and master of chivalry. Produced and written by Dan Sn…
…
continue reading
1
Rommel's Defeat in North Africa
1:01:47
1:01:47
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:01:47Today, we unravel the dramatic North African campaign of World War II. Discover how the Allies turned the tide against Rommel, why Tunisia’s fall was as pivotal as Stalingrad, and how these battles shaped the fate of Europe. We're joined by Saul David, broadcaster, historian and author of 'Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa' for a sweeping look at strate…
…
continue reading
1
The Troubles Explained (Part 2)
1:04:50
1:04:50
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:04:50From the late 1960s to 1998, Northern Ireland was gripped by "The Troubles" - three decades of bloodshed, resulting from competing visions for its future. This week, we're releasing a two-part series that explores why this conflict erupted and how it played out. For this, Dan is joined by Dr Thomas Leahy, Lecturer in British and Irish Politics and …
…
continue reading
1
The Origins of The Troubles (Part 1)
1:19:45
1:19:45
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:19:45From the late 1960s to 1998, Northern Ireland was gripped by "The Troubles" - three decades of bloodshed, resulting from competing visions for its future. This week, we're releasing a two-part series that explores why this conflict erupted and how it played out. For this, Dan is joined by Dr Thomas Leahy, Lecturer in British and Irish Politics and …
…
continue reading
1
The Battle of Bannockburn
49:43
49:43
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
49:43Scotland’s struggle for independence was marked by rebellion, betrayal, and remarkable victories. In this episode, we trace the story from William Wallace’s uprising against English rule, through the rise of Robert the Bruce, to the decisive Scottish triumph at Bannockburn in 1314. We're joined by Helen Carr, author of 'Sceptred Isle', to explain t…
…
continue reading
1
Is Society About to Collapse?
41:57
41:57
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
41:57The climate crisis, the rise of AI and the cost of living - do you feel like our society is on the brink of falling apart? Dan is joined by Dr Luke Kemp, Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) at the University of Cambridge, who has spent seven years analysing 400 societies over five millennia to discover what has…
…
continue reading
From dazzling festivals honouring the goddess Athena to the engineering marvels of the Parthenon, Dan and classical historian Steve Kershaw explore how the Acropolis became the ultimate symbol of democracy, power, and devotion in Ancient Greece. Steve and Dan explain everything you need to know about this ancient hill that towers over the centre of…
…
continue reading
1
The Rise and Fall of Carthage
1:16:02
1:16:02
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
1:16:02In this episode, we tackle the Punic Wars - three epic clashes between Rome and Carthage for control of the Mediterranean. From naval battles to Hannibal’s daring Alpine crossing and Carthage’s final destruction, we uncover how these wars reshaped the ancient world. Joining us is Eve MacDonald, ancient historian and author of Carthage: A New Histor…
…
continue reading
Dan takes listeners through 1000 years of Britain's history at the Tower of London, from its formidable kings to its most notorious prisoners. Dan dives into the deep history of this mighty fortress built by William the Conqueror and tells the stories of the medieval sieges, the executions, the escapes and the animals that have called the tower hom…
…
continue reading
You probably know the Ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, who lives in a labyrinth under Knossos on the island of Crete - was there ever really a labyrinth, or a King Minos? Dan is joined by the University of Oxford's Steve Kershaw to unravel the mysteries of Knossos, trace the rise of the Minoan civilisation during the Bronze Age, its …
…
continue reading
Emperor Nero has gone down in history as the archetypal bad ruler - cruel, decadent, and perhaps even responsible for setting Rome ablaze. But how much of this is fact, and how much is propaganda? Dr Shushma Malik from the University of Cambridge joins us to dive into Nero’s reign, from his early promise to his scandals, the Great Fire, and his blo…
…
continue reading
Join Dan in Rome as he unravels the dramatic story of the Colosseum and the gladiators who fought — and died — for glory. From the origins of gladiatorial combat in funerary rites to the elaborate, politically charged spectacles of the Imperial era, Dan reveals what it took to reach the top and what really happened when a fighter lost. Beginning in…
…
continue reading
Napoleon Bonaparte dreamed Paris would be the 'capital city of the universe' and much of what we see - and love - about Paris is thanks to him. The long straight boulevards, the fountains, the galleries and museums- even the bread that comes with European cuisine were brought in by Napoleon. He wanted to make it a city that reflected his imperial a…
…
continue reading
Warning: this episode contains explicit language and discussions of sex. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and shows us exactly how the Romans really lived. Buried by volcanic ash and debris from a catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, visitors to the Roman town can still see eerily preserved homes, bathhouses, the notorious brothel, and plast…
…
continue reading
On the morning of August 15th, 1945, Emperor Hirohito's voice crackled over Japanese airwaves to announce the unthinkable - the surrender of Japan. Today we delve into the complex story behind that surrender, examining Japan's fierce military code, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. We're joined by …
…
continue reading
From its origins as a Bronze Age settlement, to a battleground for Robert the Bruce’s men during the Wars of Independence, and a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots, this castle has stood witness to thousands of years of Scottish history. Dan joins Senior Guide Mhairi Summers at Edinburgh Castle to tell the tales of the kings, queens, rebels, and priso…
…
continue reading
Did the "heist of the century" really happen the way the robbers say it did? In the summer of 1963, a gang of masked robbers executed a daring plan to intercept a Royal Mail train carrying millions of pounds in cash. But the robbery itself was just the beginning - what came after - the most wanted men on the run, the jailbreak, the betrayals, fake …
…
continue reading
1
Hiroshima: As It Happened
58:51
58:51
Daha Sonra Çal
Daha Sonra Çal
Listeler
Beğen
Beğenildi
58:51This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence and may not be suitable for all listeners. On the morning of August 6th, 1945, a single American bomber unleashed a weapon unlike anything the world had ever seen - Little Boy, the first atomic bomb used in war. In a blinding flash, the city of Hiroshima was levelled. In this episode, we chart …
…
continue reading