History Extra podcast

The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.


Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. 

 

We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. 

 

Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. 

 

Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. 

 

Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.  

 

Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.  

 

Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. 

Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/

History
2301
The history of music and the Knights Templar
Tim Blanning discusses how music has shaped history, while Michael Haag explores the history of the Knights Templar in the context of the Crusades
46 min
2302
Tudor accidents and the real Anglo-Saxons
Steven Gunn analyses accidental death in Tudor times, while Ryan Lavelle explores the darker side of the Anglo-Saxons.
47 min
2303
Royal personality in Tudor and Medieval times
Mark Ormrod and John Cooper give a joint lecture on Edward III and Francis Walsingham
48 min
2304
The First World War and Roman shopping
Chris Clark challenges the traditional view of the First World War's origins, while Claire Holleran takes us on a shopping trip in ancient Rome.
41 min
2305
History Extra Christmas quiz
Test your history knowledge with our festive trivia challenge.
17 min
2306
Napoleon and Mussolini
Alan Forrest considers how Napoleon used art as propaganda, while Christopher Duggan argues that Mussolini was a popular ruler.
65 min
2307
The Victorian cadaver trade, and lessons from t...
Elizabeth T Hurren explores how the bodies of paupers helped advance medical science, while Robert Greene explains how you can become the next Napoleon or Leonardo da Vinci.
48 min
2308
Black soldiers in the World War Two, and medica...
Stephen Bourne reflects on the black contribution to Britain's fight against the Axis, while Alun Withey introduces a new medical history project.
46 min
2309
Edward I and maps through history
Caroline Burt explores the reputation of Edward I and Simon Garfield explains his fascination with historical maps.
42 min
2310
Jujitsu suffragettes and the Battle of El Alamein
Jonathan Dimbleby considers a momentous Second World War clash, while Emelyne Godfrey reveals the story of suffragette martial artists.
50 min
2311
The importance of the Tudors
Suzannah Lipscomb explains the impact that Henry VIII, Elizabeth I et al had on English and British history.
43 min
2312
Why the Plantagenets matter
Dan Jones argues the importance of the Plantagenet dynasty to British history.
55 min
2313
The early years of the Iron Curtain and violenc...
Anne Applebaum discusses her new book on Communist Eastern Europe, while Steven Pinker argues that we've never lived in more peaceful times.
49 min
2314
World War Two farming and a new time saver for ...
Clare Griffiths considers how the Second World War affected agriculture, while John Morrill introduces an invaluable new resource for historians.
50 min
2315
The Battle of Poitiers and WWII strategy
David Reynolds discusses Britain's World War Two strategy, while Bernard Cornwell considers the Battle of Poitiers, 1356.
43 min
2316
History for future generations
Catherine Butler discusses history for children, while David Horspool examines rebellious texts of the past.
36 min
2317
Letters from the USSR
Orlando Figes describes some remarkable letters from the Soviet Union, while Charlotte Hodgman investigates the history of gas in Britain.
36 min
2318
Victorian cohabitation and the Libor scandal
Rebecca Probert explores cohabitation in Victorian times, while Tony Moore seeks out historical parallels to the Libor scandal.
40 min
2319
Disability through the ages
Simon Jarrett discusses disability through history, while David Priestland talks about how occupational groups have fought for power over the centuries.
62 min
2320
The battle for Madagascar and The Wars of the R...
Tim Benbow describes the Second World War battle for Madagascar, while Sarah Gristwood reflects on the role of women in the Wars of the Roses.
46 min
2321
The Spanish Civil War
Helen Graham reflects on the Spanish Civil War and Sam Willis comments on a remarkable naval discovery.
41 min
2322
Historical geography and cookery
Jerry Brotton introduces the father of geography, while David Musgrove investigates some historical recipe books.
42 min
2323
American religions
Richard Carwardine explores religion in the USA and David Lees considers Vichy France's role in the Holocaust.
52 min
2324
The Royal Navy
Sam Willis explores the history of the Royal Navy in the concluding half of our Tower of London lecture.
48 min
2325
The British Army
Saul David describes the role of the British army in propelling the country to global-power status.
46 min