The Rest Is History
News & Politics
About
Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook on the history that shapes the present.
Episodes
- 668. Greece vs Persia: The Rise of the First Superpower (Part 1)
Tom and Dominic begin a new series exploring the Persian invasion of Greece, focusing on the origins of the 490 BC conflict and the figure of King Darius. This episode examines the rise of the Persian Empire and the events leading up to th…
- 667. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa
This episode of The Rest Is History investigates the Mona Lisa, exploring the meaning behind its smile and its relationship to Renaissance Italy and Leonardo da Vinci.
- 666. Wine and the Birth of Civilisation
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses the history of wine, examining its role in ancient civilizations, its connection to figures like Julius Caesar, and significant events such as The Judgement of Paris comparing American and Fren…
- 665. Britain in the 70s: The Bailout from Hell (Part 4)
This episode, part of a series, focuses on Britain in the 1970s, specifically the 1976 financial crisis and the political response. It also mentions the rise of punk in this period.
- 664. Britain in the 70s: Scandal in Downing Street (Part 3)
Tom and Dominic discuss Britain's financial difficulties and political issues in the 1970s. The episode covers the challenges faced by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, including economic inflation and events in London.
- 663. Britain in the 70s: The Brexit That Never Was (Part 2)
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses Harold Wilson's premiership in the 1970s, focusing on the divisions within the left and Britain's relationship with Europe. Tom and Dominic explore these historical events.
- 662. Britain in the 70s: The Rise of Thatcher (Part 1)
This episode, "Britain in the 70s: The Rise of Thatcher (Part 1)", explores Margaret Thatcher's rise to become leader of the Conservative Party in 1970s Britain. It discusses the tumultuous politics of the era and the challenges Thatcher f…
- 661. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shōgun Triumphant (Part 4)
This episode of The Rest Is History concludes the series on the rise of the Samurai. It examines the civil war between the Minamoto and Taira dynasties and the Samurai's ascendance in Japan.
- 660. Dawn of the Samurai: Japan’s Greatest Warrior (Part 3)
This episode explores the life of Yoshitsune, a general in Japanese history, and his role in the Samurai civil war between the Minamoto and Taira clans in 12th-century Japan. It examines a key victory in Samurai history.
- 659. Dawn of the Samurai: Bloodbath at the Bridge (Part 2)
This episode of The Rest Is History podcast, titled "Dawn of the Samurai: Bloodbath at the Bridge (Part 2)," features Tom and Dominic discussing the increasing influence of Samurai in medieval Japan. They cover the Minamoto clan's rise to…
- Music: The Father of the Blues, Golden Age of Jazz, and David Bowie | History in Photos
This episode discusses iconic photographs of 20th-century musicians. It explores the stories behind images of Robert Johnson, 1950s NYC Jazz musicians, and David Bowie, Bowie.
- 658. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shadow of the Sword (Part 1)
This episode discusses the historical emergence of the Samurai, their transition from provincial outsiders to rulers, and their portrayal as honor-driven warriors. It covers the rise of these Japanese warriors and the growth of their legen…
- 657. The Ku Klux Klan: American Fascists (Part 4)
This episode, part 4 of a series, examines the Ku Klux Klan's resurgence in 1915, its influence on American elections, the role of women in the Klan, and its eventual decline. It covers the tragic climax of the organization's history.
- Revolutions: Iran, the Prague Spring, and Ceaușescu’s Fall | History in Photos
This podcast episode explores iconic photographs of 20th and 21st-century political revolutions. Photographer Chris Floyd joins the discussion to analyze images from events such as the Iranian Revolution, the Prague Spring, and Ceaușescu’s…
- 656. The Ku Klux Klan: Birth of a Nation (Part 3)
This episode explores the rise of the Ku Klux Klan from 1915, detailing its growth as a national organization and its targets. It also discusses the public condemnation of the Klan's violence with an election approaching.
- 655. The Ku Klux Klan: Terror in the South (Part 2)
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses the escalation of violence by the Ku Klux Klan and their increasing popularity in the American South after the Civil War. It also covers the political context of their rise and their eventual d…
- 654. The Ku Klux Klan: The Rise of Evil (Part 1)
This episode explores the history of the Ku Klux Klan, focusing on its origins, various iterations, and the historical context of its formation, including the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery. It discusses the ideology and s…
- 653. London’s Golden Age: The Shadow of the Madhouse (Part 4)
This episode concludes the series on Samuel Johnson, focusing on his later life, including a difficult love interest and his concerns about mental health. The hosts, Tom and Dominic, discuss these events and their impact on Johnson's life.
- 652. London’s Golden Age: The Ghosts of Culloden (Part 3)
This episode features Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discussing Samuel Johnson and James Boswell's adventures in Scotland. They explore the historical context of Scotland's union with England and the Battle of Culloden.
- 651. London’s Golden Age: Sex and Scandal in Georgian Britain (Part 2)
This episode discusses 18th-century London, including sexual scandal and political tumult. It also covers James Boswell's life and his meeting with Samuel Johnson.
- 650. London’s Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1)
This episode, "London's Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1)," explores the life of Samuel Johnson, an 18th-century literary celebrity, and his friendship with James Boswell. The discussion examines Georgian Britain, including t…
- 649. The Fall of the Incas: The Last Emperor (Part 6)
This episode concludes the series on the fall of the Inca Empire, detailing the final phase of the conquest. It explores the conflict between Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro and the ultimate defeat of the Incas.
- 648. The Fall of the Incas: Battle for the Sacred City (Part 5)
This episode, Part 5 of The Fall of the Incas, details the Spanish response to the Incan uprising led by Emperor Manco. It also explores how the actions of Pizarro sparked the rebellion and the subsequent assault by Manco and his warriors…
- 647. The Fall of the Incas: The King in the North (Part 4)
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses the fall of the Incas, focusing on the Spanish conquistadors' role in the Incan civil war and their discovery of Cusco. The hosts also examine the brutalities committed during the conquest.
- Greatest Paintings: The French Revolution - Millet's Angelus
This episode explores Jean-François Millet’s The Angelus, its controversial and politically divisive nature in 19th-century France, and its influence on artists like Salvador Dalí and Vincent Van Gogh. It also delves into Millet's personal…
- 646. The Fall of the Incas: Death to the Emperor (Part 3)
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses the fall of the Incas. It explores the fate of the Incan emperor after his capture by Spanish conquistadors and the empire's efforts to resist the invasion.
- The Book Club: Wuthering Heights
Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett discuss Emily Brontë's novel, Wuthering Heights. They explore its romantic associations, the character of Heathcliff, and the nature of its characters.
- 645. The Fall of the Incas: Massacre in the Andes (Part 2)
This episode discusses the encounter between Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and Incan emperor Atahualpa. It explores the conflict that arose between the two groups.
- Greatest Paintings: Age of Enlightenment - Raeburn's Skating Minister
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses Henry Raeburn's Skating Minister. It examines how the painting represents the Scottish Enlightenment and the Romantic movement.
- 644. The Fall of the Incas: Empire of Gold (Part 1)
This episode, "The Fall of the Incas: Empire of Gold (Part 1)," from "The Rest Is History," examines the Spanish conquest of the Incas. It discusses Francisco Pizarro's role and describes the Incan Empire before the invasion.
- 643. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Carthage Destroyed (Part 4)
This episode, titled "Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Carthage Destroyed (Part 4)," discusses the final phase of the Punic Wars. It covers the Roman Empire's conquest and the ultimate destruction of Carthage.
- Greatest Paintings: The Ghost of Spain – Velázquez’s Las Meninas
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas. It examines the painting's relationship to the Spanish Golden Age and its unique artistic style, with art critic Laura Cumming.
- 642. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Bloodbath in Africa (Part 3)
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses the Roman invasion of North Africa led by Scipio and his encounter with Hannibal at the Battle of Zama. The podcast examines the outcomes for both commanders.
- 641. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Hannibal’s Nemesis (Part 2)
Tom and Dominic discuss the Battle of Ibera and the Punic Wars. The episode explores the actions of Publius Cornelius Scipio and the Carthaginian Wars.
- Greatest Paintings: Dawn of the Dutch Golden Age - The Arnolfini Portrait
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, exploring its mysteries, symbolism, and historical context. The discussion includes its provenance and influence on artists like Diego Velázquez.
- 640. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Carthage at the Gates (Part 1)
This episode discusses Carthage, its general Hannibal Barca, and his victory at the Battle of Cannae. It explores how Rome responded and the subsequent conflict.
- 639. Revolution in Iran: Death in the Desert (Part 4)
This episode explores the conclusion of the Iranian Revolution, including the American response to the hostage crisis at the US Embassy in Tehran. It discusses the fate of the hostages and the revolution's ultimate outcome.
- 638. Revolution in Iran: The Hostage Crisis (Part 3)
This episode of "The Rest Is History" discusses the 1979 storming of the American Embassy during the Iranian Revolution, focusing on the invasion and the subsequent hostage crisis in Tehran. It explores the events surrounding American citi…
- 637. Revolution in Iran: Rise of the Ayatollah (Part 2)
This episode explores the final uprisings of the Iranian Revolution against Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. It examines America’s response and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini and his vision for Iran.
- 636. Revolution in Iran: Fall of the Shah (Part 1)
This episode discusses the Iranian Revolution of 1979, focusing on the relationship between President Carter and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and the influence of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
- 635. Joan of Arc: For Fear of the Flames (Part 4)
This episode, "Joan of Arc: For Fear of the Flames (Part 4)", discusses Joan of Arc's imprisonment and trial. The hosts examine the charges against her and her final confession.
- 634. Joan of Arc: Heroine in Chains (Part 3)
This episode explores Joan of Arc's efforts to help Charles VII, her victories against English soldiers, and her eventual capture. The hosts discuss her successes and the circumstances leading to her trial.
- 633. Joan of Arc: Saviour of France (Part 2)
This episode, Part 2, delves into Joan of Arc's journey, recounting her meeting with the Dauphin and her leadership in battle in April 1429. It explores her efforts to crown the son of Charles VI and confront the English.
- 632. Joan of Arc: Warrior Maid (Part 1)
This episode, "Joan of Arc: Warrior Maid (Part 1)," examines the early life and historical impact of Joan of Arc, focusing on her role in the Hundred Years’ War and her influence on the King of France. The discussion covers her journey fro…
- 631. Wagner: LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses Richard Wagner, examining his status as a revolutionary artist versus an egotist. It explores how his music became entangled with politics and power, and addresses the question of whether Wagne…
- 630. Tchaikovsky: LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall
Tom and Dominic discuss the life and inner conflicts of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The episode features a live performance by the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall.
- 629. WWI: The Christmas Truce
This episode of The Rest Is History examines the Christmas Truce of WWI, an unofficial ceasefire in 1914. It investigates whether the events, including soldiers playing football, are fact or myth.
- 628. Jack The Ripper: The Killer Unmasked (Part 5)
This episode of The Rest Is History focuses on Jack the Ripper. It explores the identities of prime suspects, reasons for the cessation of the murders, and the true identity of the serial killer.
- 627. Jack The Ripper: From Hell (Part 4)
This episode, part 4 of a series, focuses on Jack the Ripper's final murder, victim Mary-Jane Kelly, and the impact of the crimes on Victorian England and the treatment of women.
- 626. Jack The Ripper: The Killer Strikes Again (Part 3)
This episode of The Rest Is History discusses Jack the Ripper, including how he continued to evade capture and the clues discovered by police. The hosts aim to reveal his identity.