Recent Entries

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-18 00:30:00

THE LEADERS: Stalin (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=RzUs9qAHcMNebp_ZZknheAwgFy9LtB1d0stGIF1QUtw)

Was WWII actually Stalin's War? He's a man whose name is synonymous with absolute power, the epitome of ruthless ambition, his story is one of both triumph and unspeakable cruelty. A man whose brutality matched any of the Axis leaders....who worked with Hitler….yet in the end ...aligned himself with the Allies. As a result, he came out of the war on top and shaped the world order for the subsequent 50 years. Even today his shadow falls over the events we're seeing on the evening news.

In this episode of 'The Leaders' Dan is joined by Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, Phillips O'Brien and historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to examine the rise of Stalin's totalitarian power and the way he manipulated everyone on both sides to reach his strategic aims. 

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

Phillip's book 'The Strategists' is available now.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-17 00:30:00

Babylon: The Most Important City of Antiquity (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=q0-hD_UjbLBKKtyIbhNDrzcKeAm6rWVKae_pXvjWJ_k)

The urban cultures of ancient Mesopotamia formed the foundation for so much of our modern world. Nowhere exemplifies this better than the city of Babylon, which was the cultural seedbed for the Greek and Roman civilisations that in turn left such lasting legacies.

On this episode, Dan is joined by Amanda Podany, professor emeritus of history at the California State Polytechnic University. Amanda draws on an astonishing breadth of original documents and objects to explain just how foundational this civilisation was, and how people learnt to live side by side with one another.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-14 00:30:00

THE LEADERS: Mussolini (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=nGC7HSGEk7T199D1el4yox4TU_6lL08deFqVEMoaCKQ)

Once a political heavyweight with dreams of a new Roman Empire, Mussolini's journey from a rebellious socialist youth to the fascist leader of Italy is a story of ego, brutality and ultimately incompetence. In this third instalment of The Leaders series, Dan is joined again by Professor Phillips O'Brien, author of 'The Strategists'. They examine Mussolini's rise to power, the catastrophic decisions that led to Italy's devastation during the Second World War and his ultimate downfall.

Produced and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-12 00:30:00

The Origins of Jim Crow (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=BsnePbprmy9HgeeTXRDwUqmLjz6BLGqp2UScy-aVocY)

The Jim Crow era is one of the darkest periods in American history. The country was divided by laws, customs and etiquettes that demeaned African Americans and segregated them from white Americans. But how exactly did this era begin? And was post-Civil War America always destined for racial segregation?

To answer this question we're joined by Aaron Sheehan-Dean, a Professor of Southern Studies at Louisiana State University. He explains why America's attempts to build a multiracial democracy after the Civil War failed, and how the wheels of Jim Crow were set in motion.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-10 00:30:00

The Sphinx (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=Ny2jz0WJhZWoGFy6wT3sHklkR2Hs2Bbxor5HoXtuSx4)

The Great Sphinx of Giza is probably the most recognisable statue in the world but it’s also one of the most mysterious...with conflicting stories about who built it and why have circulated since ancient times. These include tales of what lies inside…

To bust some of these myths, we're sharing this episode of Echoes of History, the podcast that delves into the history behind the Assassin's Creed games. In this episode, Egyptologist Dr Chris Naunton joins host Matt Lewis to explain everything you’ve always wanted to know about the mysteries of the Sphinx…

Echoes of History is a History Hit podcast available on all podcast players.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-07 00:30:00

THE LEADERS: Churchill (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=LhVLl_xKjSbsTNAvq0fE1i_513jXl6b9JSxf9980vGo)

Does Churchill deserve the legacy he has? He took the reigns from a foundering Chamberlain and proved himself to be the man the country needed. But of course, he is not a man without controversy or contradiction. In the second episode of The Leaders series, Dan and Professor Phillips O'Brien look at Churchill's biggest strategic moves of the war & how he went from a ridiculed outsider to an energising orator.

Phillips O'Brien is a Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews. His book is called 'The Strategists'.

Produced by Dougal Patmore and Mariana Des Forges.

We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-05 00:30:00

D-day to Berlin: The Americans Cross the Rhine (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=eDkQHz4Tm4M0LvfzyUClsxiBXy1cBJsuo83j7KerLq0)

80 years ago this week, American forces unexpectedly discovered an intact bridge across the river Rhine - the last natural defence of the crumbling Third Reich. They mounted a ferocious assault and after a bloody battle with the determined German defenders, were able to capture it, and push into the German heartland.

In the latest episode of our 'D-Day to Berlin' series, Dan is joined again by John C. McManus. John explains how the American assault played out, and how it helped to hasten the end of the war.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-03-03 00:30:00

THE LEADERS: Hitler (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=K0hrdchVGdG5bCC2l0Hy8M-GGHimt83Z1FuH6kmkrsE)

Could Germany have won the war if not for Hitler's hubris? Dan is joined by Professor Phillips O'Brien to explore Hitler's biggest decisions during WWII and how he shaped the course of the war. They examine his decision to invade Poland, the Soviet Union and his response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. With a deep dive into Hitler's background, rise to power and personal motivations as well, this episode gives insight into how individual leaders can influence the trajectory of history.

This is the first episode in our THE LEADERS series, which runs throughout March.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

Phillips' book is called 'The Strategists'.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-28 00:30:00

Why Do Humans Wage War? (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=PRk5VsNkoWm7vF9dizYfsAKboFLOmv7d81ciU5jcjn8)

Why, despite knowing the devastation it causes, do humans insist on starting wars? Countless battles have littered the pages of our shared human story. Powerful leaders, hungry for glory and conquest, have always relied on conflict to achieve their goals.

To understand the persistence of violent conflict in the human story, Dan is joined by Richard Overy, one of the great military historians and author of 'Why War?'.

This was originally released as a History Hit subscriber-exclusive episode.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-27 09:22:24

THE LEADERS - Mini Series Coming 3rd March (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=KgfAEk5M_53WGm6_wyfg4HrFRnyRipxJqloHPuRBaN8)

Why do we, as humans, allow such individuals to hold such power over us? And at what cost? Our world is shaped by choices—some calculated, some reckless, most irreversible. From Kennedy and Khrushchev stepping to the brink of nuclear annihilation to Putin’s recent invasion of Ukraine, leaders have made decisions that have altered the course of humanity. Never was this more true than in the Second World War—the deadliest conflict in human history. WWII transformed the world, reducing ancient cities to rubble, displacing millions, and ushering in the atomic age. At the centre stood six men: Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Emperor Hirohito. Their decisions—some brilliant, others catastrophic—reshaped nations and decided the fate of millions.

In this gripping mini-series, Dan steps inside the war room and breaks down the key strategic moves made by these infamous leaders, with the help of Phillips O’Brien (esteemed professor of strategic studies at the University of St Andrews). They examine Hitler’s fateful invasion of Russia, Churchill’s attempts to preserve the British Empire, as well as Roosevelt’s quiet manoeuvring and Hirohito’s cautious influence.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-26 00:30:00

Mary, Queen of Scots (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=GtxOZiLfcAbHNEsURMPrACCd_6JUDRhfgf4gUf5H13Q)

This is the story of the incredible rise and fall of Mary, Queen of Scots. She was queen of Scotland, she was queen of France, and she could have been queen of England. She led armies, lived as a fugitive, became embroiled in love affairs and spent nearly two decades in jail.

Dan is joined by the great Kate Williams, a presenter, historian and professor at Reading University, to take us through the twists and turns of Mary's tumultuous life.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-24 00:30:00

Soho: London's Most Notorious Neighbourhood (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=XmRGXDSfjZDg2qWbQDZfaox2_QT4byoFAB_X1QSIGTc)

Soho was once a thriving melting pot of speakeasies, sex work and organised crime. From razor gangs of the 1920s to money laundering, the area has always been a hotbed for thieves, conmen, drug dealers, and shady goings-on… but it's also provided fertile ground for revolution, ground-breaking jazz, rock n roll and countercultural movements. Joining Dan to discuss the extraordinary history of London’s most notorious neighbourhood in the 1920s is sex historian and host of the Betwixt the Sheets podcast Dr Kate Lister. 

Historic Soho has been brought to life in the new BBC show Dope Girls, which tells the story of Soho when female gangs ran the nightclubs after the First World War. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer now. 

We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-21 00:30:00

Dogs (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=jZK1QvFkDhIz-fVKPcFzU8olKkyo0gcSeyq5PmveWoQ)

From the small corgis that drove cattle to Smithfield market to the Dalmatians that protected carriages from highwaymen, humans and dogs have relied on each other for millennia. Historian and dog-lover Mike Loades joins Dan to trace the history of our close relationship with dogs. They discuss the first proto-dogs, the bloodhounds that hunted down William Wallace and the little lap dog that hid under Mary Queen of Scots' skirts during her beheading (allegedly.) 

You can see History Hit's 'History of Dogs' documentary series on History Hit TV. To watch, sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

Mike's book is called 'Dogs: Working Origins and Traditional Tasks'

We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-19 00:30:00

Josef Mengele (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=0zsLkoNokOPOxwLuEFwWSJyeLm4K5oKkggzGVhWiWqo)

The Nazi doctor who committed heinous experiments on prisoners of Auschwitz was harboured by a network of Nazi supporters in Argentina after the war. As an SS officer and physician, he conducted horrific tests on prisoners, particularly twins, in pursuit of pseudoscientific racial theories. His name has become synonymous with Nazi war crimes.

After World War II, Mengele evaded justice, escaping to South America. He lived in Argentina for years under an assumed identity, avoiding capture despite international efforts to bring him to trial. In this episode, Dan is joined by the award-winning journalist Betina Anton who tracked down the woman who helped him hide. The woman was Betina's old school teacher.

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of human suffering that listeners may find upsetting. This episode also contains mention of outdated terminology for historical context.

Betina's book is called 'Hiding Mengele: How a Nazi Network Harbored the Angel of Death'

Produced by James Hickmann and Mariana Des Forges, edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-17 00:30:00

Why Isn't Canada the 51st State? (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=idsX8BFjZv_rGwMCxWH1WH00NlD6xbn4EPt3NKEuhTc)

Dan explains how Canada has resisted many American attempts at annexation since the Revolution in 1775. From the tariff tensions of 1911 to President Trump's recent remarks about making Canada the 51st state, this episode delves deep into the various moments over the last 250 years when American leaders have eyed their northern neighbour for expansion. Dan examines the American invasions during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and explains how Canada's resistance and unique circumstances have kept it independent.

Discover the historical context behind today's headlines with this comprehensive look into U.S.-Canada relations.

Written by Dan Snow, edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-14 00:30:00

The Bombing of Dresden (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=4t-ogoVsYhBL5G4XkWv7VG90QBldYnzKndFl63Zs2Qk)

As the Second World War neared its bloody climax, Allied bombers unleashed a devastating firestorm on Dresden. In just two days the historic city was reduced to rubble, and tens of thousands were killed. The question remains - was this a legitimate military operation, or an unjustifiable act of destruction?

For the latest episode in our 'D-Day to Berlin' series, we're joined by Sinclair McKay, author of 'Dresden: The Fire and the Darkness'. Aided by the words of Victor Gregg, a British POW who was in the city that fateful night, Sinclair unpacks one of the most controversial events of the Second World War.

Warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of events that some listeners may find upsetting.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-12 00:30:00

The Siege of Malta: Knights Hospitaller vs The Ottomans (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=F_U55i3qpFBZTvkEYRup-TJymIak6Rw0nDC-hqCM6rg)

This is the story of Suleiman the Magnificent's attempt to conquer Malta, the headquarters of a Catholic military order that had become a thorn in his side. They were known as the Knights Hospitaller, and the siege to come would pit Grand Master Jean de Valette and his force of outnumbered defenders against an elite Ottoman army.

For this, we're joined by Marcus Bull, author of 'The Great Siege of Malta'. Marcus takes us through this tale of siege warfare and explains how luck as much as skill helped the defenders to hold out long enough for the siege to be broken.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Matthew Peaty.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-10 00:30:00

Iwo Jima: WWII in the Pacific (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=XmWKIvY0PzYQ9laffKEQzYQFNIzxWzY8Lxz6KuHWGpU)

80 years ago, on the rocky volcanic island of Iwo Jima, the vicious battle for the Pacific reached ever bloodier crescendos. As Allied forces crossed the Rhine in Europe, American Marines won a costly victory on Iwo Jima in their island-hopping campaign towards the Japanese mainland.

For the latest instalment of our 'D-Day to Berlin' series, we're joined by Timothy Heck, an artillery officer in the US Marine Corps Reserve and a supervisory historian with Naval History and Heritage Command. Tim explains why the battle happened, and how the Americans overcame the tenacious Japanese defenders.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Matthew Peaty.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-07 00:30:00

Nostradamus (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=tJID3CacAlgwHCr-e1tu9CX9tQRepvmUuo5lvYGT7OQ)

For centuries, Nostradamus has been hailed as the man who saw the future—his cryptic quatrains allegedly foretelling everything from the French Revolution and the rise of Hitler to the 9/11 attacks and the Covid-19 pandemic. But how much is true, and how much is myth?

Joining Dan in this episode to unravel the true history of the French soothsayer is John Hogue, a renowned Nostradamus scholar. Together they explore Nostradamus' life as a plague doctor, the occult during the Renaissance, his most famous predictions and why they still captivate us today.

You can learn more on John's website here: http://www.hogueprophecy.com/

With special thanks to listener Tamarah Palmer.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

We'd love to hear from you. You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-05 00:30:00

2. The English Civil War: Roundheads vs Cavaliers (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=V1L4cEQrcEb8e7NDrKGupBXQ9sApROngh652x1OG2IA)

Episode 2/2. In 1642, England was torn apart by a fierce struggle. Royalist armies, loyal to the defiant King Charles I, clashed with the forces of Parliament, igniting a violent civil war that would decide the fate of the monarchy and the nation. In this second episode, we hear about some of the bloodiest battles between Roundheads and Cavaliers, the leaders who came to the fore during these trying years and how the two sides eventually arrived at a shaky truce.

For this, Dan is joined by Minoo Dinshaw, author of 'Friends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War'. He explains this tumultuous period from the perspective of Bulstrode Whitelocke and Edward Hyde, two close friends who reluctantly found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict that split England in two.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

We'd love to hear from you. You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-02-03 00:30:00

1. The English Civil War: How it Started (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=w0TZHctIzk6d5Q2HDkNBYuQRsuCSJN9LsuEBugPIBS0)

Episode 1/2. King Charles I's decision to rule without Parliament was just one of the many reasons that England found itself embroiled in a bloody civil war. In this first episode, we learn how subtle religious and political differences upset the balance of power in England, and plunged the kingdom into chaos.

For this, Dan is joined by Minoo Dinshaw, author of 'Friends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War'. He explains this tumultuous period from the perspective of Bulstrode Whitelocke and Edward Hyde, two close friends who reluctantly found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict that split England in two.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

We'd love to hear from you. You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-31 00:30:00

Auschwitz Commandant: Rudolf Höss (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=mPHD4kSeeG0cwmdvUu1dnItqTSj8rEcl2v0UcC3JD98)

Every day Rudolf Höss oversaw the killing of thousands of people at the death camp and then went home and acted like a doting father to his family. Höss was brought in by top Nazis to pioneer the industrialisation of the mass murder of Europe's Jews and others. He lived in a house that shared a wall with Auschwitz, metres from the crematorium, where he and his family enjoyed a happy domestic life - his wife once described their life at the house as 'paradise'.

The house was home to a Polish family until last year when it was taken over by the Counter Extremism Project who invited History Hit to explore the house, which is largely as it was when the Hoss family lived there. Dan travels to Poland with historian and best-selling author Thomas Harding to discover more about Höss' role in the Holocaust and what the house teaches us about 'the banality of evil'. They learn about what went on there, what Holocaust artefacts were recently found in the attic and the future of the house as a centre to combat hate.

Warning: this episode contains descriptions of human suffering and genocide which some listeners may find upsetting.

With special thanks to the Counter Extremism Project, Dr Hans-Jakob Schindler, Keith Burnet and Thomas Harding.

You can see the History Hit film about the house here:

You can find out more in Thomas' book 'Hanns and Rudolf: The German Jew and the Hunt for the Kommandant of Auschwitz'. He also has a new book out for children. It's called 'The House on the Canal: The Story of the House that Hid Anne Frank.'

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Max Carrey and Dougal Patmore

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-29 00:30:00

The Hunt for Pablo Escobar (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=CUFxdCHJi5iIedPFQ4LlWuvmk4afDp4PmFcw-INAY9E)

By the early 1990s, the Colombian city of Medellín was at the centre of the world's largest drug empire. The fearsome Medellín Cartel, led by the notorious drug lord and narcoterrorist Pablo Escobar, brought murder and mayhem to the city and the world for nearly two decades.

In this episode, Dan is joined by the men portrayed in the critically acclaimed series Narcos, ex-DEA agents Javier Peña and Steve Murphy. They tell us the true story behind the rise and fall of the infamous Pablo Escobar.

Produced by Freddy Chick and James Hickmann, and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-27 00:30:00

A History of Auschwitz (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=udjMUcAw-wAWjSBZ-eazgP0DmE0yhKpUfRSBCGrH3ek)

On January 27th 1945, the Red Army liberated the concentration camp at Auschwitz unveiling its almost unspeakable horrors to the world. 

The concentration camp system began almost immediately after Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. It was an integral part of the Nazi regime's rapid dismantling of German democracy. Within weeks, the first concentration camp, Dachau, was opened to imprison political opponents, marking the start of a vast and brutal system of camps across Germany and later in the occupied territories. The camps began as places to imprison political enemies and people the Nazis deemed to be “undesirables”. But, as the Second World War progressed, these camps became centres of industrial-scale genocide, with Auschwitz becoming perhaps the most infamous. 

In this episode, Dan is joined by Nikolaus Wachsmann, Professor of Modern European History at Birkbeck University of London. They discuss the historical context and horrors of Auschwitz, marking Holocaust Memorial Day on the 80th anniversary of its liberation by the Red Army.

Warning: This episode contains a detailed discussion of the Holocaust and genocide which some listeners may find upsetting.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-24 00:30:00

The Panama Canal (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=awug-Mo6-Ic-lR51OOIDX5aFz_rgMofpwEwQhaVnSlM)

What is the history of the Panama Canal and why does Trump think he can 'take it back'? Dan is joined by Professor Julie Greene to delve into the long backstory of this 50-mile waterway that changed the world. Its journey from concept to completion was fraught as many nations sought to build it over several centuries, with the US eventually taking up the costly task in the 1900s. During the decade-long construction, many workers, mostly from the Caribbean, suffered awful working conditions and were injured or died building it. Total control was handed over to Panama in the 1990s.

Better understand the headlines with this deep dive into history.

You can learn more in Julie's books 'Box 25: Archival Secrets, Caribbean Workers, and the Panama Canal' and 'The Canal Builders.'

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Max Carrey

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-22 00:30:55

How WW1 Inspired The Lord of The Rings (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=BhhPK2bfU_hyRBJ8-JYzfJGAC_5vwJ7LDRNuGzt_o38)

J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is perhaps the most captivating fantasy world ever created. His mythology and folklore continue to influence the work of writers, filmmakers, musicians and artists to this day. He first conceived of the idea during the First World War and built his world to examine the fear and courage, despair and hope that he witnessed. So how exactly did this brutal, bloody war help to shape Middle-earth? Dan is joined by John Garth, an award-winning Tolkien biographer and author of Tolkien and the Great War, to tell us about Tolkien's life and how the conflict influenced his writing.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-20 15:54:36

Vasco da Gama and The Rise of the Portuguese Empire (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=PqRz3B6TYvN-dwLcR_vuxm6TlkPV6Na0n9kUhV3dKAA)

Dan tells the epic story of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, whose daring voyages at the turn of the 16th century laid the foundations for the Portuguese Empire. From navigating treacherous waters to forging vital trade routes with India, da Gama's exploits reshaped the world’s economic and political landscape. Dan explores the ambition, challenges, savage conquests and exploits of the Portuguese across Asia and Africa that marked the beginning of Europe & Christianity's domination of the globe.

Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and graphic descriptions of violence.

Written by Dan Snow, produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Max Carrey

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-20 00:30:00

Charlemagne (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=3pCPGiAXWzux-J-3YCe1OwbmIbvcy6B9C-AaxFO1HJk)

Charlemagne was king of the Franks and Emperor of the mighty Carolingian Empire. His unusually long reign saw him conquer vast swathes of Europe, and shape them into an empire that would inspire rulers for centuries to come. His efforts earned him the title of the "Father of Europe", and the consequences of his reign would be felt long after he was gone.

Dan is joined by Matthew Innes, a Professor of History and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birkbeck, University of London. Matt takes us on a tour de force through the life and legacy of one of Europe's most famous medieval leaders.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-17 00:08:00

The Rise of Napoleon (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=B_i0Jav_Ry5y7yXmDIrpj2JJtDZpYUMFCj0h7dj6iA8)

Napoleon Bonaparte is a household name; a rare example of someone who is as well remembered by his supporters as by his enemies. His life is rich with dramatic irony. He was a key figure in the creation of the First French Republic, yet became a self-appointed Emperor. Surrounded by enemies, he secured peace in France through war abroad and was hated by the monarchies of Europe, who feared he would bring democracy to their lands. 

Dan was recently a guest on the Echoes of History podcast, hosted by Matt Lewis, to discuss the life of Napoleon which he's sharing here for DSHH fans to enjoy.  

Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. It's available wherever you get your podcasts.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-15 00:20:00

Who Owns Greenland? (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=aK2ez0HAnyG6saKrZTvRIj4SynUteRmJb9DZo3TAn-U)

It sounds outlandish that President-Elect Donald Trump has said he wants to buy Greenland but this isn't the first or even second time the United States has tried to acquire this arctic territory. Dan is joined by Professor Robert Rix from the University of Copenhagen to trace the long history of settlement in Greenland - from the Indigenous Inuit to the Norse colonisers and the American soldiers stationed there in the Second World War. Trump might want to buy Greenland, but it isn't necessarily Denmark's to sell...

You can discover more about the history of Greenland in Robert's book 'The Vanished Settlers of Greenland: In Search of a Legend and Its Legacy'.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Mariana Des Forges.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-12 23:05:48

Roald Amundsen (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=9jVYK1UV2_PMoWc2X_u4mlskXFK1CvhoaIrf4qRmQGI)

Roald Amundsen was surely one of history's greatest explorers. He beat Scott to the South Pole, and was the first person to reach the North Pole and to traverse the perilous Northwest Passage. His adaptability, meticulous precision and fearlessness propelled him to international fame in life and beyond.

Today we're joined by Stephen R. Bown, author of 'The Last Viking: The Life of Roald Amundsen'. Stephen tells us all about this fascinating man, who died as mysteriously as he lived.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-07 23:49:51

How to Survive a Medieval Crusade (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=ZDpdnymRbGE-rdTdx1DtBE4TdhZotnTp0hmtxOg0FsQ)

What would it have been like to go on a medieval crusade? What dangers would you have faced on the gruelling journey to the Holy Land, and what would it have been like once you arrived?

Dan and Matt Lewis, host of the 'Gone Medieval' podcast, discuss the logistical nightmares, deadly battles and harsh conditions faced by crusaders, and the brutal realities of these Church-sanctioned religious expeditions.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-05 23:34:31

Rome's Greatest Humiliation: Roman Empire vs Germanic Tribes (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=0bzBAh3y_ZuW8lHtXHWH0A8WM1Mpz4u_APs_RqNK5qA)

In 9 AD, the rebel chieftain Arminius and his confederation of Germanic tribes ambushed three Roman legions in the Teutoburg Forest. For days the Romans were relentlessly stalked through the woods and pounced on by their pursuers. All told, up to 20,000 Romans were killed in the chaos, and only a handful were able to escape. The battle proved to be one of Rome's most devastating defeats, and left a scar in the Roman psyche for generations to come.

In this Explainer episode, Dan explores the historical context for the battle and its profound consequences for Roman strategy and expansion. He's helped by Dr. Simon Elliott, who provides deeper insights into how the Roman military worked, and where its vulnerabilities lay.

Warning: this episode contains accounts of violence that some listeners may find disturbing.

Written and produced by Dan Snow, and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-03 00:30:36

The Battle of the Bulge (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=Tl9POGnmuYR3HqFoA6iSaKfSvIj61J2FO18N_apMIvA)

In the dead of winter, 1944, the frozen forest of Ardennes erupted in chaos. In a desperate, last-ditch attempt to turn the tide of the war, Hitler threw his armoured divisions at the thinly spread Allied frontline. The battle that followed was the bloodiest fought by the Americans in the war, and their determined defence helped to seal the fate of Nazi Germany.

For the latest instalment in our 'D-Day to Berlin' series, Dan is joined by Professor John C. McManus, author of 'Alamo in the Ardennes'. They delve into this fierce German winter offensive in terms of its strategic significance, and the tenacity of the American soldiers that thwarted Hitler's plans.

Written by Dan Snow, produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

To hear more of our 'D-Day to Berlin' series, you could check out:

1. Operation Market Garden - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/operation-market-garden
2. The Battle of Arnhem with Al Murray - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/the-battle-of-arnhem-with-al-murray
3. The Other D-Day: The Eastern Front - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/the-other-d-day-the-eastern-front
4. The Falaise Pocket: WWII's 'Corridor of Death' - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/the-falaise-pocket-wwiis-corridor-of-death
5. D-Day: The Land Invasion - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/d-day-the-land-invasion

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2025-01-01 00:30:22

The Great Fire of London (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=XIwZ0AW5-bj4zTHet7q3-TQgj-8uz5kZC5Mr_kuHqsg)

In the early hours of September 2, 1666, a small fire broke out on the ground floor of a baker's house in Pudding Lane. In five days that small fire would devastate the third largest city in the Western world.

Adrian Tinniswood is a historian, teacher and writer, as well as a consultant to the National Trust. Adrian joins Dan to explore the cataclysm and consequences of the Great Fire of London. Together, they piece together the story of the Fire and its aftermath - the panic, the search for scapegoats, and the rebirth of a city.

This episode was produced by Hannah Ward, the audio editor was Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-30 00:30:01

The Fall of Constantinople (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=vNg47WpHjJSjC34JWPVeYv7k2j1pKhjuB3ggmc979TA)

May 1453 saw the siege that would lead to the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was the culmination of an age-long struggle between Christianity and Islam for control of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ottoman leader Mehmed II had dreamed of possessing the city since he was a boy, and now the shining light of Christian civilization, which had lasted 1100 years, fell into the hands of Ottomans. 

In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis is joined by Prof. Marc David Baer to delve into this epochal moment in medieval history.

This episode was edited and produced by Joseph Knight and Rob Weinberg. The senior Producer was Elena Guthrie.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-27 00:30:44

The Origins of Istanbul (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=7PYHS1LkUqtGnCcPRxYFrYwMGDrzOn6TDojVBEb3RPs)

Today we dig into the history of Istanbul, the city at the crossroads of East and West. Across thousands of years, the city has survived the rise and fall of empires, weathered sieges and Crusades, and remained a centre of world religion, trade and politics.

With us is Jonathan Harris, Professor of the History of Byzantium at Royal Holloway and author of 'Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium'. He tells us all about the key moments that transformed the Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople into the modern-day city of Istanbul.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

If you want to learn more about the Byzantine Empire, you could listen to our episode on its most famous leader, Emperor Heraclius - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/emperor-heraclius-rome-vs-persia.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-25 00:30:55

Charles Dickens' Christmas (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=lXkTP8qnGokna7v2UIe5OViXs7YspkymblG9eYPtiLo)

Just as Scrooge wanders London's streets on a cold Christmas night, Dan Snow follows the ghosts of Charles Dickens' past to discover the city that inspired his greatest works. With London-born tour guide David Charnick, they slip down hidden alleyways to find the old debtor's prison that the Dickens family once called home; a place that haunted a young Charles for the rest of his life. They find the old counting houses and graveyards that inspired the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge and the locations that appear in A Christmas Carol. With David's masterful guidance and atmospheric readings, this immersive episode takes you to the fireside of a London coaching inn as the sun sets outside on a late December afternoon.

A warning: this episode contains references to historical suicides.

Dickens' extracts are read by Robyn Wilson.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-23 00:30:29

Folk Christmas: Yule, Solstice & Ancient English Traditions (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=vxK-fkoZGqYAhM40zfOVHwNOSMiddhWNqL4nzEBveM4)

Folktales around the fire, gooding & mumping and the terrifying Hooden Horse are just some of England's winter folk traditions from history. In this episode, Dan explores the unlikely and often dark origins of some of our Christmas traditions that can be traced back thousands of years. He's joined by folklore historian Vikki Bramshaw, to discover what midwinter legends were brought over with the Anglo-Saxon invasion, the origins of the Yule log and some of the unusual ways people passed the long nights in rural England (fortune-telling chestnuts).

He also explores the New Forest, Hampshire, with local historian Richard Reeves to find out more about how medieval people survived the cold winters in the woods.

You can discover more in Vikki's book 'New Forest Folklore, Traditions and Charms'.

This is episode 4 of our 'Origins of Christmas' series. This December, Dan explores the history behind our Christmas traditions—from extravagant Tudor feasts and carolling to midwinter Solstice celebrations, the bawdy entertainment of the Georgians, and the family-focused customs of the Victorians.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-20 00:30:03

How the Mongols Changed the World (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=1FKuqKTtUT1GpEkPNLrk4hRhLRnHPMbDGf4OYzsRtHM)

After the death of Chinggis Khan, the founder and first Emperor of the Mongol Empire, the land became the largest contiguous empire in history.

The Horde, the western portion of the Mongol empire, was the central node in the Eurasian commercial boom of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and was a conduit for exchanges across thousands of miles. A force in global development as important as Rome, the Horde left behind a profound legacy in Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, palpable to this day.

Marie Favereau, Associate Professor of History at Paris Nanterre University, joins Dan on the podcast. They discuss the Mongols as thinkers who constructed one of the most influential empires in history and how that empire continued to shape, incubate and grow the political cultures it conquered.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-18 00:30:28

Georgian Christmas (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=LpqlnDXccDROU9TrSsulTkKw6E8SnRjQrExNea1GZvc)

Pantomimes, pleasure gardens, bare-knuckle boxing and political upheaval. Christmas in the 18th and early 19th centuries was a very different affair from the peaceful family celebration of the Victorian Age. Georgian Christmas was raucous and rowdy, and it was time for a bit of fun before heading back to work.

In this seasonal episode, Dan delves into the festivities of London's working classes with Footprints of London tour guide Rob Smith. From an 18th-century showman who would put two joints of beef under his arms and walk into an oven - cooking them and miraculously not himself - to Joey Grimaldi, the world's first clown, Christmas in Regency London was surprising, lewd and quite extraordinary.

You can book one of Rob's tours here: https://footprintsoflondon.com/live/guides/rob-smith/

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and Rob Smith and edited by Max Carrey Dougal Patmore.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-16 00:30:23

The Cod Wars (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=NePgrP7H2NiZk2UEv8l_jjKLCybFhP4KJfrlwlYkXW8)

In the long and lamentable history of human conflicts, the Cod Wars have to be among the most bizarre. And what was the catalyst for them? You guessed it - fish. These 20th-century confrontations pitted hardy British fishermen and ships of the Royal Navy against the unwavering Icelandic Coast Guard. They involved medieval inventions and tactics like ships ramming each other, and even live fire. The conflict would shake the very foundations of NATO, and threaten to upend the balance of power in the Cold War between East and West.

William Reynolds is a Lecturer in Defence Studies at King's College London and joins us to explain these bizarre confrontations that came to shape maritime law and British-Icelandic relations.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-13 00:30:29

The Syrian Civil War: How It Started (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=pLUrcErkdrGkDB6slzIxwHwwEsiZuRl39cWCSZaLwy8)

Dan is joined by the Defence Editor for The Economist, Shashank Joshi, to explore the origins of the brutal Syrian civil war that has left the country in ruin and with an uncertain future. They unravel the complex political and cultural history of the region to explain why we're seeing turmoil today and what sense it could give us about what might happen now that the Assad regime has fallen.

Written by Dan Snow, produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Max Carrey

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-11 00:30:47

Henry VIII's Tudor Christmas (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=xMVlLSPe4VU77IfnJ7aoruizaba9DBcjxGcYH7Eb0T8)

Tudor Christmas was a time for revelry and fun. Henry VIII and his court celebrated the full 12 days of Christmas in excess, with tables ladened with roast swan, suckling pig and venison pasties, among other delights. It's believed one Christmas, the King spent the equivalent of £13 million on the celebrations. He loved to dress up and tease his wives as well as take part in festive games.

Dan travels to what was once the heart of Henry's court, Hampton Court Palace, to meet with Historic Royal Palaces chief curator Tracy Borman and Richard Fitch, of the Historic Kitchens Team, to discover how the Tudors celebrated and what of their traditions we still have today.

This is episode 2 of our 'Origins of Christmas' series. Every Wednesday in December, Dan explores the history behind our Christmas traditions—from extravagant Tudor feasts and carolling to midwinter Solstice celebrations, the bawdy entertainment of the Georgians, and the family-focused customs of the Victorians.

Produced and edited by Mariana Des Forges

Music by Epidemic Sounds & All3Media Music Library

Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-09 00:30:00

Surviving the Great War: Medics in the Trenches (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=gB8wQXurM5ddUuZvnzaDnUnvlgddszuE6wBNNqtMAp4)

Warning: this episode contains graphic details of injuries.

The brutal nature of the First World War presented frontline medical personnel with an array of horrific and debilitating wounds, inflicted on a previously unimaginable scale. From gas attacks and bayonet wounds to rifle fire and artillery barrages, day-to-day life on the frontlines posed a serious risk to life and limb. The doctors and nurses responsible for medical care rose to the challenge, and the First World War saw a dramatic transformation in the provision of frontline medicine. Many more lives would be saved than lost due to the efforts of these 'lifesavers'. Focusing on the Canadian experience, Tim Cook, author of Lifesavers and Body Snatchers, explains just how important and innovative the work of frontline medical staff was, and reveals the more sinister side of how these advances were achieved.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-06 00:30:09

Fascism in America (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=tkBZU1lUeshfGs0nd86qznK2__fhWeKlXIanRi0Skgs)

The rise of fascism in America in the 1920s & 30s looked just like the rise of fascism in Germany at the same time- scapegoating, the dissemination of false information, the attempted erosion of democracy… Dan is joined by Rachel Maddow, host of the chart-topping Ultra podcast and The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC to explore how Nazism infiltrated the highest political offices in the US government, but also the unsung American heroes who risked everything to stop it.

Rachel's latest book is Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.

Produced by Charlotte Long, Mariana Des Forges and James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-04 00:30:58

Roman Saturnalia (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=e5WwqJd733xE_GX9i1nYFUhIgf1Xz8V2axmv2VwjBOE)

Episode 1 in our 'Origins of Christmas' series. This Roman winter festival laid the foundations for many of our Christmas customs today- feasting, gift-giving and revelry. During Saturnalia, Emperors held elaborate games at the Colosseum while others gave gag gifts. Meanwhile, in the home, the societal hierarchy was flipped - slaves were served by their masters at the dinner table and out in the streets it was a carnival of music, dancing and debauchery.

Dan is joined by Dr Frances Macintosh, The English Heritage Collections Curator for Hadrian's Wall in the North East and she takes Dan through a typical Saturnalia.

Every Wednesday in December, Dan explores the history behind our Christmas traditions—from extravagant Tudor feasts and carolling to midwinter Solstice celebrations, the bawdy entertainment of the Georgians, and the family-focused customs of the Victorians.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey and Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-12-02 00:30:49

Churchill & FDR: The Origins of the 'Special Relationship' (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=OSm3ZS7jqZ44Ajmn_pmwryk-Kb614XIpzidxEu71kMQ)

Today we explore one of history's most consequential relationships - that of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, a pivotal alliance that shaped the world we live in today.

Alongside Lindsay Graham from the chart-topping American History Tellers podcast, Dan digs into the story of Britain and America's alliance in the Second World War and the diplomatic and personal relationship of these two world leaders, their famous meeting at the White House in December 1941 and the impact it had on the war and beyond.

You can discover more about Churchill's time at the White House and other stories in the American History Tellers book 'The Hidden History of the White House'.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-29 00:30:30

The Greeks vs Persia: The War that Changed the Ancient World (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=CPzh4tkTL4eNGf-r7NnSEEHaxAaeLcHbRDRzHGrD9P8)

In the 5th century BC, the ancient world's pre-eminent superpower turned its gaze towards the turbulent fringes of its empire. Under the illustrious Persian conquerors Darius and Xerxes the Great, the Achaemenids would send enormous armies west to contest an alliance of rebel Greek city states. The conflicts that followed brought the Persian and Greek worlds closer together and set the stage for a drastic reshaping of the ancient world.

Joining us is Patrick Wyman, host of the Tides of History and The Fall of Rome podcasts. Patrick explains why these conflicts were far more complex than simple civilisational clashes and discusses their repercussions.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-27 00:30:11

Oswald Mosley & Fascism in Britain (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=imPPjxFVmTPpAXRjo28k991dw-DxwWgyCUuBnXPt_io)

This is the story of British fascism seen through the life of its leader, Oswald Mosley. We explore his charismatic yet deeply flawed personality, his relationship with European fascists, and the eventual decline of his movement.

With us is Stephen Dorril, a former senior lecturer in journalism at Huddersfield University and the author of 'Blackshirt: Sir Oswald Mosley and British Fascism'. He joins us for an in-depth look at this complex and controversial figure.

Produced and edited by James Hickmann.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-25 00:30:04

Ian Fleming's Commandos (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=H_It7r7omdTAGHt_gboy9m8aTXDB8IVKw-2U5hCV7LI)

Amid the chilling tension of the Cold War, Ian Fleming captured readers with his character James Bond, whose missions were based on his experiences with the elite and secretive 30 Assault Unit in WWII. 30AU was established in 1942 by British Naval Intelligence and was overseen by Fleming. Their role was to capture secret German documents, weapon blueprints, and communication codes from behind enemy lines. They often targeted command centres, labs, and bunkers to recover valuable information and technology before they could be destroyed by retreating Axis forces.

Dan is joined on the podcast by historian Dave Roberts to uncover some of the true stories behind the plots of From Russia with Love, Moonraker and The Man With the Golden Gun, and the array of real commandos who inspired Fleming's Bond.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-22 00:30:16

A History of Escaping from Alcatraz Prison (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=48-XINEFgFX7WdfA-mgmOb3dMyHKH9kp7OZEM7K7S5o)

Alcatraz was the jewel in the crown of America's prison system. The wind-swept island fortress was the final stop for the nation's most dangerous criminals, including the notorious gangsters Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly. It was thought to be escape-proof - at least, until one night in June 1962, when three men on an improvised raft slipped into the icy waters of San Francisco Bay, never to be seen again. The inescapable prison had finally been beaten.

Today we're joined by Jolene Babyak, a historian of Alcatraz and author of 'Breaking The Rock'. She grew up on the island and gives us a potted history of it as well as explaining how this daring 1962 prison break played out.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-19 00:30:57

The True Story of London's Blitz (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=DIF5_lBydAYjRz150polx3uOJ36C5P3dnxM8DW2h78g)

Dan explores stories of London's Blitz, beyond the stiff-upper-lip stereotypes Dan discovers an unexpected world of crime, sexual revolution and desperation. He is joined by Joshua Levine, historical advisor on the new Steve McQueen movie, Blitz, to uncover the everyday lives of Britons under relentless bombing and the extraordinary resilience that shaped a generation.

Blitz will be available to stream on Apple TV from the 22nd of November 2024.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-18 00:30:00

Gladiators: The Praetorian Guard (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=WWkN0PGJUMykaouwSTPiUEbQXc6fwAvTxpcjD41xg3Q)

The true nexus of power in the Roman Empire wasn't in the Emperor's box but in the shadowy ranks of the Praetorian Guard. First established in 27 BCE by Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, they acted as his personal army and security escort. But it didn’t take long for their influence in Rome to become more insidious … they became kingmakers and power brokers with the ability to topple a dynasty at the drop of a hat. They were the ones who decided who lived and who died.

Dan and Dr Simon Elliot, a leading voice in Roman History, walk the streets of Rome where Praetorian conspiracies and assassinations spilt imperial blood on the stones of the eternal city… 

This is episode 4 of 4 in our mini-series 'Gladiators'.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-15 00:30:42

Gladiators: The Real Spartacus (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=kpJjmlnZT2GWfzl2QTwMxTft8HzA6lyioMn8z4tZYTo)

Spartacus is probably the most famous gladiator in history but how much of his legend is actually true? Dan is joined by Dr Rhiannon Evans, from Melbourne’s Le Trobe University, a leading expert in Ancient History and one of the hosts of the Emperors of Rome podcast to find out. They trace what little we know of his origins, his life in the gladiator school where he led a kitchen revolution and escaped with a cohort of other enslaved fighters before raising an army to fight a revolt that pushed the Roman Empire to the brink. From the Roman retaliation to the grisly fate that met the survivors, Dan and Rhiannon unravel the fact from the fiction.

You can listen to Emperors of Rome, wherever you get your podcasts.

This is episode 3 of a 4-part mini-series 'Gladiators'.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-13 00:30:04

Gladiators: Myths vs Reality (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=ZYFvXiMtK2JOsHE3oRgWoytFkKnY9k2pmrSrqhA1Bxg)

Join Dan at Rome's Colosseum as he separates fact from fiction in the world of the gladiators. He traces the origins of gladiatorial fighting from funerary celebrations to elaborate spectacles in the arena, what it would take to make it to the top and what really happens when a gladiator loses the fight. With the help of expert historians, Dan explores the myths perpetuated in Hollywood movies, the role of the games in Roman political life and what you'd actually see if you got a ticket to the greatest show on earth.

This is episode 2 in our 4-part mini-series 'Gladiators'

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-11 12:09:20

Gladiators: The Colosseum (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=4rTfbnR5wvuTDN8Qwj6s3aC_UEPceANmV7A79pNOs9s)

Join Dan on an adventure in Rome as he traces the true history of the gladiators. He begins his story in 64 AD with the great fire of Rome that left the city in ruin. From the ashes rose a new Emperor and his dreams for a gargantuan amphitheatre, unlike anything the Empire had ever seen. With the help of leading experts, Dan explores the building of the Colosseum, the biggest stage in the Roman world, and the ingenuity and cruelty of the entertainment that took place there during the inaugural 100 days of games in 80AD.

This is episode 1 of a 4-part mini-series 'Gladiators'.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-11 12:09:01

Shackleton's Endurance Expedition (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=qVfd2O7pco7mVp6PclVun6qCWiun1DhWRULsMD8JRwA)

In this dramatic episode, Dan tells the incredible story of how Shackleton saved every single man on the fated Endurance expedition from perishing in Antarctica. In late 1914, the charismatic and brilliant explorer Ernest Shackleton led 27 men on a voyage to cross Antarctica from one side to the other. But what should have been a successful expedition turned into a two-year nightmare of hardship and catastrophe when their vessel the Endurance was crushed in the Weddell Sea pack-ice and sunk. Stranded with no ship, no contact with the outside world and limited supplies, it would be up to the men to find their own way back to civilisation.

Do you have any questions for Dan after seeing the Endurance documentary on Disney+ or Nat Geo? If so send them to ds.hh@historyhit.com for a special episode where Dan answers your questions!

Written and produced by Mariana Des Forges, edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-06 00:30:43

The Clinton Body Count to the QAnon Shaman: Conspiracy Theories in American Politics (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=ftmA2EzlrGbEE7lWRgWrlr7It24GWCgn0IxylF6VHrQ)

From the Clinton 'crime family' to businessman JP Morgan sinking the Titanic to kill off his rivals, conspiracy theories are rife on the internet. Dan Snow teams up with BBC journalist Gabriel Gatehouse, creator of hit The Coming Storm podcast, to unravel the journey of conspiracy theories from whispered suspicions to narratives that have shaped modern American politics. Beginning with the mysterious death of Vince Foster and Clinton-era controversies in the 1990s, this episode explores how conspiracy beliefs have embedded themselves in American culture, the psychological forces that drive people toward misinformation, and the deeper reasons these stories hold such power.

Gabriel's new book is called The Coming Storm.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-04 00:30:21

The Unknown Warrior (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=O1V3dURPK43pHhI4y2B3VyW6w8alzQx7bPLHRP8T6_w)

In the western nave of Westminster Abbey, nestled between illustrious tombs and beneath a slab of black Belgian marble, lies the body of an unidentified soldier of the First World War. He is remembered as the Unknown Warrior, a symbol of the half a million Commonwealth servicemen who went missing between 1914 and 1918, their earthly remains lost to the chaos of conflict.

As Remembrance Day approaches and guided by John Nichol, former RAF navigator and author of 'The Unknown Warrior', we journey from the horrors of the Western Front to Westminster Abbey. He explains the profound importance this monument held for the many millions suffering from collective grief after the incomprehensible losses of World War One.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-11-01 00:30:42

Will This Be America's Closest Election Ever? (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=3eTieSlc8_w7bwWpaCzzBsP_BkLVK6z8UMp4oZdmNPo)

The 2024 US Presidential election is just around the corner, and it seems like the result is balanced on a knife's edge. As the polls continue to roll in, pundits are predicting the closest US election ever. But we history lovers are always wary of the word 'ever', and so in this special Explainer episode, Dan gets under the hood of the US electoral system. How does it work, and is this truly the closest election in American history?

Written and produced by Dan Snow, and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-30 00:30:05

The Secret Origins of the SAS (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=z9P4GbeysQkGnW9LTMNxFhuuJ3Qf8z1oiNNB6qZpKJI)

In 1974, a pioneer of the SAS and master of military deception, Dudley Clarke, passed away. His death went almost entirely unnoticed by the British public, despite the fact that he carried out some of the most dramatic deception campaigns of World War Two. He waged a covert war of trickery and misdirection across Europe, which ended up getting him arrested by Spanish authorities while dressed as a woman. He also helped to found one of the world's preeminent special forces; the Special Air Service, or the SAS. His contribution is often overlooked, but without it, the SAS may well have never existed.

So who was Dudley Clarke? What were some of the most audacious acts of subterfuge he carried out? And why is he not better known? Dan is joined by former SAS Troop Commander and author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Secret Origins of the SAS, Tom Petch, to answer these questions and more.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-28 00:30:46

2. Wars of the Roses: Rise of the Tudors (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=TbqqlHzH5Eb7Q19D3zyJ6DngB-0m01ZaPFPF_zvK3AE)

In the second episode of our Wars of the Roses series, Edward IV secures the English throne after his victory at the bloody Battle of Towton. But his betrayal by Warwick the 'Kingmaker' throws the house of York into disarray once again. The civil war reignites, and only after immense bloodshed will a new dynasty will arise - that of the Tudors. England's political landscape would be changed forever.

Once again we're joined by Matt Lewis, historian, author and host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-25 00:30:19

1. Wars of the Roses: England Divided (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=f89Ajl6X5szSOKvgxZt2DN9adEp7JsfciXwHO0Qcgyo)

This is the first episode in a two-part series on the brutal, three-decade-long civil war that tore England in two. Today, we explore the complex allegiances, rivalries, and personalities that made it all happen before hearing about the first bloody battles between the houses of York and Lancaster.

For this, we're joined by Matt Lewis, historian, author and host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-23 00:04:53

The Origins of Halloween (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=Xf3O14IGkdbQXWBWN6jvIzNcmYpOjrF98ihqY2LYBBU)

Pumpkins, trick or treating and ghost stories are what we associate with Halloween, but what about turnips, fairies and a fortune-telling cake? Dan and hosts of History Hit’s After Dark podcast Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling go in search of the origins of Halloween, rooted on the island of Ireland in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when the harvest ends and winter looms.

The trio try Barmbrack cake, a fruit loaf filled with charms that foretell the fate of the consumer, and Dan speaks to food historian Dr Regina Sexton about the traditional Samhain practices that inform our present Halloween customs. Meanwhile, Maddy and Anthony discover the historic Irish folklore of the ‘three worlds’, and the ghouls and fairies that occupy them, with Dr Kelly Fitzgerald. You can discover more at Ireland.com/homeofhalloween 

Produced by Charlotte Long, Mariana Des Forges, Freddy Chick, edited by Tom Delargy, Dougal Patmore and the production coordinators were Beth Donaldson and Peta Stamper.

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-21 00:30:10

The Great Napoleonic Escape (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=EZ1TJt5U8UJKu3J45WCwiv7u9BqeEs-WR5a3sWtnSAI)

Lieutenant Charles Hare was a young British naval officer who made an extraordinarily elaborate escape from a French prisoner-of-war camp during the Napoleonic Wars... with the help of his English Terrier dog. Captured at just 14, Hare spent years in captivity before devising an audacious plan to flee dressed in the uniform of a French customs officer. He took a convoluted 'trains, planes and automobiles' style journey up the Rhine, through Germany, to the Netherlands and finally back home to England, deceiving both locals and officials of his true identity.

This tale of ingenuity and bravery was recently uncovered thanks to Hare's descendants, who recently handed over his disguise and firsthand account to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Curator Dr Katherine Gazzard regales Dan with the story in a world-exclusive story when he visited the museum to see the uniform for himself.

You can see Hare's disguise and discover more about his story at a new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, and see it in our new History Hit documentary. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’ to watch it.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

Other episodes mentioned in this episode:

Thomas Cochrane: The Real Master and Commander

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-18 00:30:17

The Hunt for the Endurance Shipwreck (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=Xc2jKEpsVOjj8T-adTj6OkmgfBH4tnLrd185kgto1l8)

In 2022 Dan was part of the international expedition that went in search of Shackleton's lost shipwreck Endurance in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica; what they discovered on the sea floor was more extraordinary than anything they could have imagined.

It was no easy task, the Weddell Sea is one of the most remote and inhospitable places on earth and the crew found themselves facing the same dangers as Shackleton and his men. Dan tells the behind-the-scenes story of the Endurance22 expedition- the perilous storms and sea ice, the agonising close calls, the penguins, and the international incident Dan nearly caused...

Written by Dan Snow, produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

This is the third episode in our Endurance season running through October & November to celebrate the release of the Endurance feature documentary on Disney+, Hulu and Nat Geo.

For more Shackleton and Endurance content from History Hit, as well as AD-FREE content, sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

You can take part in our listener survey here. You can watch the behind the scenes story of the expedition on History Hit. 

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-16 00:30:10

Tom Crean: The Unsung Irish Hero of the Antarctic (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=6ws9XBoTGIpZ5mkl1PgKZry4OIxN97e_dJ2tP0tF5zc)

He was one of the last men to see Antarctic Explorer Robert Scott alive and was Shackleton's right-hand man on the Endurance expedition. So why don't more people know the name Tom Crean? He was a steadfast and courageous Irishman whose legendary feats in Antarctica shaped the course of exploration history. Born in 1877, Crean joined the Royal Navy at 16 and his adventures took him to the perilous glaciers of the South Pole as he became an integral member of both Scott’s and Shackleton’s iconic Antarctic expeditions. Crean’s resilience shone in moments of crisis, from daring solo rescues in lethal blizzards to enduring sledge journeys that tested the limits of human endurance. Yet, despite his astonishing achievements, Crean remained grounded, returning to a quiet life in Ireland. Join Dan as he uncovers the incredible story of this unsung hero.

Written by Dan Snow, produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

You can discover more about the life and accomplishments of Tom Crean in Tim Foley's book 'Crean: The Extraordinary Life of an Irish Hero'.

This is the second episode in our Endurance season running through October & November to celebrate the release of the Endurance feature documentary on Disney+, Hulu and Nat Geo.

Other episodes mentioned in this show:

Was Scott's Antarctic Expedition Sabotaged?

For more Shackleton and Endurance content from History Hit, as well as AD-FREE content, sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-14 00:30:59

Ernest Shackleton (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=-xtVayA9P9wqaTDXOWBoCKvZxBMCqKh-qNKCp7c65Qo)

Dan charts the life, successes and failures of the charismatic and chaotic Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. In late 1914, Shackleton led 27 men on a voyage to cross the Antarctic. But what should have been a successful expedition turned into a two-year nightmare of hardship and catastrophe when their vessel the Endurance was crushed in the Weddell Sea pack-ice and sunk. In a miraculous feat of leadership, Shackleton saved the life of every single man on board.

But while he was revered by his crews, others in government and the upper echelons of British society were dubious of Shackleton, to them he was a cowboy who ignored the rules and was cavalier with the money of others. But was his audacious attitude the root of his success as an explorer?

Written by Dan Snow, produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

This is the first episode in our Endurance season running through October & November to celebrate the release of the Endurance feature documentary on Disney+, Hulu and Nat Geo.

For more Shackleton and Endurance content from History Hit, as well as AD-FREE content, sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-11 00:30:40

Scotland & England's Union (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=3lFJgczoNw27vNZF8LiFiZbNddE86g4-E1SVC9Q9Twc)

The union between the nations of Great Britain goes back to 1707. On each side of the border, statesmen started to realise that a closer relationship offered solutions to problems both countries were facing: Scotland needed economic security and England needed political safeguards against French attacks.

In this episode, Scottish historian Professor Murray Pittock talks Dan through the benefits and cracks in this 300-year-old union.

Produced by Hannah Ward and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-09 00:30:35

Scotland's Disastrous Attempt at Empire (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=9L0gDnBnSuERVy-NgHgjjwgnns-1jAahsvOpPX5bvXo)

In the late 17th century, Scotland tried to establish a colony in Panama - and it all went horribly wrong.

In July 1698, a fleet of five ships departed from the Firth of Forth with some 1,200 people onboard. They were bound for the Isthmus of Panama, a paradise in Central America, and their goal was to establish Scotland's first colony - New Caledonia. It was a bold, desperate gamble, intended to save Scotland from financial ruin. But only one year later, most of the settlers were dead, and the colony had been abandoned.

To tell us about the Darien scheme and how it all went wrong, we're joined by Douglas Watt, author of 'The Price of Scotland'. He explains what happened when the settlers arrived in Panama and the consequences for Scotland as a whole.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-07 00:30:21

Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=shGItVQTUOyh9jBMAHER6zzHVEkuUij1YF2JAk8lBGs)

Robert the Bruce is best remembered as a rebel king, and for good reason. He was an unrelenting thorn in the side of any English monarch with ambitions to subdue Scotland. His heroics at the decisive Battle of Bannockburn helped to finally free his country from English occupation. But under the surface, this legendary rebel was also an opportunist, quite willing to switch allegiances and kill rival Scots to achieve his own goals.

For the latest instalment of Dan's Kings & Queens series, we're joined by Michael Penman, author of 'Robert the Bruce: King of the Scots'. He takes us through the life of this intriguing and complex character, from his early life to the legendary Battle of Bannockburn, and explains why Robert's rule marked a turning point in Scottish history.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-04 00:30:47

Rise of the Medici (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=ymNi6IFSzb1qceK1XAcru74dp2uKguFTwyLqeurdync)

The House of Medici ruthlessly wielded control of Florence for nearly 300 years. Through financial and political machinations, they transformed the city into a cultural powerhouse and the epicentre of the Renaissance, spawning popes and royalty along the way. 

Across four special episodes, Not Just the Tudors takes a deep dive into this complex and controversial dynasty that left an indelible mark on Western civilisation.

In this first episode, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks to Tim Parks, author of Medici Money, about the dramatic, frequently bloody story of how the Medici rose to power through their banking activities.

Presented by Professor Susannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, the audio editor was Ella Blaxill and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-10-02 00:30:48

The British Agent Who Tried to Kill Lenin (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=6zc0jc6LYuemx228eHmts3Is7iEKsr8XJcO-UtiHsJg)

Robert Bruce Lockhart was one of the most extraordinary and unconventional agents of the 20th century. A British diplomat, spy, and propagandist, his life was one of scandal and deception - from the jungles of Malaysia to the streets of Moscow, he bore witness to some of history's most pivotal moments. He even took part in a plot to kill Vladimir Lenin and bring down the Communist regime.

Today we're joined by James Crossland, Professor of International History at Liverpool John Moores University and author of 'Rogue Agent'. James tells us how this gifted yet flawed character went from a teenage upstart to a crucial Cold War intermediary and a master of psychological warfare.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-30 00:30:01

The Creation of Modern China (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=MmOup5_riZmlTrkuM2othiW2_zxaCV5kCIxS3sqdNlI)

On the 1st of October 1949, a huge crowd gathered in Tiananmen Square. In the shadow of Beijing's imperial Forbidden City, they listened as Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, proclaimed the birth of the People's Republic of China. The trials and tribulations of the Chinese people were over, he told them, and their liberation from the shackles of imperialism had finally arrived.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the creation of the PRC, we're joined by Dr Jeremiah Jenne, an expert in Late Imperial and Modern China. He explains how the nation transitioned from imperial rule to Chinese Socialism and all about the key characters whose opposing visions for China's future created so much chaos along the way.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-27 00:30:13

The Iranian Embassy Siege with Ben Macintyre (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=xJkPBWKlZbT9lJkRTf_ofrW1GkVrfH4FHGOt6e0DtxA)

On the drizzly, grey morning of 30th April 1980, six heavily armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in London. They charged through the front door and took 26 people hostage, including embassy staff and a policeman. A nail-biting six-day siege ensued, culminating in an explosive SAS raid - broadcast live to the world - that thrust the secretive special forces unit into the limelight.

For this story, Dan is joined by best-selling historian Ben Macintyre, author of 'The Siege'. From outside the embassy itself, they retrace the footsteps of the people involved in this gripping hostage crisis.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-25 00:30:31

Mansa Musa: History's Wealthiest Man? (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=PuenIB3SRbrKbSLNru8_TRBlvhqZSyRcx2H3wvrAieI)

Mansa Musa's wealth is a thing of legend. It's impossible to know exactly how much he was worth, but he himself spread rumours that gold grew like a plant within the Mali Empire. When he embarked on a storied pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, he gave away so much gold in Egypt that the value of the ore depreciated. But there was much more to the ninth Mansa of Mali than his great wealth - under his reign the empire prospered as a trade hub between West Africa and the Mediterranean World and a centre of Islamic culture and learning.

Dan is joined by Sirio Canós-Donnay, an archaeologist specialising in the pre-colonial states of West Africa. She charts the course of the Mali Empire from its founding by the legendary warrior-king Sundiata Keita, to the zenith of its power under Mansa Musa.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-23 00:30:58

On the Frontline at Stalingrad (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=r5UYU6YSqmfYB0uxbxltbcWuHvvF9TVNLSArbL8VDz8)

Dan explains the bloody Battle of Stalingrad alongside exclusive, never before heard frontline accounts from the German soldiers who were there. They shed light on the agonising final moments of the men trapped in the ruins of Stalin's city, and the circumstances that brought them there in the first place. To watch the exclusive History Hit Original documentary 'Stalingrad: The Last Letters', sign up for History Hit HERE. Use code 'DANSNOW' for 50% off for 3 months.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-20 00:30:56

The Battle of Arnhem with Al Murray (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=6lGx87KZzPORBcliIp6Tpr-_GbDKjM6FkUkl6kM8Vfo)

Al Murray, host of WWII podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk joins Dan to tell the story of the most catastrophic 24-hours the British military faced in the Second World War. Known as ‘Black Tuesday’ the battle of Arnhem was a daring but doomed attempt to secure a vital bridgehead across the Rhine in order to end the war before Christmas 1944.

Al takes Dan through a moment by moment retelling of those 24 hours, the key characters, what went right, what went wrong and where bad decisions were made and opportunities squandered.

His new book is called ‘Arnhem Black Tuesday’

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-18 00:30:32

Operation Market Garden (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=iIp3D2L9g1X6xee4ycaiKYfnfMZqRwTm0_PY3hu57Cg)

Operation Market Garden was an ambitious Allied airborne offensive to secure a quick victory in WWII. It failed disastrously.

The plan was to capture key bridges in the Netherlands via a frank plan to outflank German defences and bring an early end to the conflict. But the Allies hadn’t anticipated the extent of German resistance. Dan is joined for the first episode in this two-part series by military historian Mike Peters as they delve into the planning, the chaotic execution, and what exactly went wrong.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Listen to Pegasus Bridge: The First Assault of D-Day to hear more about the role of the airborne forces during D-day:

https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/pegasus-bridge-the-first-assault-of-d-day

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-16 00:30:05

Jesse Owens (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=N0Tv6bTfPksR5zP-k1fgLQ6rvcTrJUBHfClSsKZSpo4)

Jesse Owens' victories at the 1936 Berlin Olympics made him an international sports hero, and a symbol of the civil rights movement. His friendship with the German long jumper Carl 'Luz' Long also stood as an outward act of defiance against Adolf Hitler, and fuelled condemnation of the racial ideology of the Third Reich. However, his life away from the Olympics is less widely understood, as are the challenges that he faced back in the United States.

Today we're joined by David Lee Morgan Jr., a sportswriter and author of the children's book series 'Black Trailblazers in Sports'. Dan and David outline the context of Owens' storied Olympic wins and ask why a man received as a hero abroad was treated like a second-class citizen at home.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-13 00:30:54

How to Survive in Viking Britain (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=ba5JyaO8REEmLbgcB8jKID_pcyHwzE-6h94vdpjxoi4)

Have you ever wondered what it would take to live in Viking Britain? When they arrived and settled in the British Isles, Viking settlers didn't just face a violent death at the hands of disgruntled locals. They had to contend with vicious weather, famine and disease, as well as simply navigating a new and unfamiliar world.

Today we're joined by Eleanor Barraclough, a cultural historian and broadcaster. She explains exactly what it would have been like to survive and thrive in Viking Britain.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and James Hickmann, and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-11 00:30:04

Sir Walter Raleigh's Search for El Dorado (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=cik_c0FEh2MH90B9fgMlKn7FzapvRI7BI7sOjO2mLbM)

Sir Walter Raleigh's life was a turbulent one, to say the least. The Elizabethan statesman and explorer climbed to the top rung of Queen Elizabeth's court; he founded the ill-fated Roanoke colony in North America; he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for various offences against the crown - not once, but three times. Ultimately, he was beheaded outside the Palace of Westminster. But perhaps his most outlandish exploits were two failed expeditions to find the legendary city of gold, El Dorado.

Mathew Lyons joins us to tell us about what Raleigh was like, and why he undertook these expeditions to find a lost city in the jungles of South America. Mathew is the author of 'The Favourite: Ralegh and His Queen'.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-09 00:30:22

The Heist of the Century: The Missing Irish Crown Jewels (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=koH5p12qhIgU4CVI_iq_qfVXOxmPnCGH0Q3T7N1LTdQ)

In the shadowy halls of Dublin Castle, 1907, a daring heist shook the British Empire. Four days before King Edward VII's royal visit, the priceless Irish Crown Jewels vanished without a trace. Sir Arthur Vicars, the somewhat incompetent Ulster King of Arms, found himself at the centre of the scandal that threatened to expose dark secrets lurking in Ireland's high society. As Scotland Yard tried to unravel the mystery, suspicion fell on the charismatic Francis Shackleton, brother of the famed explorer...

To this day the jewels have never been found. But now, Dan wants to try and find them, with your help. If you've ever come across any information relating to this story - an old newspaper article, a story from a relative or friend... we want to hear from you! Please write to us at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

Maybe Dan Snow's History Hit can solve the case once and for all.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-06 00:30:51

Machu Picchu: The Lost City (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=Vob6QQ38NV0yisowQCysAAmOvjhiy-v29jgfvnCqTek)

Part 1/4. Dan takes the podcast to the Peruvian Andes as he follows in the footsteps of intrepid American explorer Hiram Bingham who revealed Machu Picchu to the world.

At the turn of the 20th century, Bingham heard rumours of a fabled lost city in the clouds that revealed the power and brilliance of the Inca and their vast empire that once spanned a continent from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast. With the help of expert guests, Dan tells the story of Hiram Bingham's discovery and reveals the mysteries hidden within the walls of Machu Picchu.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.

The Rest of the Series:

Episode 2: The Rise of the Inca Empire

Episode 3: Inca Gods and Human Sacrifices

Episode 4: The Fall of the Inca Empire

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code DANSNOW sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-04 00:30:50

Hitler's V1 & V2 Rockets (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=7OxyLgewwx1r2pCOw7T5Ga6hyoVV-w9JxC_ssrhTe7M)

As the world closed in on the Third Reich in the final chapter of World War Two, a desperate Adolf Hitler turned to his so-called 'Revenge Weapons' for salvation; cutting-edge armaments specifically designed to terrorise civilian populations and break their morale. His hope was that breaking the spirit of the Allies would reverse the course of a war that Germany was clearly losing.

Joining us is historian Murray Barber, author of 'V2: The A4 Rocket from Peenemünde to Redstone'. Murray tells us all about the most infamous of these weapons, the fearsome V1 and V2 rockets - did they actually have any impact on the course of the war, and how did they shape events later in the 20th century?

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-09-02 00:30:37

How WWII Started (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=MEDbDXKZSfmmGaw41Avrg13iX7441typ8BTp6U_MmRU)

On September 1st, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, France and the United Kingdom declared war on the Third Reich. This was the beginning of what would become perhaps the most devastating clash in human history. By the end of the war, tens of millions of people had been killed, wounded or displaced, and the world order had been irrevocably altered. So how exactly did WW2 start?

In this episode, Dan explains how and why the Second World War came about. He examines both the immediate triggers and the big substructural forces that pushed humanity into a devastating conflict that continues to shape our world today.

Written and produced by Dan Snow, and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-30 00:30:15

Boudica, Britain's Warrior Queen (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=jXwD-eiPXxApWEk3AGKkUtgTnSndfQwdfFG_5l-EQAU)

In 61 CE, Boudica of the Iceni led a bloody revolt to end Roman rule in Britain. Roman historians tell us with great drama and flair that the grand finale is a huge battle between Boudica and the Roman governor, Suetonius. Tens of thousands of Celtic warriors went head-to-head with a small force of veteran legionaries to decide the fate of Roman Britain.

Today we're joined by Caitlin Gillespie, a historian and author of Boudica: Warrior Woman of Roman Britain. She tells us the story of this revolt, the famed warrior queen who led it, and how it all ended.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-27 00:30:01

2. The Battle of Britain Explained: The Climax (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=NaoijbXtx-qemqXIs2Fr2usNujrpawmfwhh6bYhgEr0)

2/2. The Battle of Britain was Hitler's first and potentially most important defeat. It defined the course of the war, forcing him to make a series of decisions that guaranteed his own destruction. In this two-part series, we'll trace this monumental story from the dark days of the defeat of France, through to the triumph of RAF Fighter Command in the skies above Britain.

In Part 2 Dan takes us through the battle's crescendo, as British, Commonwealth and European pilots took to the skies time and again to contest Luftwaffe raids. He explains why Hitler decided to turn away from this attritional battle and direct his rage against London - and how that terrible decision affected the course of the war.

Written and produced by Dan Snow, and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-26 00:30:59

1. The Battle of Britain Explained: Preparation, Pilots and Propaganda (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=4W6iR3bRVqBQHiUOf0WDC5nkEmUWuzhgUvFkjxCzKng)

1/2. The Battle of Britain was Hitler's first and possibly most important defeat. It defined the course of the Second World War, forcing him to make a series of decisions that guaranteed his own destruction. In this two-part series, we'll trace this monumental story from the dark days of the defeat of France, through to the triumph of RAF Fighter Command in the skies above Britain.

In Part 1, Dan takes us from the total defeat of the Allied armies on the European mainland through to the all-out air assault in the skies above Britain. He shares the exhilarating stories of pilots in their iconic fighter planes and outlines the crucial factors that would turn the tide in favour of the Allies.

Written and produced by Dan Snow, and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-23 00:30:38

The Terracotta Warriors (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=cxOMbG5W5tybVDrUFfEGeUsBiRml-AnD3nx4D9aEFeA)

The world was astonished when 8000 terracotta soldiers were unearthed in 1974 by Chinese farmers digging a well; the warriors opened a window to the first dynasty of China unlike anything seen before.

Dan travels to the mausoleum of the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang in China to discover what this clay army and his enormous mausoleum can tell us about life in the court of the First Emperor. Dan also goes in search of the mass graves of the workers who toiled to their deaths to build the mausoleum and traces the chaotic fall of the Qin and how the Emperor's pursuit of eternal life led to a gruesome and premature death.

This episode was produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. The translator was Ellen Xu and the fixer was Chao.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-20 23:30:27

The First Emperor of China (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=bwaqL039GuYG14WAQQBuKxZEqiu92Hnifx4-I2eZGUQ)

Dan heads to China to discover the incredible story of Qin Shi Haungdi, the man who built the mysterious Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and founded China. Dan travels to the First Emperor's magnificent mausoleum complex in Xian, once the Ancient capital, to trace his rise to total power, conquering the neighbouring states to create one mighty Chinese Empire. Qin Shi Huangdi was as visionary as he was tyrannical, often remembered for his brutal punishment methods that enabled him to centralise power. He's also remembered for his obsession with immortality and the astonishing lengths he went to try and secure it...

This is the first episode in a two-part mini-series. Part Two was released on Friday 23rd.

This episode was produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. The translator was Ellen Xu and the fixer was Chao.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-19 00:30:59

The Cocaine Craze in Victorian Britain (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=B5YEnvWMbb09bAKK6piIYsZHdm26gXbTWgiO8TwLwSs)

Many things may come to mind when you hear the word 'cocaine' - and we'd wager that the last thing on that list would be the Victorians. But as it turns out, the Victorians were avid cocaine users, whether it be to remedy ailments and injuries, give them an edge in competitive sports or simply put a bit of pep in their step. A hundred years later, it is amongst the most criminalised substances on earth.

Dr Douglas Small is a historian of medicine and author of Cocaine, Literature, and Culture, 1876-1930. He joins us today to take us through the deeper history of cocaine and explain how it went from a central feature of Incan cultural life to the defining party drug of the modern day.

Produced by James Hickmann, and edited by Dougal Patmore and Max Carrey.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-16 00:30:36

The Real Society of the Snow: I Survived the Andes Flight Crash (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=nMaeHORgNYP5lKzh4Hj9VXfdQzbavLIrrqdO_hAu760)

Warning: this episode includes descriptions of human suffering and cannibalism.

High in the remote Andes mountains, a Uruguayan rugby team resorts to the unimaginable to survive after their plane crashes into the side of a mountain. With no food or water, the survivors endured freezing temperatures and isolation for 72 days. Their story captivated the world, provoking both horror and awe.

Dan is joined by survivor Roy Harley, as well as Daniel Nogueira whose brother perished in the ordeal and author John Guiver. Together they tell this extraordinary tale of survival and explore the complex moral dilemmas faced in the struggle to survive. This is the true story behind Netflix's hit movie 'Society of the Snow.'

This episode was produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-14 00:30:48

The Fall of Roman Britain (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=ijDFcCQpVI9Y7b2KcYJYqmur5qy0hSvHNkteV8V4MK4)

By 410 AD, over 450 years after Julius Caesar first landed on its shores, the Romans had formally withdrawn from Britain. Burdened by military threats and political upheaval on the continent, the empire began to contract in on itself. The Romano-Britons were left to fend for themselves, facing internal strife and the growing influence of Saxon settlers.

This is the second of a two-part series that tells the story of Roman Britain, from Julius Caesar's first expeditions through to its fall. For this, we're joined by Patrick Wyman, host of the Tides of History and The Fall of Rome podcasts.

If you want to learn more about Roman Britain, you may like episode 1 of our Story of England series, 'Stone Age to Roman Days' - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/story-of-england-stone-age-to-roman-days

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-12 00:30:42

The Rise of Roman Britain (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=1XTG-L1gdd_ij1Pyxy6DtS3A6kMDTnUQa9owQKIWSxI)

On August 26th, 55 BC, Julius Caesar and his legionaries waded ashore just north of the White Cliffs of Dover. Right there in the surf, they were met by Celtic warriors, who charged them on foot and on horseback. The fighting was fierce, but Caesar's legions prevailed. A few months later, having extracted tribute and pledges of allegiance from local tribes, Caesar returned to Gaul. But this was just the beginning - a hundred years later the Romans would return, beginning a period of Roman rule that lasted for over 350 years.

This is the first of a two-part series that tells the story of Roman Britain, from Julius Caesar's first expeditions through to the collapse of the Roman Empire. For this, we're joined by Patrick Wyman, host of the Tides of History and The Fall of Rome podcasts.

If you'd like to hear more about the history of Rome, you can listen to:

The Roman Navy in Britain - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/theromannavyinbritain

Stone Age to Roman Days - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/story-of-england-stone-age-to-roman-days

Roman Emperors with Mary Beard - https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/roman-emperors-with-mary-beard

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-09 00:25:37

The Bronze Age Collapse (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=uBFU8JFa9wfjPUXp6q-k7TobLPrIHCv-Kg1ESamywbQ)

Around 3,200 years ago, a vast, interconnected civilisation suddenly collapsed. A 'perfect storm' of climate catastrophe, famine, drought and invasion tore apart the eastern Mediterranean, plunging the survivors into decades of turmoil.

Eric Cline is the author of '1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed' and its sequel, 'After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations'. He joins us to explain how this interconnected world was toppled, and what came after.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

We'd love to hear from you - what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-09 00:23:15

Lawrence of Arabia (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=W3duG1-XtYsGqMwihylVo8W8vddvwWfcDZ4hCVx4qpM)

The famed British officer who fought alongside Arab guerrilla forces in WW1. Best known for his legendary exploits as an intelligence officer in the Middle East, Thomas Edward Lawrence was also an archaeologist, scholar and photographer. His life was one of adventure and espionage, where fact went hand in hand with myth.

In this explainer episode, Dan tells us the real story of who Lawrence was, and what he did.

Written by Dan Snow and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-09 00:23:00

The Scottish Island, The Shipwreck and The Whisky (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=vRV0Qc3OQh860K-co0l--Duot56GodbeOL9cpWpNp2c)

In 1941, the SS Politician ran aground off Eriskay in the Scottish Hebrides Islands, carrying 260,000 bottles of whisky. As war rationing gripped Britain, Hebridean islanders saw the wreck as a godsend. Under cover of darkness, they salvaged thousands of bottles, hiding them in caves, haystacks, and peat bogs. A cat-and-mouse game ensued with customs officers who were determined to stop the whisky smuggling. 

Dan is joined by Laura Boon-Williams, Lloyd’s Register Foundation Senior Curator in Contemporary Maritime at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, who recounts the true story behind the beloved movie Whisky Galore and tells us about the spirit of this Hebridean community during wartime, merchant shipping in WII and why a seemingly endless supply of whiskey wasn't entirely a blessing.

You can find out more about Lloyd's Register Foundation's history and its work that supports research, innovation and education to help the global community tackle the most pressing safety and risk challenges. Just go to https://hec.lrfoundation.org.uk/

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. Peta Stamper is the production manager for this series, 'Ships that Made the British Empire'. 

From Dan Snow's History Hit at 2024-08-07 00:30:57

The Falaise Pocket: WWII's 'Corridor of Death' (media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=1WrSZ6jSkVZuccNBMCcanTNtN4Txb6It4_T-6BXztSI)

The D-Day landings were just the first step in the liberation of France. They were followed by two months of vicious fighting for control of the Norman countryside that came at the cost of thousands of casualties. The Allies needed to deal the German defenders a final death blow; and so in mid-August, 1944, they forced a decisive engagement on the Germans near the town of Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror.

We're joined by historian Peter Caddick-Adams, author of '1945: Victory in the West', who takes us through the often overlooked Battle of the Falaise Pocket.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off for 3 months using code ‘DANSNOW’.

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