Podcast Episodes

Medieval popes: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1870

Who were some of the most influential popes of the Middle Ages? What did you have to do to earn the title of 'anti-pope'? And which pope was believed to keep a pet demon? Kev Lochun spoke to historia…

Published on 1 year, 11 months ago

A history of song: from Schumann to Sting

Episode 1869

Songs can trigger a range of emotions in their listeners: intense joy, sadness or even disgust. But how did this type of musical composition develop and become what it is today? The acclaimed singer …

Published on 1 year, 11 months ago

Boston Tea Party | 4. The crackdown

Episode 1868

The consequences of the protest are vital in understanding the role of the Boston Tea Party in the revolution that was to come. In episode four, we hear more about the immediate fallout from the dest…

Published on 1 year, 11 months ago

Aztec warfare

Episode 1867

Why did warfare play such a pivotal role in Aztec society? How could claiming captives benefit a warrior in life and death? And what was 'Flower War'? Speaking to Emily Briffett, Caroline Dodds Penno…

Published on 1 year, 11 months ago

History Behind the Headlines: Elections, ‘panda diplomacy’ and the word of the year

Episode 1866

The latest instalment of our monthly sees Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter look back at the history behind the big stories of 2023 – and what they might tell us about the year to come

Our monthly series e…

Published on 2 years ago

How spies shaped the modern world

Episode 1865

How did British agents bug German PoWs during the Second World War? What qualities do you need to be a successful spy? And how are deepfakes changing the face of modern warfare? Amanda Mason introduc…

Published on 2 years ago

The Habsburgs: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1864

The Habsburgs were one of Europe's most formidable – and durable – dynasties, ruling over swathes of the continent for centuries. Speaking to Spencer Mizen, Pieter Judson tells the story of this powe…

Published on 2 years ago

The medieval Welsh Marches: identity on the frontier

Episode 1863

The medieval Welsh Marches are often seen as a hotly contested border territory between Wales and England that frequently boiled over into violence. But, as Helen Fulton - who is leading a new resear…

Published on 2 years ago

Boston Tea Party | 3. The destruction of the tea

Episode 1862

The destruction of more than 46 tonnes of tea on the evening of 16 December 1773 is an event that holds huge importance in the popular story of the USA’s independence. But how much is actually known …

Published on 2 years ago

Sherlock Holmes: the real history that inspired the detective stories

Episode 1861

Sherlock Holmes is arguably the most famous fictional detective of all time. The resident of 221B Baker Street has been the subject of countless film and television portrayals, remaining a figure of …

Published on 2 years ago