Podcast Episodes

Ancient Egyptian religion: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1737

For more than 3,000 years, the ancient Egyptians adhered to a rich and complex system of beliefs, worshipping a vast pantheon of mighty – and often animal-headed – gods and goddesses. But how did thi…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Introducing HistoryExtra Long Reads

Take a deep dive into the past as we bring you the very best of BBC History Magazine, Britain’s bestselling history magazine. With a new episode released every Monday, enjoy fascinating and enlighten…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Did our ancestors really think the world was flat?

Episode 1736

When did people first figure out the world wasn’t flat? Well, according to author James Hannam, it was much earlier than you might imagine. In today’s episode, James tells Jon Bauckham more about hum…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

US Civil Rights: the March on Washington

Episode 1735

As well as being one of the largest protest marches ever staged, the 1963 March on Washington also made history as the setting for Martin Luther King Jr’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. In the third…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Roger Mortimer: medieval rebel

Episode 1734

Seven hundred years ago this August, Roger Mortimer broke out of the Tower of London and went on to mastermind the deposition of his captor and arch-enemy, Edward II. In conversation with Spencer Miz…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Emotional revolution in postwar Britain

Episode 1733

After the psychological trauma and family separation of the Second World War, Britain underwent an emotional revolution. Psychologists and social reformers focused more than ever before on the vital …

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Rome vs Persia: an unwinnable fight

Episode 1732

The Roman empire was used to getting its own way – but there was one power it was never able to overcome. Despite frequent bouts of warfare, the Parthian and later Persian empire managed to hold its …

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

British seaside holidays: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1731

What did Victorians get up to on the beach? When did fish and chips first become popular? And what’s the dark story behind Punch and Judy? It’s time to grab your bucket and spade, because for our lat…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Surviving Hitler and Stalin

Episode 1730

Daniel Finkelstein’s parents were born into comfortable Jewish families in Germany and Poland, but the rise of Nazism and the onset of the Second World War turned their lives upside down. Targeted by…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

US Civil Rights: the Montgomery bus boycott

Episode 1729

Rosa Parks’ momentous refusal to vacate her bus seat for a white passenger in 1955 sparked a boycott that lasted for 381 days, and successfully pressured city authorities to end bus segregation. In t…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago