Dan Snow's History Hit podcast

Dan Snow's History Hit

Historian Dan Snow investigates the 'how' and 'why' of history's defining moments. From the Colosseum of Ancient Rome and the battlefields of Waterloo to the tomb of Tutankhamun, Dan journeys across the globe to share the greatest stories from the past that help us understand the present. New episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can get in touch with us at [ds.hh@historyhit.com] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts The Ancients, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) .

Historian Dan Snow investigates the 'how' and 'why' of history's defining moments. From the Colosseum of Ancient Rome and the battlefields of Waterloo to the tomb of Tutankhamun, Dan journeys across the globe to share the greatest stories from the past that help us understand the present. New episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can get in touch with us at [ds.hh@historyhit.com] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts The Ancients, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) .

 

#1335

Vasco da Gama and The Rise of the Portuguese Empire

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 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

19 hrs Ago

1 HR 20 MINS

1:20:05

19 hrs Ago


#1334

Charlemagne

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

Yesterday

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:24

Yesterday


#1333

The Rise of Napoleon

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

17 Jan 2025

42 MINS

42:05

17 Jan 2025


#1332

Who Owns Greenland?

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

15 Jan 2025

34 MINS

34:03

15 Jan 2025


#1331

Roald Amundsen

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

12 Jan 2025

47 MINS

47:58

12 Jan 2025


#1330

How to Survive a Medieval Crusade

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

07 Jan 2025

37 MINS

37:21

07 Jan 2025


#1329

Rome's Greatest Humiliation: Roman Empire vs Germanic Tribes

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

05 Jan 2025

57 MINS

57:47

05 Jan 2025


#1328

The Battle of the Bulge

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] (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] (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] (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] (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] (https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/d-day-the-land-invasion) 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

03 Jan 2025

54 MINS

54:24

03 Jan 2025


#1327

The Great Fire of London

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

01 Jan 2025

28 MINS

28:45

01 Jan 2025


#1326

The Fall of Constantinople

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

30 Dec 2024

37 MINS

37:04

30 Dec 2024


#1325

The Origins of Istanbul

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] (https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/emperor-heraclius-rome-vs-persia) . 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

27 Dec 2024

43 MINS

43:47

27 Dec 2024


#1324

Charles Dickens' Christmas

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. ... Read more

25 Dec 2024

46 MINS

46:42

25 Dec 2024


#1323

Folk Christmas: Yule, Solstice & Ancient English Traditions

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

23 Dec 2024

30 MINS

30:11

23 Dec 2024


#1322

How the Mongols Changed the World

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . ... Read more

20 Dec 2024

19 MINS

19:24

20 Dec 2024


#1321

Georgian Christmas

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/] (https://footprintsoflondon.com/live/guides/rob-smith/) Produced by Mariana Des Forges and Rob Smith and edited by Max Carrey Dougal Patmore. ... Read more

18 Dec 2024

37 MINS

37:51

18 Dec 2024