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) .

 

#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


#1320

The Cod Wars

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. 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

16 Dec 2024

40 MINS

40:25

16 Dec 2024


#1319

The Syrian Civil War: How It Started

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 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

13 Dec 2024

34 MINS

34:02

13 Dec 2024


#1318

Henry VIII's Tudor Christmas

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. 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

11 Dec 2024

32 MINS

32:32

11 Dec 2024


#1317

Surviving the Great War: Medics in the Trenches

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. 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

09 Dec 2024

25 MINS

25:39

09 Dec 2024


#1316

Fascism in America

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 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

06 Dec 2024

32 MINS

32:43

06 Dec 2024


#1315

Roman Saturnalia

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. 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

04 Dec 2024

22 MINS

22:33

04 Dec 2024


#1314

Churchill & FDR: The Origins of the 'Special Relationship'

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. 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

02 Dec 2024

50 MINS

50:33

02 Dec 2024


#1313

The Greeks vs Persia: The War that Changed the Ancient World

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. 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

29 Nov 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:10

29 Nov 2024


#1312

Oswald Mosley & Fascism in Britain

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. 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 Nov 2024

55 MINS

55:07

27 Nov 2024


#1311

Ian Fleming's Commandos

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. 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

25 Nov 2024

36 MINS

36:21

25 Nov 2024


#1310

A History of Escaping from Alcatraz Prison

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. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [HERE] (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09Dmh10) 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

22 Nov 2024

36 MINS

36:48

22 Nov 2024


#1309

The True Story of London's Blitz

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. 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 Nov 2024

42 MINS

42:04

19 Nov 2024


#1308

Gladiators: The Praetorian Guard

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 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

18 Nov 2024

29 MINS

29:40

18 Nov 2024


#1307

Gladiators: The Real Spartacus

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 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

15 Nov 2024

40 MINS

40:58

15 Nov 2024


#1306

Gladiators: Myths vs Reality

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 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

13 Nov 2024

47 MINS

47:54

13 Nov 2024


#1305

Gladiators: The Colosseum

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 Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [HERE] (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09Dmh10) 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

11 Nov 2024

48 MINS

48:43

11 Nov 2024


#1304

Shackleton's Endurance Expedition

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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) for a special episode where Dan answers your questions! Written and produced by Mariana Des Forges, edited by Dougal Patmore Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [HERE] (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09Dmh10) 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

11 Nov 2024

1 HR 14 MINS

1:14:08

11 Nov 2024


#1303

Coming Soon! Gladiators Mini Series!

From the 10th of November 2024, join Dan on an adventure to Rome to discover the true history of the gladiators: from the brutal training schools to the mighty Colosseum itself. Dan and his guests delve into the ingenuity and cruelty of ancient Roman entertainment —the weapons, the bloodsports, the fierce power plays that unfolded from the Emperor’s box and of course the true story of the most famous gladiator of all Spartacus.Andsince the new Ridley Scott movie Gladiator II is out this month, we thought you might need him to bust some myths on what a day at the arena wouldreallybe like. Make sure to hit follow so you don't miss it! ... Read more

06 Nov 2024

01 MINS

01:21

06 Nov 2024


#1302

The Clinton Body Count to the QAnon Shaman: Conspiracy Theories in American Politics

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 Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [HERE] (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09Dmh10) 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

06 Nov 2024

36 MINS

36:34

06 Nov 2024


#1301

The Unknown Warrior

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. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [HERE] (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H09Dmh10) 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] (mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com) . You can take part in our listener survey [ here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

04 Nov 2024

38 MINS

38:42

04 Nov 2024