Favourite History Podcasts Feed

History Podcasts

A whole bunch of my favourite history podcasts all collected together into one feed.
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168- The Rise of Aetius - Sun, 05 Feb 2012

In the late 420s AD, the Roman General Flavius Aetius connived and backstabbed his way up the chain of command. 

IOT: The Kama Sutra 2 Feb 2012 - Thu, 02 Feb 2012
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Kama Sutra, one of the most celebrated and misunderstood texts of Indian literature. Although it is best known today for its chapter devoted to sexual pleasure, this Sanskrit work is a wide ranging manual to a life of fulfilment, which has had a profound influence on Indian culture and thought. Melvyn Bragg is joined by Julius Lipner, Professor of Hinduism and the Comparative Study of Religion at the University of Cambridge; Jessica Frazier, Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Kent and Research Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and David Smith, Reader in South Asian Religions at the University of Lancaster.

Sir Stamford Raffles and the Conquest of Java - Wed, 01 Feb 2012
By the early 19th century, the Dutch controlled of most of the East Indies. Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles fought to oust the Dutch from the area. He also tried to enact radical reforms in Java, but he was fired by British East India Company. Why?

There’s Always a Seat for Queen Nzinga - Mon, 30 Jan 2012
The warrior queen Nzinga used wily tactics to maintain her kingdom’s independence during colonization. Born in the Ndongo Kingdom, Nzinga staged a coup, harbored runaway slaves, and kept a harem of men. Tune in to learn more about queen Nzinga.

1203 Betrayed by a Mason? The Tragic Mission of Lieutenant Thomas Boyd - Sun, 29 Jan 2012

In the summer of 1779, American Major General John Sullivan marched his 5,000 Continentals into the Finger Lakes region of western New York. Known as Sullivan's Expedition, it was the longest military campaign of the American Revolutionary War. Ordered by General George Washington, this campaign was a direct invasion into the once impenetrable Iroquois Confederacy lands in retaliation for several brutal massacres by British Rangers and their Indian allies. Dur: 43mins File: .mp3

1203 Betrayed by a Mason? The Tragic Mission of Lieutenant Thomas Boyd - Sun, 29 Jan 2012

In the summer of 1779, American Major General John Sullivan marched his 5,000 Continentals into the Finger Lakes region of western New York. Known as Sullivan's Expedition, it was the longest military campaign of the American Revolutionary War. Ordered by General George Washington, this campaign was a direct invasion into the once impenetrable Iroquois Confederacy lands in retaliation for several brutal massacres by British Rangers and their Indian allies. Dur: 43mins File: .mp3

167- Exploiting the Opportunity - Sun, 29 Jan 2012

The Emperor Honorius died in 423, leading to a brief civil war between the Theodosian dynasty and a self-proclaimed Imperial regime in Ravenna. 

IOT: The Scientific Method 26 Jan 12 - Thu, 26 Jan 2012
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the evolution of the Scientific Method, the systematic and analytical approach to scientific thought. It became a topic of intense debate in the 17th century, and thinkers including Isaac Newton, Thomas Huxley and Karl Popper all made important contributions. Some of the greatest discoveries of the modern age were informed by their work, although even today the term 'scientific method' remains difficult to define. Melvyn Bragg is joined by Simon Schaffer, Professor of the History of Science at the University of Cambridge; John Worrall, Professor of the Philosophy of Science at the LSE and Michela Massimi, Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy of Science at University College London.

H.H. Holmes and the Mysteries of Murder Castle, Part 2 - Wed, 25 Jan 2012
In the first part of this episode, Deblina and Sarah covered Herman K. Mudgett's early life, including how he first became known as H.H. Holmes. But how did Holmes manage to complete his murder castle? What happened to him afterwards? Tune in to find out.

H.H. Holmes and the Mysteries of Murder Castle, Part 1 - Mon, 23 Jan 2012
As a student, Herman K. Mudgett used corpses to commit insurance fraud. In 1886, he moved to Chicago under the alias H.H. Holmes. In 1888, Holmes started constructing a building with secret passageways and an airtight vault. So, what was it for?

166- As Long As She's Nice To Look At - Sun, 22 Jan 2012

Constantius III continued to lead the Western Empire as its defacto Emperor until 421, when he was officially elevated to the rank of Augustus. Unfortunately, this elevation was not recognized by Cosntantinople.

IOT: 1848 Year of Revolution 19 Jan 12 - Thu, 19 Jan 2012
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss 1848, the year that saw Europe engulfed in revolution. Across the continent, from Paris to Palermo, liberals rose against conservative governments. The first stirrings of rebellion came in January, in Sicily; in February the French monarchy fell; and within a few months Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy had all been overtaken by revolutionary fervour. Only a few countries were spared. With Tim Blanning, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Cambridge; Lucy Riall, Professor of History at Birkbeck, University of London; and Mike Rapport, Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Stirling.

Fridtjof Nansen and the Fram: Part 2 - Wed, 18 Jan 2012
Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen was an expert skier, zoologist and artist: By combining these skills, he became one of Norway's earliest heroes. Listen in as Deblina and Sarah look at the life and times of Fridtjof Nansen in the second part of this episode.

Fridtjof Nansen and the Fram: Part 1 - Mon, 16 Jan 2012
Fridtjof Nansen was an artist, skier, zoologist and one of Norway's earliest heroes. The first part of this episode covers his early adventures, while part two covers his humanitarian career. Tune in to learn more about his first major expeditions.

165- Reviving the Roman Name - Sun, 15 Jan 2012

Between 412 and 415 relations between the Romans and Goths shifted back and forth between alliance and antagonism. 

1202 Dien Bien Phu - Sun, 15 Jan 2012

On May 7th 1954 the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu surrendered to Ho Chi Minh's Communist forces. For the last 54 days it had been cut off and the surrender was the culmination of an operation that had seen the French troops almost constantly under-fire for 209 days. Comprehensibly beaten it signaled the end of French Indochina. Dur 22mins File: .mp3

1202 Dien Bien Phu - Sun, 15 Jan 2012

On May 7th 1954 the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu surrendered to Ho Chi Minh's Communist forces. For the last 54 days it had been cut off and the surrender was the culmination of an operation that had seen the French troops almost constantly under-fire for 209 days. Comprehensibly beaten it signaled the end of French Indochina. Dur 22mins File: .mp3

IOT: Safavid Dynasty 12 Jan 12 - Thu, 12 Jan 2012
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Safavid Dynasty, rulers of the Persian empire between the 16th and 18th centuries. At the peak of their success the Safavids ruled over a vast territory which included all of modern-day Iran. They converted their subjects to Shi'a Islam, creating the religious identity of today's Iran, and their capital Isfahan became one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Melvyn Bragg is joined by Robert Gleave, Professor of Arabic Studies at the University of Exeter; Emma Loosley, Senior Lecturer at the School of Arts, Histories and Cultures at the University of Manchester and Andrew Newman, Reader in Islamic Studies and Persian at the University of Edinburgh.

W.C. Minor: Madness, Murder and a Dictionary (Part 2) - Wed, 11 Jan 2012
When we last left the story of W.C. Minor, he'd fatally shot a man in London. In the conclusion of this episode, Sarah and Deblina look at the events that led Minor to become one of the Oxford English Dictionary's most prolific contributors.

Public Enemies: 5 Gangsters to Know - Mon, 09 Jan 2012
For every Al Capone, there was a cast of lesser-known men who were often just as dangerous. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina explore the lives of gangsters such as "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn and Roger "The Terrible" Touhy. Tune in to learn more.

164- The Sack of Rome - Mon, 09 Jan 2012

After failing to secure a deal with Honorius, Alaric sacked Rome in August of 410. It was the first time the Eternal City had been sacked in 800 years. 

Ötzi: Everyone's Favorite Copper Age Man - Wed, 04 Jan 2012
In 1991, two hikers in the Alps found a mysterious body. The frozen mummy turned out to be a 5,300-year-old man -- a discovery that's given researchers an unprecedented peek into the Copper Age. Tune in to learn more about the Iceman.

Back from Pilgramage - Wed, 04 Jan 2012
Here we are folks, 2012! I'm feeling great. It has been a while now since my last blog, almost a year in fact and I am here with good news. The next episode of ATM is preparing for recording and will be in your ears in the next few days! In anticipation of this yearly event you might like to check out some of my websites:

1201 The Varangian Guard - Mon, 02 Jan 2012

The Late Roman Empire and its successor state, the Byzantine Empire, relied heavily on mercenary units to make up the bulk of their armies, as well as personal bodyguards to the emperors. The Varangian Guard was one such elite unit, forever immortalised in history for their famed "berserk-rage" and unwavering loyalty to the throne. Dur: 37mins File: .mp3

1201 The Varangian Guard - Mon, 02 Jan 2012

The Late Roman Empire and its successor state, the Byzantine Empire, relied heavily on mercenary units to make up the bulk of their armies, as well as personal bodyguards to the emperors. The Varangian Guard was one such elite unit, forever immortalised in history for their famed "berserk-rage" and unwavering loyalty to the throne. Dur: 37mins File: .mp3

W. C. Minor: Madness, Murder and a Dictionary (Part I) - Mon, 02 Jan 2012
In the first part of this episode, we look at the early days of William Chester Minor. Minor originally studied medicine and served and practiced surgery in the Union Army. Eventually he was committed to a hospital for the insane. But what happened next?

IOT: Macromolecules 29 Dec 11 - Thu, 29 Dec 2011
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the giant molecules that form the basis of all life. Macromolecules, also known as polymers, are long chains of atoms which form the proteins that make up our bodies, as well as many of the materials of modern life. We've only known about macromolecules for just over a century, so what is the story behind them and how might they change our lives in the future? Melvyn Bragg is joined by Athene Donald, Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge; Charlotte Williams, Reader in Polymer Chemistry and Catalysis at Imperial College London and Tony Ryan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Science at the University of Sheffield.

Unearthed in 2011: Part 2 - Wed, 28 Dec 2011
In part two of this episode, we continue to uncover some of the most interesting historical discoveries of 2011, from the world's oldest winery to France's oldest brewery. Tune in to learn more about the biggest historical discoveries of 2011.

Unearthed in 2011: Part 1 - Mon, 26 Dec 2011
In this two-part episode, we take a look at some of the most interesting historical finds of 2011, from one of Captain Henry Morgan's pirate ships to a rare portrait of Jane Austen discovered by British author Dr. Paula Byrne. Listen in to learn more.

IOT: Robinson Crusoe 22 Dec 11 - Thu, 22 Dec 2011
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe. Published in 1719, it was an immediate success and is considered the classic adventure story - the sailor stranded on a desert island who learns to tame the environment and the native population. Robinson Crusoe has been interpreted in myriad ways, from colonial fable to religious instruction manual to capitalist tract, yet it is perhaps best known today as a children's story. Melvyn Bragg is joined by Karen O'Brien, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education at the University of Birmingham; Judith Hawley, Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature at Royal Holloway, University of London and Bob Owens, Emeritus Professor of English Literature at the Open University.

The Christmas Truce - Wed, 21 Dec 2011
During the first Christmas of World War I, British and German soldiers laid down their weapons and celebrated the holiday together. They sang carols, traded insignia and buried their dead. How did the truce start, and why didn't it happen again?

The Halifax Explosion - Mon, 19 Dec 2011
The Halifax Explosion was one of history's worst man-made, non-nuclear explosions. The disaster killed about 2,000 people, and part of the city was completely leveled. So how and when did Halifax begin to rebuild? Tune in to find out.

Cam’s Written A Book! - Sun, 18 Dec 2011
It’s not about Napoleon though. The book is called “The Three Illusions” and it looks at science and philosophy. It’s my guide for living with what I call “permanent peace” and the philosophy in it has been the basis of how I’ve lived my life for the last 20 or so years. Thanks for the [...]

163- Theodosius's Walls - Sun, 18 Dec 2011

Following the death of Eudoxia, the Praetorian Prefect Anthemius took control of the Eastern Empire and ran it wisely for the next decade. Meanwhile in the West, anti-barbarian policies will lead to the invasion of Italy by Alaric.

IOT: Concordat of Worms 15 Dec 11 - Thu, 15 Dec 2011
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Concordat of Worms. This treaty between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, signed in 1122, put an end, at least for a time, to years of power struggle and bloodshed. It created a historic distinction between secular power and spiritual authority, defining more clearly the respective powers of monarchs and the Church. Melvyn Bragg is joined by Henrietta Leyser, Emeritus Fellow of St Peter's College, University of Oxford; Kate Cushing, Reader in Medieval History at Keele University and John Gillingham, Emeritus Professor of History at the London School of Economics and Political Science