The Rest Is History

This episode of The Rest Is History explores the life of Sir Francis Drake, examining his evolution from a slave trader to England’s premier privateer and explorer.

This episode details the St.

This episode introduces a new series on Elizabeth I, focusing on the existential threats to her Protestant regime in 1569.

This episode details the scandalous affair between Crown Prince Rudolf and Baroness Mary Vetsera in 1889 Vienna.

This episode explores the 1889 Mayerling incident, where Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary murdered his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera, before taking his own life.

This episode explores the opening of Homer’s Odyssey, detailing Athena’s plan to free Odysseus from Calypso and empower his son Telemachus.

This episode explores Homer’s *The Odyssey*, featuring a reading by Russell Crowe and analysis by Daniel Mendelsohn.

This episode examines Thomas Jefferson’s multifaceted legacy, from his authorship of the Declaration of Independence to his political rivalry with Alexander Hamilton.

This episode examines the 1804 duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, contextualizing it within early American political factionalism.

This episode of The Rest Is History examines Benjamin Franklin’s transformation from a loyal British subject to a key American Founding Father.

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine George Washington’s leadership during the brutal winter at Valley Forge, debunking Ronald Reagan’s myth of Washington kneeling in the snow.

This episode explores the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, where Nelson Mandela used the Springboks’ victory to unite post-apartheid South Africa.

This episode explores the turbulent history of Brazil's national anthem, tracing its origins in the 1822 independence under Emperor Pedro I, who composed the original tune.

This episode explores the history of the Dutch national anthem, *Het Wilhelmus*, and the 80-year Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule.

In this episode, Dominic Sandbrook and guest Paul Rouse launch a mini-series on how dictatorships have exploited the World Cup for propaganda, starting with Mussolini’s Italy.

This episode explores the complex history of the German national anthem, Das Lied der Deutschen.

This episode explores the history of "God Save the King," tracing its rise as Britain’s national anthem during the 1745 Jacobite uprising and the Napoleonic Wars.

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the origins of the US national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," as part of a World Cup series on national anthems.

This episode explores the Gallipoli campaign, focusing on the legend of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the "donkey man" who became a symbol of the Anzac spirit after dying in May 1915.

This episode explores the origins of the Gallipoli campaign, focusing on Winston Churchill’s ambitious but flawed plan to break WWI stalemates by seizing Constantinople.

This episode explores the life and execution of Edith Cavell, a British nurse in occupied Belgium who helped Allied soldiers escape to neutral Holland.

This episode details the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, exploring its role in drawing the United States toward World War I.

This episode explores Italy’s controversial entry into World War I, driven by Prime Minister Salandra’s “sacred egoism” and Gabriele D’Annunzio’s inflammatory pro-war rhetoric.

Hosts Tom Holland and David Olusoga interview historian Helen Castor about her book *She-Wolves*, focusing on Empress Matilda’s struggle to claim the English throne.

This episode of The Rest Is History explores the Western Front in 1915, contrasting the patriotic tone of John McCrae’s "In Flanders Fields" with the grim reality of trench life.

Tom Holland interviews Paul McCartney about his new album, *The Boys of Dungeon Lane*, and its exploration of his Liverpool upbringing.

Historian Tom Holland joins the show to recount the Battle of Marathon, where outnumbered Athenians defeated the Persian Empire.

This episode details the rise of Darius the Great, who consolidated the Persian Empire through brutal suppression of rebellions and ideological innovation.

This episode explores the history and enduring mystery of the Mona Lisa, examining why it became the world's most famous painting.

Dominic and Tom explore the 8,000-year history of wine, from its origins in Georgia and Armenia to its role in Roman expansion and Islamic culture.

This episode explores the intersection of Britain’s 1976 economic crisis and the rise of punk rock.

This episode examines the turbulent mid-1970s in Britain, contrasting David Bowie’s controversial fascist persona with the nation’s economic collapse and rising political extremism.

This episode explores Britain’s 1975 referendum on European Community membership, framed by the cultural anxiety depicted in *Fawlty Towers*.

This episode explores Margaret Thatcher’s rise to lead the Conservative Party in 1975 against a backdrop of British economic crisis and political instability.

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook recount the fall of Minamoto no Yoshinaka and the legendary female warrior Tomoe Gozen during the Genpei War.

This episode explores the rise of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and the pivotal Battle of Kurikara during the Genpei War.