logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2022
53m 15s

220. Justinian & Theodora: The Secret Hi...

Goalhanger
About this episode
Wars, disease, and legacy. In the final episode of the trilogy, Tom and Dominic discuss the Byzantine reconquest of Italy, the arrival of the Justinianic plague, and the legacy of Justinian and Theodora. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom co ... Show More
Up next
Today
620. The Nazis at War: Hitler Strikes West (Part 1)
What was Adolf Hitler’s next move, after occupying Czechoslovakia in March 1939, and brutally invading Poland that September? Why did the Allies fail to act, despite the Nazis shocking offensive? And, would an assassination plot from within Germany itself prove to be Hitler’s und ... Show More
1h 12m
Nov 20
619. Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen (Part 4)
How was Elizabeth I finally crowned Queen of England, after long years of perilous waiting? Why was her early reign so fraught with danger? Who was William Cecil, Elizabeth’s new secretary, and the key political player of her rule? And, why was she so determined to remain the unm ... Show More
1h 9m
Nov 17
618. Elizabeth I: The Shadow of the Tower (Part 3)
Why did Elizabeth I’s brother, Henry VIII’s heir, Edward VI, choose his cousin Jane Grey to succeed him, rather than either of his wily Tudor sisters? Later, how did Elizabeth survive the reign of her once dear Catholic sister, “Bloody Mary”, given Mary’s growing resentment? And, ... Show More
1h 12m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
105. The Last Great War of Antiquity
Eurasia is divided into two great superpowers. Khusrow II rules the Sassanian Empire. Maurice, the last of the Justinian dynasty, rules their mighty rivals, the Byzantines. When he is overthrown, Khusrow looks to capitalise upon the chaos, invades his neighbour, and begins to swe ... Show More
47m 49s
Dec 2023
England & Portugal: The Oldest Alliance in the World
<p>If you’re enjoying a glass of port during the festive period, you have the world’s oldest treaty to thank.</p><br><p>Winston Churchill once described the Anglo-Portuguese alliance as ‘without parallel in world history.’ Forged in the backdrop of the Hundred Years War 650 years ... Show More
39m 37s
Jul 2024
Emperors & Scandals in Ancient Rome with Mary Beard
<p>What happens at a Roman emperor's dinner party? Why would you be lucky to get out alive? And how are emperors even chosen?</p><br><p>Joining Kate today is the one, the only Mary Beard, to take us back to Ancient Rome and help separate the facts from the myths.</p><br><p>Mary's ... Show More
47m 9s
Jun 2024
History Daily: The Discovery of China’s Terracotta Army & The Execution of King Louis XVI
I'm on vacation, and I hope you'll get some time away soon, too! Our featured podcast today is one that you'll 100% want to listen to on your summer travels: History Daily. Each weekday on History Daily, host Lindsay Graham (not the senator) takes you back in time to explore a mo ... Show More
36m 7s
Oct 2022
Ping-Pong Diplomacy: The Chinese-American Athletic Bond
<p>This week on Historia Obscura: how the influence of one sport took two nations at odds with each other and created one of the most crucial geopolitical relationships in the modern world. Special thanks to Patreon subscribers Barbara, Lisa Chase, and Tom! Subscribe to my Patreo ... Show More
17m 39s
Dec 2021
How Julius Caesar Changed Time
<p>We’re finishing off 2021 with what is perhaps Julius Caesar’s greatest legacy. It’s not a military victory or battle, but one of the many political reforms that truly has stood the test of time: the Julian calendar. Before, calendars were largely based on the lunar calendar, a ... Show More
46m 4s
Mar 2023
Introducing...Season 2 of This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of mediaeval history alive through compelling stories, larger-than-life characters and vivid scenes. The saga of history’s most dysfunctional dynasty continues. Richard the Lionheart is on the throne and has on ... Show More
2m 18s
Feb 2023
History of Everything: The Second Punic War
The Second Punic War was the second of three wars fought between Carthage and Rome, the two main powers of the western Mediterranean in the 3rd century BC. Bonus episodes as well as ad-free episodes on Patreon.Find us on Instagram. Join us on Discord.Submit your relatives on our  ... Show More
1h 31m
Apr 2022
Before Rome: The Truth About Late Iron Age Britain
<p>Roman connections with Britain stretch back to (at least) the mid 1st century BC. But what has archaeology revealed about the Late Iron Age British societies they interacted with? Do we have any concrete evidence for the druids? Was human sacrifice a thing? Sit back and enjoy ... Show More
43m 28s
Jan 2022
The Birth of the Roman Empire
<p>16 January 27 BC is a date sometimes associated with the beginning of the Roman Empire. It was on that day that Octavian received the name Augustus, effectively becoming the first emperor of Rome. Augustus ordered the gates of Janus to be closed, marking an end to the period o ... Show More
50m 18s