logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
50m 50s

Oslo

History Extra
About this episode

In this series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most historic cities, Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough leads an expedition through the Norwegian capital’s lengthy history

In episode seven of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian, author and broadcaster Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough for a journey around Oslo. Together, they explore the city’s Viking origins, medieval fortifications, modern museums and its scenic hinterland, and meet some of the characters who influenced its evolution. Plus, Eleanor offers up some top advice for history-loving globetrotters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Jun 2025
Marrakech
From medieval Islamic roots and conquest by successive dynasties, to French colonial rule and a modern evolution, Marrakech has a rich heritage – and many eye-catching monuments. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield takes a trip to Marrakech with author and publisher Ba ... Show More
37m 22s
May 2025
Sydney
Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield and historian Laila Ellmoos explore the history of an iconic Australian tourist destination – Sydney. Together they introduce the Aboriginal peoples; traditional owners and custodians of the land on which the city now stands. Laila a ... Show More
35m 44s
May 2025
Beijing
Beijing’s history stretches back many centuries, so how has it survived and become the rapidly changing capital of one of the world's fastest-growing economies? Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield joins writer and broadcaster Jonathan Clements on a journey through Beij ... Show More
28m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Cities that turbocharged art history
From Renaissance Florence and ancient Babylon to the kingdom of Benin and Heian-era Kyoto, cities across history have served as launchpads for extraordinary outbursts of artistic flowering. Caroline Campbell, director of the National Gallery of Ireland and the author of The Power ... Show More
31m 28s
Jan 2025
Discover Georgia's UNESCO Treasures: A Journey Through History
Join us as we explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Georgia, delving into the rich history and cultural significance of three remarkable locations: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the medieval village of Ushguli. Discover why these sites are celebr ... Show More
45m 9s
Oct 2024
Ordinary Vikings: hidden histories of the Nordic world
We know the Vikings best as brutal, seafaring, pagan raiders – and that’s an important part of their lives and histories. But it’s only one aspect: what about their love lives, experiences of travels, and attitudes to religion? Speaking with James Osborne, Eleanor Barraclough unp ... Show More
39m 40s
Sep 19
Alexandria: city of knowledge and culture
Greg Jenner is joined in Egypt by historian Professor Islam Issa and comedian Athena Kugblenu to learn all about the history of science and philosophy in the city of Alexandria. Founded by ancient conqueror Alexander the Great, Alexandria from its earliest days was a city at the ... Show More
56m 33s
Mar 2025
84: The Battle of Bouvines
Philippe II wins one of the most important battles in European history. Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
52m 12s
Sep 23
Prophecies of Merlin
Step into the mist-shrouded world of medieval magic, forbidden love, and forgotten prophecies. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by renowned Arthurian expert John Matthews to explore The Prophecies of Merlin — a long-lost medieval text finally transla ... Show More
57m 44s
Oct 5
Ibn Battuta | The World's Greatest Traveler?
One of the greatest travelers the world has ever known, Ibn Battuta journeyed over 70,000 miles across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. And he did so centuries before modern maps or air travel. His detailed accounts offer a rare glimpse into the cultures, empires, and w ... Show More
51m 45s
Sep 11
Alexander's Successors and the Danube Frontier
While Alexander the Great's successors were fighting over control of his empire, Celtic-speaking migrants were moving east along the Danube River, mostly unseen and unnoticed by the Greeks to their south. The Macedonian kings should've been paying more attention, because soon, th ... Show More
41m 9s
Sep 21
The Picts: Rulers of the North
Tristan Hughes journeys up to windswept Scotland to uncover the secrets of the Picts — fierce warriors, skilled artisans, enemies of Rome and rulers of the North.In this special episode of The Ancients - recorded on site at East Lomond hill fort and National Museums Scotland - Tr ... Show More
45m 45s
Jan 2025
Discover the tales of history's great treasures
Swallowed by the sea, buried, hidden behind walls or concealed…True treasure troves have always known the best place to hide. And when to reappear and surprise us! Harboring tales worthy of an adventure novel, they often contain fascinating secrets. In this new season of The Voic ... Show More
57s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami