History Hit Podcasts

How to Get to Heaven: Papal Indulgences

Were papal indulgences really just a medieval “get out of hell free” card? How were they expanded after the Crusades? And how were they used...

Darkest Hours: Origins of Slavery

The Origins of Slavery in America, from its early colonial history to its expansion after the Revolutionary war, is the darkest chapter of...

Who Was The Oracle of Delphi?

Wouldn’t it be nice to know the future? To have solid advice on what is about to happen in your life, so that you know exactly what to do when...

Who Was the Man In The Iron Mask?

For decades a mysterious figure was held prisoner by Louis XIV. His face was covered, his identity was a secret beyond all others. Why? Who was...

Queen Mary II & the Glorious Revolution

What does it take to rule as an equal in a man's world? How did a quiet, devout queen help reshape Britain’s monarchy forever?

All this...

The Trial of Charles I

More than 350 years ago, something unprecedented happened in Britain: a reigning king was arrested, put on trial, and executed. You may have seen...

The House of Ramesses II: Egypt's Greatest Pharaoh?

The name of Ramesses the Great is etched deeper into Egypt than almost any other ruler. Colossal statues moulded in his image tower over the Nile....

Royal Siblings, Scandals and Crises

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew (who denies any wrongdoing and is innocent until proven guilty), has encouraged...

The Medici vs. Tudor Rivalry

Neither woman expected to rule, but Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici became two of the most powerful women in Europe.

Was their...

Game of Thrones: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Matt Lewis journeys into the world behind the latest story from the Game of Thrones universe, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, to discover how it...

Rodeo: An All American History?

Roughstock, roping and risk - the sport and spectacle of rodeo has become one of the most iconic American pastimes over the last couple of...

The Fall of Persia | Alexander the Great

Tristan Hughes and Dr Adrian Goldsworthy continue the special series on Alexander the Great, delving into the epic sieges of Tyre and Gaza in 332...

The Peasants' Revolt

In 1381, after plague, famine and war had pushed England to the brink, a final blow sparked an extraordinary uprising. This episode explores the...

The Dark Truth about the Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution is the only successful, permanent slave revolt in history, resulting in the creation of an independent state.

Haiti...

Tudor True Crime: Lynching of the "Duke's Devil"

This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, violence and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

How did the mob lynching of...

Who Makes a Doll of their Ex? | History's Worst Break Ups

A 'bad boy' of Austrian art meets the 'loveliest girl in Vienna', what could possibly go wrong? Why did artist Oskar Kokoschka commission a life...

Your Medieval Questions Answered

** Contains strong language**

What would Britain look like today if Richard III had won at Bosworth? What did medieval people sing when...

Darkest Hours: The Kent State Shootings

On May 4 1970, four students were shot dead by the Ohio National Guard during a protest. What were they protesting? Why were the National Guard...

The First Vikings in Iceland

From icy seas to fire-lit longhouses, Dan heads to Iceland to trace the birth of one of the world’s most unique medieval cultures — at the...

The French Revolution's Reign of Terror

The French Revolution was famously inspired by ideals such as republicanism and individual liberty. Yet, for all its promises of freedom, the...

James II: The Restoration's Last Catholic King

A king with unyielding faith. A nation on the brink. A crown lost to revolution.

King James II is often dismissed as the unfortunate...