History Hit Podcasts

Origins of Victorian Murder Detectives

We have an image in our heads of Victorian Homicide Detectives, but what was the reality? Who were they? What murder cases shaped their history?...

When Elves & Fairies Lived Among Us

In the mist‑shrouded Highlands, a quiet minister dared to trespass into forbidden realms. Convinced that fairies were not mere fables but a...

The Forbidden City

At the heart of Beijing sits the Forbidden City, one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. It's the largest palace complex...

Alexander the Great | Lord of Asia

As friendships fracture and old alliances break, Tristan Hughes and Dr Adrian Goldsworthy chronicle the epic downfall of Alexander the Great....

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...

A Very Borgia Break Up | History's Worst Breakups

If people are still talking about your divorce and rumoured penis related issues 500 years later, it's safe to say you've had a bad break...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...