The Rest Is History

Join Tom and Dominic for the fourth and final instalment in their Cleopatra mini-series, as they discuss Octavian's propaganda, the war he waged against Antony and Cleopatra, and their ultimate demise.  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 community. Editor: James Hodgson Producer: Do...

After centuries of Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s relationship being told and fictionalised by Plutarch and Shakespeare alike, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook uncover what history tells us about this power couple. They reveal how the rise of Octavian as a threat caused Mark Antony to turn to Cleopatra for support. It was a relationship that had less to do with romance and love, and more to do with...

Join Tom and Dominic for the second episode of this four part mini-series on Cleopatra, where they discuss her relationship with Julius Caesar and the role this relationship played in the politics of Rome.  The release schedule of the remaining two episodes of the series is 'Antony & Cleopatra' (Thursday 16th June) and 'Cleopatra's Downfall' (Monday 20th June). However, members of The Rest Is...

Welcome to The Rest Is History Cleopatra series! The release schedule of the four episodes is as follows: Young Cleopatra (Monday 13th June) Julius Caesar & Cleopatra (Tuesday 14th June) Antony & Cleopatra (Thursday 16th June) Cleopatra's Downfall (Monday 20th June) However, members of The Rest Is History Club get all four episodes RIGHT NOW, so head to restishistorypod.com to sign up. In...

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the 'first' fascist, Gabriele D'Annunzio, with historian Lucy Hughes-Hallett. D'Annunzio was a key figure in Italian literature before becoming a political figure later in his life. Although never personally identifying with fascism, his ideas were hugely influential on Mussolini.  Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, we...

As British PM Boris Johnson survives a no confidence vote, Tom and Dominic record a special episode on the history of bringing down Prime Ministers. Prominent victims include Asquith, Chamberlain, Thatcher and Blair. 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 community. Producer: Dom Johnso...

Join Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook as they uncover the origins of Robin Hood. What was the earliest mention of Robin Hood in text? How has Robin Hood evolved through time to become the legend that he is today? Did he have a real-life counterpart? 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 chatro...

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic talk to Sara Read about the history of childbirth. Sara unveils the origin of the word 'gossip' and its connection to midwifery. As well as this, they discuss how someone would qualify as a midwife; the relationship between religion and childbirth; and the average age of becoming a first time mother. They also look into the changes in the maternal mortality rate...

In today's episode of The Rest Is History Dominic and Tom look at how Jubilees have served as a moment for Britain to stop and reflect. From the celebrations of George III, Queen Victoria and George V to the modern jamborees of Elizabeth II, here's all you need to know before this year's Platinum Jubilee. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episode...

Join Tom and Dominic for the final episode of their Australian epic. Tune in to hear about the exploits of the most recent stretch of prime ministers, spanning from Bob Hawke to Scott Morrison. 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 community. Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony P...

In the second part of our Australian PMs trilogy, Tom and Dominic explore Chinese Communist conspiracy theories and talk about the most entertaining of all the Aussie leaders. The final instalment of this mini-series will be in your podcast feed on Thursday. To get the last episode right now, join The Rest Is History Club, where you'll also get ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus e...

In the wake of Anthony Albanese's victory in this weekend's Australian election, Tom and Dominic have recorded a three part Antipodean special on the history of Australian prime ministers. The first episode begins in 1901 with Edmund Barton, covers both World Wars, and drills down into the premierships of Robert Menzies. The second part will be in your podcast feeds tomorrow, with the final instal...

The longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth II acceded to the throne 70 years ago. To mark the occasion, Tom and Dominic are joined by Frances Christie, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's UK and Ireland, who specialises in 20th century British art and culture. Together they drill down into some of the cultural, artistic and historic happenings that have taken place during the Queen's reig...

Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist in history. Coinciding neatly with the 'Wagatha Christie' trial taking place between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy in the UK, Tom and Dominic look at Christie as a mirror held up to the 20th century, discuss what we can learn about Christianity and the concept of 'evil' from her work, and debate the value of Tom's Poirot impression. Join The Rest Is H...

Could the West have lost the Cold War? Would we be happier if we didn't study history? Would you prefer to have a samurai, a Viking or a Spartan as your bodyguard? Tom and Dominic are joined by Hardcore History's Dan Carlin for a second episode to tackle the biggest questions in history. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed s...

Who was the most influential leader of the 20th century? What would have happened if the South had won the American Civil War? Would you rather be under siege from the Mongols, the Romans, or the Assyrians? In a huge moment for transatlantic history podcasting, Tom and Dominic are joined by titan of the genre and friend of the show Dan Carlin, the host of one of the world's largest history podcast...

What military parallels does Putin's invasion of Ukraine have with Hitler's attempt to invade the Soviet Union? On today's pod Tom and Dominic are joined by historian - and brother of Tom - James Holland to discuss Operation Barbarossa and the Nazi invasion of 1941, whether it was doomed to fail, and the role it played in the escalation of the Holocaust. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to liste...

In January, Tom and Dominic explored the history of Babylon, from Nebuchadnezzar onwards (episode 145 in the Rest Is History feed). At the end of that episode, there was a promise to revisit Babylon's earlier period to fully do the topic justice - so here it is! Tune in to hear about the constant theft of the Statue of Marduk, the formidable Assyrians, and what Dominic describes as his 'favourite...

George Orwell, a love of wildlife, and Raheem Sterling - but what does it mean to be English in the modern world? In today's episode, Tom and Dominic are joined by the New Statesman editor, Jason Cowley, to discuss England and Englishness in the 20th century. Jason's new book 'Who Are We Now?' is available at all good book retailers. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full...

In the second of two episodes covering France's post-war presidents, Tom and Dominic drill down into the remaining historical statesmen, bringing us right up to the current day. François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, François Hollande, and Emmanuel Macron - there are some incredible stories... Join The Rest Is History Club (restishistorypod.com) for ad-free listening to the full arc...

It's the day after the French election runoff between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, so naturally here's a Rest Is History French Presidents special. Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Join Tom and Dominic for the first of two episodes on the topic, as they dive headfirst into the first three post-war presidents.  Join us tomorrow for the second part of this spe...

In the second of two episodes on the Jewish Revolt, Tom and Dominic discuss the burning of the Temple, Vespasian & Titus' triumph, and Masada. Why was it such a landmark revolt for both Christianity and Judaism? What happened in its aftermath? And what has its historical significance been in the modern world? All this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is History. Join The Rest Is History...

"The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans: a thrilling, terrible, and blood-soaked story." Following on from last week's episode on the Crucifixion, Tom and Dominic take us back to Judea to dissect the tumultuous events of the Jewish Revolt. Tune in to hear the first part of the incredible story that features Pontius Pilate, Nero, and the figure of Jesus - plus how it all tenuously links to Brya...

Crucifixions were a form of public execution so heinous that the Romans themselves were reluctant to document their gory details... In this Easter special, Tom and Dominic trace the origins and evolution of crucifixion - as well as the historical accuracy of Jesus' death. Warning: this pod is not for the faint of heart. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekl...

Richard II, Prince Charles, and Tony Blair. From Merlin, to the middle ages, to the modern day, the mysterious world of magic, necromancy and the occult has had a notable presence in the lives of British monarchs, politicians and members of high society.  Tom and Dominic are joined by Francis Young, author of 'Magic in Merlin's Realm: A History of Occult Politics in Britain' to discuss this infini...