Podcast · History

The Rest Is History

by Goalhanger · English · History

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 14 min
Latest: 4 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 17 minNew

711. The Terror: Killing God (Part 5)

Why did Robespierre hold a vast, eccentric festival in 1794 when The Reign of Terror was at its most frenzied? What does it reveal about his psychology and belief in the divine? And, did he really believe that the French Revolution could succeed in supplanting the Christian God? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the extraordinary spectacle of the Festival of the Supreme Being, its sinister reception, and the transformation of France. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

30 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 31 min

710. The Terror: Death at the Guillotine (Part 4)

How did two of the French Revolution's leading figures, Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre, differ in their views on how to further the cause? Which scandalous conspiracy was Danton accused of being involved in that would lead him to the guillotine? And, was it true? Or the betrayal of a former ally? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the terrible destruction of one of the great titans of the Revolution, Georges Danton, and the connotations of his cataclysmic fall for the future of the Terror. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive…
27 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 12 min

709. The Terror: The Execution of Marie Antoinette (Part 3)

In what conditions was Marie Antoinette - once the most glamorous woman in Europe - imprisoned for over a year, before and after the execution of King Louis XVI? Why were the French Revolutionaries divided on her own fate? And, how did she finally face the guillotine on October 16th, 1793? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss one of the most shocking moments of the French Revolution, and the death knell to the monarchy: The execution of the former Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free…
23 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 30 min

708. The Terror: The Reign of Robespierre (Part 2)

Where did Maximilien Robespierre come from and what led him to rise from provincial obscurity to play a major role in the French Revolution? Why is he considered the central figure in the Reign of Terror? And how did a fastidious man opposed to violence become the chief proponent of bloodshed? Join Tom and Dominic as they describe how Maximilien Robespierre became one of the most powerful figures of the French Revolution, and his role in initiating the Terror, which saw thousands beheaded in Paris, and butchered throughout France. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of…
20 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 26 min

707. The Terror: How The French Revolution Collapsed Into Chaos (Part 1)

How did the infamous murder of Jean-Paul Marat, one of the great firebrands of the French Revolution, unleash the bloody Terror? Why did the clashing political factions of the Revolution escalate the fractious atmosphere in France? And, which other apocalyptic threats saw the French masses clamouring for the blood of their brothers? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into one of the most violent events in all world history: The Reign of Terror in Revolutionary France, and the murder of Marat, which served as one of its catalysts. _______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full…
16 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 14 min

706. Queen Victoria’s Revenge: Storming the Citadel (Part 2)

Who was Lieutenant General Napier, the man set out to rescue the European hostages held by Emperor Tewodros II? How did he plan to attack the emperor’s fortress, Magdala? And, did they manage to successfully escape Abyssinia? Join Dominic and Tom as they conclude the story of one of the most epic expeditions in the history of the British Empire. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our…
13 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

705. Queen Victoria’s Revenge: The Mad Emperor of Abyssinia (Part 1)

Who was Emperor Tewodros II, the colourful and controversial Emperor of Abyssinia? Why did he brutally imprison a number of British emissaries, and how did Queen Victoria respond? And, how would this spark one of the most ambitious expeditions undertaken by the British Empire…? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into one of the most extraordinary military expeditions in all world history. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter,…
9 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

704. Roman Civil War: Master of the Republic (Part 4)

Who was Gaius Marius’ son, and how did he set out to bring down his father’s rival, Sulla? Which two rising stars in Sulla’s faction, Crassus and Pompey, would go on to bring down the Republic, with Julius Caesar? And, how did a momentous battle in the East see Sulla elevated to the master of Rome? Join Tom and Dominic as they reach the climactic conclusion to the remarkable rise of one of Rome’s greatest generals: Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a man who would destroy his rivals, win victories in the east, and ruthlessly change the destiny of the Roman Republic forever. Join The Rest Is History…
6 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

703. Roman Civil War: Marching on the Senate (Part 3)

What shocking, unprecedented act did Sulla commit with his legions after having his ambitions frustrated once more by his bitter rival, the tribune Marius? How did Marius escape capture and death? And, would Marius retaliate…? Join Tom and Dominic as they unfold the mounting rivalry between two Roman generals - Marius and Sulla - as they battle for ultimate control of the empire, and Sulla takes a fateful step that will change the fate of the Republic forever…. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early…
2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 19 min

702. Roman Civil War: The Barbarian Invasion (Part 2)

What was the ancient city of Rome actually like in the first century BC? Who was Lucius Cornelius Sulla, another great, but aristocratic, Roman general who would clash with Gaius Marius in a totemic struggle termed the Social War? And, who were the terrifying Germanic tribes amassing on the borders of the empire, potentially spelling its doom…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Rome’s apocalyptic threat from the North, Marius’ wars in defence of the empire, and the rise of his greatest adversary: Sulla. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive…
30 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 14 min

701. Roman Civil War: Rise of the General (Part 1)

Who was Gaius Marius, one of the two men who would shape the fate of Rome in the first century BC? Why was his road to fame, fortune, and political greatness, from total obscurity, so dangerous? And, would Marius be the man to face down the existential threat facing the empire during this period? Join Tom and Dominic as they launch into one of the greatest struggles in the history of Rome, as two titanic generals and politicians clash over hegemony of the empire, in an age of tumult. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER…
26 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 24 min

700. The Troubles: Bloody Sunday (Part 4)

How did Bloody Sunday erupt on the 30th of January 1972? Why did it follow on the heels of terrible violence? And, what were the consequences of that violent day? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the tragic events of Bloody Sunday, and the final attempt at peace in Northern Ireland. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers story of Queen Victoria ordering one of history’s most daring assignments ever.…
23 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 24 min

699. The Troubles: Return of the IRA (Part 3)

What was the Provisional IRA, and why did they return to the fray at the high point of The Troubles in Northern Ireland? How did a series of bloody battles, including the Short Strand Battle, brutally intensify tensions between the British Army and Catholic communities? And, how did the conflict spiral into attacks on civilians…? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the violent escalation of The Troubles. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the…
19 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 22 min

698. The Troubles: The Brink of Civil War (Part 2)

Why did the violence of the Troubles escalate as it did in Ulster? How did a series of marches from Belfast to Derry in 1969 result in terrible violence, and heighten the conflict? And, which terrible events saw the British army cross the border to intervene? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the next tumultuous stage of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers story of…
16 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 26 min

697. The Troubles: Murder in Belfast (Part 1)

How did the Troubles break out in Northern Ireland in the 1960s, and how far back does the dispute really go? Why did the conflict intensify as it did? And, what did it really mean to be a Catholic in Northern Ireland? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss one of the darkest and most contentious periods of British history: The Troubles. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers story of Queen Victoria ordering…
12 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

696. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: Killing the Queen of Scots (Part 6)

How did the Babington Plot, another Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth I and replace her with the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots, unfold? Did the Spanish help her? How did Sir Francis Walsingham and his web of spies foil the plot? And, what would become of Mary once put on trial? Join Tom and Dominic for the dramatic conclusion to their mighty series on the most climatic period of the reign of Elizabeth I, as she faces another assassination attempt, and decides whether to execute her cousin, and a fellow queen… *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The…
9 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

695. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Shadow War (Part 5)

Who was the charismatic Sir Philip Sidney, a beloved but also suspect courtier to Elizabeth I? Why, in 1585, was England in such danger from a Spanish invasion? And, would Sydney, with his friend Sir Francis Drake, help to save their beloved queen? Join Tom and Dominic as they plunge into the high point of the Tudor Cold War: with Philip II brooding on war in Spain, Holland ablaze, and religious tension gripping Europe, what would Elizabeth I do? *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join…
5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

694. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: A Treacherous Conspiracy (Part 4)

After ransacking Spanish treasure ships, would Elizabeth I betray Sir Francis Drake to her enemies? Who did she back in the French civil wars? And, with the help of English conspirators, would Mary Queen of Scots, incur a Spanish invasion, and see her rival Elizabeth assassinated? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Sir Francis Drake’s return to England, revolts in Europe, Catholic unrest, and the Throckmorton Plot to see the Queen of England murdered, and replaced with her royal cousin… This episode is sponsored by Anthropic, the team behind Claude. Try Claude for free today at…
2 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 17 min

693. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: England’s Greatest Hero (Part 3)

Why is Sir Francis Drake enshrined as one of England’s greatest heroes? Where did he come from, and how did he rise to prominence and earn the adoration of Elizabeth I, from obscure poverty? And, why is he also such a controversial figure…? Join Tom and Dominic as they sail into the remarkable life and adventures of Sir Francis Drake. From his controversial piracy, and his explorations around the world, to his burgeoning feud with the Spanish, ultimately culminating in his clash with Armada in 1588… _______ *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition…
29 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 12 min

692. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: A Massacre in Paris (Part 2)

What inspired the deadliest bloodbath of the Tudor age: the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572, in which protestants were slaughtered en masse? How did it drive Elizabeth I’s spy master, Francis Walsingham, to repress all treasonous activity in her realm? And, what terrible treason was brewing in Rome…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Sir Francis Walsingham, and one of the most devilish religious conspiracies of all time… Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The…
26 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 12 min

691. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Queen’s Spymaster (Part 1)

How did Elizabeth I rule England? Why was she constantly in mortal peril in 1569? Who was Sir William Cecil, and why was he so crucial to her reign? And, how did his network of spies keep her alive, and England uninvaded…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the secret war raging in the heart of Elizabeth I’s Tudor England, the religious unrest flaming throughout Europe, and Elizabeth’s master of Spies: Sir William Cecil. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and…
22 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 19 min

690. A Murderous Affair: Death at Mayerling (Part 2)

What really happened at the Habsburgian hunting lodge, Mayerling? Did Crown Prince Rudolf and his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera, really commit a romantic murder suicide, or did the heir cold-heartedly murder the 17 year old girl? And, why did the Austrian royal family try to erase all traces of this tragic incident? Join Dominic and Tom as they solve the mysterious tale of the Mayerling Incident. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard…
19 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

689. A Murderous Affair: The Habsburgs’ Greatest Scandal (Part 1)

What was Vienna like in the 1880s? Why was Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria seen as the outcast of the prestigious Habsburg dynasty? And, how would meeting 17 year-old Baroness Mary Vetsera on his 30th birthday change both of their lives, and the trajectory of Europe, forever? Join Dominic and Tom as they unravel the mysterious tale that is the Mayerling Incident. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers story of…
15 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 6 min

688. The Odyssey: Return of the King (Part 2)

How did the second half of Odysseus’ long journey home to Ithaca play out? What does the epic’s account of the Olympian gods indicate about Ancient Greek religion? And, how did Odysseus finally make it home to Penelope and her suitors? Join Tom and Dominic as they reach the dramatic conclusion of Homer’s Odyssey, and the story of Odysseus’ dreadful return… *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers story of Queen…
12 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 12 min

687. The Odyssey: Hero of the Trojan Horse (Part 1)

How does The Odyssey, one of the greatest stories of all time, unfold? What historical events may it be based on? And, where might Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s epic, have faced his various trials in real life? Join Tom and Dominic as they unravel the legendary story of Homer’s Odyssey, and its historical precedents. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. _______ *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the…
8 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 22 min

686. Jefferson: The Betrayal of Liberty (Part 4)

What part did Thomas Jefferson play in writing the American Declaration of Independence? Where did he come from, and how did it shape his attitude to the future of the U.S.A? And, why was he such a contentious figure? Join Tom and Dominic as they reach the epic conclusion of their series delving into the lives of the men who made America, and end with the most controversial figure of them all: Thomas Jefferson. _______Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free…
5 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 16 min

685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3)

How did Alexander Hamilton go from impoverished orphan to one of the most important figures in the creation of the American constitution? Why was his relationship with Thomas Jefferson so strained? And, what happened in the famous duel that would ultimately claim his life…? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss one of America’s most fiery founding fathers: Alexander Hamilton, and his duel with Aaron Burr. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only…
1 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

684. Franklin: Revenge of the American Genius (Part 2)

Was Benjamin Franklin really an American? What was his childhood like? How was he finally converted to the American Revolutionary cause? And, what role did he play in setting the struggle in motion? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the life of the most unique of the American founding fathers: Benjamin Franklin. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign…
28 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 16 min

683. Washington: Hero of the Revolution (Part 1)

Where did George Washington come from, and what was he like? How did he come to take on such a pivotal role in the American Revolution? And, was he really central to America’s triumphant struggle for independence? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into the extraordinary life and origins of George Washington. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up…
24 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

682. South Africa: Mandela and the Death of Apartheid (Part 6)

How did the rugby World Cup final of 1995 inspire South Africa’s totemic national anthem? Why does the story shed a light on the history of Apartheid in South Africa? And, after becoming president, following years of imprisonment, how did Mandela use rugby and the national anthem to forge a new South Africa? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the inspiring story behind South Africa’s national anthem, the collapse of Apartheid, and Nelson Mandela’s presidency. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience…

About The Rest Is History

Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook. Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.

The Rest Is History is a English history podcast from Goalhanger. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Goalhanger
Language: English
Category: History
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 14 min
Latest episode: 4 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1537788786
Website: therestishistory.com
Rights: Goalhanger

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The Rest Is History

Latest episode

711. The Terror: Killing God (Part 5)

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

710. The Terror: Death at the Guillotine (Part 4)

709. The Terror: The Execution of Marie Antoinette (Part 3)

708. The Terror: The Reign of Robespierre (Part 2)

707. The Terror: How The French Revolution Collapsed Into Chaos (Part 1)

706. Queen Victoria’s Revenge: Storming the Citadel (Part 2)

705. Queen Victoria’s Revenge: The Mad Emperor of Abyssinia (Part 1)

704. Roman Civil War: Master of the Republic (Part 4)

703. Roman Civil War: Marching on the Senate (Part 3)

702. Roman Civil War: The Barbarian Invasion (Part 2)

701. Roman Civil War: Rise of the General (Part 1)

700. The Troubles: Bloody Sunday (Part 4)

699. The Troubles: Return of the IRA (Part 3)

698. The Troubles: The Brink of Civil War (Part 2)

697. The Troubles: Murder in Belfast (Part 1)

696. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: Killing the Queen of Scots (Part 6)

695. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Shadow War (Part 5)

694. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: A Treacherous Conspiracy (Part 4)

693. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: England’s Greatest Hero (Part 3)

692. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: A Massacre in Paris (Part 2)

691. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Queen’s Spymaster (Part 1)

690. A Murderous Affair: Death at Mayerling (Part 2)

689. A Murderous Affair: The Habsburgs’ Greatest Scandal (Part 1)

688. The Odyssey: Return of the King (Part 2)

687. The Odyssey: Hero of the Trojan Horse (Part 1)

686. Jefferson: The Betrayal of Liberty (Part 4)

685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3)

684. Franklin: Revenge of the American Genius (Part 2)

683. Washington: Hero of the Revolution (Part 1)

682. South Africa: Mandela and the Death of Apartheid (Part 6)

About The Rest Is History

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