Dan Snow's History Hit

<p>A deafening impact, a shattered destroyer, and a legacy that completely revolutionised warfare at sea.</p><br><p>When HMS <em>Tiger</em> sank beneath the waves one dark night in 1908, over half of her crew were lost to the depths, and the nation went into mourning. But this was more than a tragic, peacetime accident. It was a warning that the age of steam, steel and speed had transformed warfare faster than navies could adapt. And the sinking of HMS Tiger revealed the hidden dangers and profound upheavals of this naval revolution.</p><br><p>Today we're joined by expert divers and wreck specialists Dan, Dave and Leo, who have just discovered the wreck of HMS Tiger, 118 years after her sinking. They tell us all about this remarkable find, and the advent of a revolutionary new class of warship - the destroyer.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What happens when a civilisation at its peak begins to fail? Historians have long been fascinated by the Maya Collapse in the 9th century: why the great cities of Mesoamerica were abandoned, why their populations disappeared, and why the construction of magnificent monuments came to a halt.</p><br><p>To trace the story of this mighty fall, Dan travels to the ancient Maya cities hidden in the jungles of Belize to investigate star wars, climate crisis, Spanish conquest and Maya resistance. He also ventures deep into Belize's extraordinary cave system with archaeologist Dr Rafael Guerra to uncover how the ancient Maya turned to human sacrifice in an attempt to appease forces beyond their control- leading to an astonishing discovery.</p><br><p><br></p><p>If you'd like to visit any of the places mentioned in this episode, like the ancient cities of Caracol, Lamanai or Belize's many caves, you can find out more at <a href="https://www.travelbelize.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.travelbelize.org</a>.</p><br><p>If you want more Maya history, you can sign up to watch our History Hit documentary <em>The Secrets of the Maya</em> at <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/videos/secrets-of-the-maya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://access.historyhit.com/videos/secrets-of-the-maya</a></p><br><p>With huge thanks to Jonnell Augustine and Simon Noralez from the Belize Tourism Board, Natalie Wilson and Gabriella Bustone from Finn Partners. Thank you to all our contributors, including archaeologists Dr Adrian Chase, Dr Rafael Guerra, guide Reuben Arevalo and Juan Cal.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>For more than 3,000 years, the Maya built one of the Ancient world's greatest civilisations. They raised towering pyramids in the rainforest, mastered the environment and established powerful dynasties- long before the rise of the Aztecs or the Inca. Their city-states waged wars, forged alliances, and practised elaborate rituals as they competed for power across Central America.</p><br><p>In a special mini-series, Dan travels to the remote jungles of Belize to trace the remarkable story of the Maya: from their earliest beginnings and astonishing rise to their golden age, to the enduring mystery of the ninth-century collapse that continues to puzzle historians.</p><br><p>In episode one, Dan discovers exactly how the Maya emerged to become a dominant force in the ancient Americas.</p><br><p>If you would like to find out how to visit the ancient city of Caracol and the many places mentioned in this podcast, visit <a href="https://www.travelbelize.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.travelbelize.org</a> for more information!</p><br><p>If you want more, you can sign up to watch our History Hit documentary <em>The Secrets of the Maya</em> at <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/videos/secrets-of-the-maya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://access.historyhit.com/videos/secrets-of-the-maya</a></p><br><p>With huge thanks to Jonnell Augustine and Simon Noralez from the Belize Tourism Board, Natalie Wilson and Gabriella Bustone from Finn Partners. Our contributors: Dr Adrian Chase, Dr Diane Chase and Jose Mes.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Today, we trace Julius Caesar’s dramatic invasions into Britain - two bold expeditions that tested Rome’s reach at the very edge of the known world. Ships were battered by storms, soldiers struggled with unfamiliar tides, and British warriors offered fierce resistance. Caesar never secured a lasting conquest of the island - so what drove him to try? Military necessity, retribution or a calculated move in his rivalry with figures like Pompey?</p><br><p>Joining us is historian and author Simon Elliott to unpack the politics, ambition and spectacle behind these campaigns, and to explore how these risky ventures helped shape the larger-than-life reputation that still defines Caesar today.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Newcastle, Liverpool, Glasgow, Cardiff - all of these places and more were bombed during the Blitz. From the devastated shipyards of Tyneside to the bombed-out docks of Shieldhall, we strip away the myth of the Blitz spirit to uncover the raw, human cost of the air war beyond the capital.</p><br><p>Joining us is the historian and former RAF navigator John Nichol, author of 'Blitz: When World War Two Came Home'.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It’s where our ancient instincts to travel, to trade, to reunite with family and explore meet modern technology and innovation. From muddy airfields to gleaming cathedrals of designer shopping, fancy restaurants and even botanical gardens- the airport has become this weird and wonderful place that tells the story of the modern world. For the 80th birthday of Heathrow - one of the world’s pioneering and most connected airports - Dan explores the curious history of the airport from the earliest versions back in the 1920s, through the luxurious golden age of travel to the revolution of the jet age and beyond. </p><br><p>To find out more, head to Heathrow.com/80</p><br><p>Thanks to Alastair Gordon, author of ‘Naked Airport: A Cultural History of the World's Most Revolutionary Structure’, as well as Alan Smilie, Ady Dolan, Zulfikar and Joseph Gregory at Heathrow.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Before 1200 BC, the ancient world was more connected than you'd ever imagine. Egyptian pharaohs, Hittite emperors and Mycenaean warrior-kings trading gifts, forging alliances and going to war across the glittering Mediterranean. Then, in just a few decades, it all collapsed...</p><br><p>Professor Eric Cline joins us to unravel this lost Bronze Age world: the real diplomacy behind Homer's epics, the letters that rewrote history, and the catastrophes that erased Mycenaean civilisation.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>A special video podcast where Dan charts the course of Odysseus through the Mediterranean as he investigates the true places that could have inspired the Odyssey. Using his new Big Pad, Dan investigates the theories of ancient and modern scholars to see if he can build a plausible route that the Mycenaean king could have taken from Troy - modern day Hisarlik in Turkey- to Malta, Sicily and all the way to the Ionian island of Ithaca, where the ruins of the very real Palace of Odysseus stand...</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges, McKenna Fernandez and Dan Snow, edited by Matthew Wilson.</p><br><p>You can enjoy more of Dan's Big Pad on our YouTube channel at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>He wasn't an English knight, but actually a Roman soldier, and the dragon didn't appear until centuries later in the medieval period. So what is the origin of the Saint George and the Dragon myth? And why do so many countries - from England to Ethiopia - adopt him as their patron?</p><br><p>To sort the fact from the fiction, Dan is joined by Jasmine Elmer, mythologist and author of <em>'Slay: Ancient legends of female slayers and the hidden mythology of dragons'.</em> They explore the history of dragons from the chaos monsters of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to the serpents of Greek mythology, Christian saints' lives and East Asian folklore, as well as the stories of other little-known dragon slayers through history.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Is there any truth in the Odyssey, and what does it all mean? We know it's a story where a man convenes with monsters and gods, ghosts and mythological beings, but the Odyssey actually does tell us a lot about Ancient Greece - about traditions, anxieties, storytelling, geography, values and what it is to be human.</p><br><p>In this episode, Dan is joined by world-leading classicists Professor Dame Mary Beard and Professor Edith Hall to break down Homer's epic poem to make sense of its history, characters, the mythology, what is based in truth and what we do and don't know about its elusive author.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore</p><br><p>You can enjoy more history from Mary Beard in her podcast Instant Classics.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Step into the roaring arena of ancient Rome, where every sunrise could be a gladiator's last... From brutal training and hard-won fame to the thunderous spectacle that captivated an empire, discover what life was really like for history's greatest prizefighters.</p><br><p>Joining us is Harry Sidebottom, author of 'Those Who Are About To Die'.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Natasha Hughes.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Dan narrates his own epic retelling of the Odyssey - following Odysseus' route around the Mediterranean. He tells the story of the many trials and tribulations the Greek hero faces on his 10-year journey home to his kingdom of Ithaca. From the Trojan War in Turkey to Cyclops' cave, to the clutches of Circe on her island near Sicily (we think), Dan travels to some of the real-world locations that could have inspired Homer and tries to make sense of what happens on the voyage.</p><br><p>Written by Dan Snow, produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore</p><br><p>You can watch Dan's adventures in Greece in his Odyssey documentary on the History Hit TV platform. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Born from revolution, this bold vision of liberty toppled the old order and reshaped the course of democracy. Today, we discover how a few powerful ideas changed history forever.</p><br><p>Joining us is Gary Gerstle, Emeritus Professor of American History at the University of Cambridge.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Natasha Hughes.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Agrippina the Younger was one of the most powerful players in Roman history: a ruthless political operator who clawed her way to co-rule the empire, only to be murdered by the son she put on the throne. We're joined by historian Dr Emma Southon to unravel the extraordinary, blood-soaked life of Rome's most formidable woman.</p><br><p>Emma's latest book is called "Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire".</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What was life really like in the trenches of the First World War? In this episode, we step into the mud of the Western Front to hear about the horrors that soldiers faced; from artillery bombardments and sniper fire to disease, rats and relentless weather.</p><br><p>Joining us is Joshua Levine, author of "Forgotten Voices of the Somme", to explain the daily dangers soldiers faced, and the remarkable ways they survived.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Matthew Wilson.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What happens when tiny volcanic islands become the most valuable real estate on Earth? In the 16th century, Portugal and Spain launched a deadly race to control the global spice trade, sparking an age of empire, violence and globalisation. Historian Roger Crowley joins us to tell the extraordinary story of the ruthless spice race that reshaped the entire world.</p><br><p>Roger's book is called "Spice: The 16th-Century Contest that Shaped the Modern World".</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>You can hear our episode with Roger about the rise and fall of Venice here - <a href="https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/the-rise-and-fall-of-venice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shows.acast.com/dansnowshistoryhit/episodes/the-rise-and-fall-of-venice</a>.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How does an empire spanning three continents and half a millennium fall apart?</p><br><p>In the final episode of our series on the Roman Empire, we're joined by Professor Peter Heather to unravel Rome's collapse - from the chaos of the third-century crisis to the deposition of the last Western emperor. Why did an empire at its economic peak unravel so quickly? And why did the East survive when the West did not?</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How did century-old 'landships' developed from agricultural tractors evolve into the armoured giants of the modern battlefield? Today, we trace the lineage of the tank, from its origins in the trenches of the First World War to Second World War behemoths and their modern battlefield descendants.</p><br><p>For this, we're joined by Mark Urban, historian and writer specialising in defence and foreign affairs. With him, he discusses the all-important question: in an era of drones, missiles and precision strikes, does the tank still have a place on the battlefield?</p><br><p>Mark's book is called "Tank: The 10 War Machines That Changed the World and the Remarkable Men Behind Them".</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What did it take to rule an empire that was never meant to have an emperor?</p><br><p>In this second episode of our series on the Roman Empire, we're joined by classicist Mary Beard to trace how Roman leadership evolved over a thousand years - from the competitive power-sharing of the Republic, to the carefully constructed one-man rule of Augustus. Why did the republican system buckle under its own success? And what set the empire on the path to fragmentation?</p><br><p>Make sure to join us for our third episode next week, when Peter Heather will explain how and why the Roman Empire fell apart.</p><br><p>Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Exile, mercenary, Viking king. Harald Hardrada, 'Thunderbolt of the North', fought his way from Norway to Byzantium, from the streets of Constantinople to the battlefields of Sicily. He married a princess, blinded an emperor, and nearly conquered England.</p><br><p>Today, Dr Wayne Bartlett joins us to tell the astonishing story of the last great Viking, a man who shook the medieval world before meeting his end at Stamford Bridge in 1066.</p><br><p>Wayne's book is called "Thunderbolt of the North: Harald Hardrada, Viking King".</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.</p><br><p>We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: <a href="https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6</a></p><br><p>Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast</a></p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can also email the podcast directly at <a href="mailto:ds.hh@historyhit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ds.hh@historyhit.com</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>