The Rest Is History

By: Goalhanger
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  • Summary

  • The world’s most popular history podcast, with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. Join The Rest Is History Club (www.therestishistory.com) for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Here are some of our favourite episodes to get you started: WATERGATE/NIXON apple.co/3JrVl5h ALEXANDER THE GREAT apple.co/3Q4FaNk HARDCORE HISTORY'S DAN CARLIN apple.co/3vqkGa3 PUTIN & RUSSIA apple.co/3zMtLfX
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Episodes
  • 554. 1066: The Shadows of War (Part 1)

    554. 1066: The Shadows of War (Part 1)
    Apr 6 2025
    Why is 1066 the most important year in English history? Who were the three main candidates vying for the English throne on the eve of Edward the Confessor’s death? And how did the coronation of one of them on the 14th of October 1066 trigger one of the most famous invasions of all time? Join Tom and Dominic as they launch into the dramatic series of events, at the dawn of 1066, that sparked the build up to the Battle of Hastings… _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 553. The Last Viking: Warrior of the New Rome (Part 2)

    553. The Last Viking: Warrior of the New Rome (Part 2)
    Apr 2 2025
    Harald Hardrada; exiled prince of Norway and mercenary, has landed in the greatest city on Earth: Constantinople. There he joins one of the most prestigious military organisations in the world, the Varangian Guard, charged with protecting the Emperor. Almost the next ten years of Harald’s young life are spent at war protecting the city from enslaving raiders. But then, he becomes embroiled in the dark and complex political intrigues and plots of the Byzantine court. Zoe, the formidable wife of the recently deceased Emperor Michael IV, who had been exiled by her husband’s successor, recruits Harald to help her seize the throne. Wealthy, influential and renowned in the world’s most glittering city, things have never seemed better for Harald. But then, does he overreach and embark upon a dangerous affair with the empress herself? Imprisoned for his crimes, Harald manages to slay the terrible serpent haunting his prison cell, and escape at last back to Kyiv. But his ambitions still lie further north, in Norway, and the throne he is determined to reclaim… Join Dominic and Tom and they discuss Harald Hardrada’s astonishing time as a Varangian Guard in Constantinople, his hair-raising escape back to Scandinavia, and his fight for the throne of Norway, on the road to the dramatic climax of his epic life: the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restishistory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 552. The Last Viking: The Saga of Harald Hardrada (Part 1)

    552. The Last Viking: The Saga of Harald Hardrada (Part 1)
    Mar 30 2025
    “I swear I will not flee from this fight. I will triumph, or I will die!” In the 1066 game of thrones for the crown of England, the most extraordinary of the three contenders is arguably Harald Hardrada: viking warrior, daring explorer, emperor’s bodyguard, serpent slayer, alleged lover to an empress, King of Norway, and legend of Norse mythology. How did this titan of a man come to cross the North Sea with his army, and take on Harold Godwinson, in the titanic showdown of Stamford Bridge? His story before this point is so colourful that it may be one the most exciting lives in all history. Fighting from the age of twelve, Harald was born to a petty regional king of Norway, in a Scandinavia of competing religions and kingships. As a teenager, he would then join his fearsome brother Olaf, the man who united Norway but later fell foul of King Cnut, and subsequently sailed the seas and mysterious waterways of Russia, in a mighty battle to take back Norway. Their defeat was terrible and absolute, leaving the young Harald wounded and on the run. A journey of horrors and hardship would then lead him at last to the awe inspiring city of Kyiv, where he would serve as mercenary for the Grand Prince. But still hungry for wealth and glory he then travelled on to the most remarkable city in the world: Constantinople, where his life would take an even more dramatic turn… Join Dominic and Tom as they describe the electrifying early life of Harald Hardrada. From Scandinavian prince, warrior, and would-be usurper, to Baltic mercenary, and member of the elite Varangian Guard, in the glittering Constantinople or Miklagard - Asgard on earth. The stage is set for the greatest adventure of his life so far. But will Harald ever seize his ultimate destiny and become a king? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restishistory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Head to investengine.com/history or use promo code HISTORY for a welcome bonus of up to £100 _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins

What listeners say about The Rest Is History

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Profile Image for Lancaster

So good.

I can’t stop listening to these. So interesting and I love the delightful British dry witty intellectual banter. I learn a lot. Highly recommend.

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Profile Image for Diana Stephens

Podcast Perfection of the Historical Kind

I’m obsessed with Tom Holland, Dominic Sandbrook, and this podcast! These two historians are a perfect pairing - a mix of serious research with lighthearted presentation. Honestly, there’s something for everyone - Ancient Rome, American Witches, Oppenheimer, Cleopatra, Freemasons, Jesus, London Tours (so funny), even California. I haven’t listen to a book in ages (or any other podcast, really). Beware - Totally Addicting!

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Profile Image for S. Webster

Wonderful on all counts.

History told in an engaging way; which brings the personalities of figures and motivation of nations to life.

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Profile Image for OKCH

My new favorite history podcast

I never leave reviews but I’m obsessed with this podcast. Tom and Dom are great. I feel like I’m hanging out with two guys - two lads - who love history as much as I do.

I haven’t joined the chat community yet but here I am leaving a review so who knows what I’ll do next.

Highly recommend- Harold Hoss

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This podcast is a delight

If you're a history nerd like me or if you're simply curious, this is the podcast for you. The chrmistry between Dominic and Tom is off the charts.

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Profile Image for D

Love the show

The combination of great historical fact, amazing analysis and laugh out loud humor make this the best podcast on my list. Thank you for making me think and laugh.

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Profile Image for Richard JAG

Superb

My favorite podcast by far. Witty, entertaining, funny and informative. The chemistry between Dominic and Tom is brilliant and very British. This is the best podcast out there.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

as an American I loved the gentle criticism

well done fellas, I am well-chuffed by this brisk discussion of the American-made disaster that was Vietnam

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Profile Image for Jill A Archer

Murder of Archduke Ferdinand

The humor, banter, attention to detail, comprehension and ability to provide a perspective of what was happening at the times made for a truly brilliant and exciting experience!

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Profile Image for Vince's Little Star Restaurant

All of them. But 1968 my favorite. I’m American.

You guys are so good! I’ve been listening to you now for about 6 months and am almost caught up on all the episodes. It’s funny listening to how you have evolved from the early Covid years. My favorite were the 1968 series. ‘Brilliant’ to borrow one of your favorite terms. I use to be a fan favorite of Click and Clack the Marrucci bros. Car Talk. I think you guys have them beat. I could go on and on but it’s late where I’m at and dinner is waiting. Thank you thank you!!!

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