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.
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All Episodes (682)
646. The Fall of the Incas: Death to the Emperor (Part 3)
NEW
What happened to the emperor of the Incas after he was taken prisoner by the Spanish conquistadors? Did the formidable buccaneer, Francisco Pizarro, and his men succeed in discovering the treasure troves of the Incas? And, could the Incan empire stand united against this terrifying, alien invasion…?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they charge into the bloodiest moment of the whole conquest of the Incas thus far….
To listen to or watch The Book Club, go to: The Book Club
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Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
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01:06:49•February 23, 2026
The Book Club: Wuthering Heights
NEW
Why does Emily Brontë's novel, Wuthering Heights, have such an enduring romantic association? Is Heathcliff a romantic lead, or an abusive antihero? Are the characters aspirational in any way, or irredeemable?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they discuss all this and more.
Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com
Instagram: @bookclubpodhq
TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq
X: @bookclubpodhq
YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ
Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Video Editor: James Clayden
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00:21:12•February 20, 2026
The Fall of the Incas: Massacre in the Andes (Part 2)
NEW
What happened when the Spanish conquistadors lead by Francisco Pizarro came face to face with the ruthless emperor of the Incan Empire, Atahualpa? How did the Incas treat their strange, pale, alien visitors with their horses? And, why did a brutal, bloody fight to the death break out between the two sides after the meeting?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they discuss one of the most totemic meetings of all time - the emperor of the Incas Atahualpa and the Spanish buccaneer Francisco Pizarro. Would either survive the confrontation that ensued?
Become a member today and join us at The Rest Is History Festival at Hampton Court Palace on the 4th and 5th of July 2026. This is a members-only event. Join the Athelstans for guaranteed entry or become a Friend of the Show to enter the ballot. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus episodes, exclusive miniseries and more.Sign up now at therestishistory.com and find out more about the festival here.UTM: http://therestishistory.com/club?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=trihfestival&utm_term=listeners&utm_content=episodedescription
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:09:00•February 19, 2026
Greatest Paintings: Age of Enlightenment - Raeburn's Skating Minister
NEW
How does Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister represent both the Scottish Enlightenment and the Romantic movement? In what ways does subject Reverend Robert Walker’s personal history connect to the famous Dutch Golden Age? And, how did a controversy about the most reproduced image in Scotland traumatise the Scottish national identity?
In this new The Rest Is History Club series, Tom is joined by art critic and author Laura Cumming to discuss the histories behind famous paintings and put them in their historical contexts.
To hear the full episode, and all the other exclusive new episodes from Laura and Tom's paintings series, coming out every Wednesday for the next four weeks, join The Rest is History Club at therestishistory.com
To hear these exclusive new episodes from Laura and Tom every Wednesday for the next four weeks, join The Rest is History Club at therestishistory.com.
NEXT WEEK…
Jan 23rd: The Angelus - Jean-François Millet
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
00:06:01•February 18, 2026
644. The Fall of the Incas: Empire of Gold (Part 1)
Why was the Spanish conquest of the Incas one of the most pivotal moments in world history? Who was Francisco Pizarro, the buccaneer behind this bloody event? And, what was the glittering Incan Empire like?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they launch into a tale of horror, adventure, and terrible violence, which would see a mighty civilisation brought to its knees by alien invaders. As Pizarro and his Spaniards close in on the heart of the Incan Empire, would they survive their first encounter…?
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Become a member today and join us at The Rest Is History Festival at Hampton Court Palace on the 4th and 5th of July 2026. This is a members-only event. Join the Athelstans for guaranteed entry or become a Friend of the Show to enter the ballot. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus episodes, exclusive miniseries and more.Sign up now at therestishistory.com and find out more about the festival here.UTM: http://therestishistory.com/club?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=trihfestival&utm_term=listeners&utm_content=episodedescription
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Three decades after the defeat of Hannibal, how had the Roman Empire managed to conquer vast swathes of the known world? Why did the predatory eyes of this terrifying behemoth turn once more to Carthage? And, could this mighty city defy the odds and repel Rome one last time…?
Join Tom and Dominic as they reach the climactic, final phase of the Punic Wars; the greatest military struggle of all ancient history.
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To hear our previous series on the rise of Carthage, Hannibal, and the battle of Cannae, go to episodes: 421, 422, 423, 424, 568, 569, 570, 571.
_______
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
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:00:15•February 12, 2026
Greatest Paintings: The Ghost of Spain – Velázquez’s Las Meninas
Why does Diego Velázquez’ Las Meninas represent the fading Spanish Golden Age? How did he challenge the boundaries between viewer and artwork? And, in what ways does his defining style foreshadow Impressionism and serve as an indirect image of his own genius?
In this new The Rest Is History Club series, Tom is joined by art critic and author Laura Cumming to discuss the histories behind famous paintings and put them in their historical contexts.
FUTURE EPISODES....
Feb 18th: The Skating Minister - Henry Raeburn
Feb 25th: The Angelus - Jean-François Millet
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
00:06:23•February 11, 2026
642. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Bloodbath in Africa (Part 3)
Would the Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio successfully march on Africa? What happened when Hannibal and Scipio - the greatest commanders of their age - came head to head at the Battle of Zama, in the ultimate showdown? And, what would be the fate of these two titans of the ancient world?
Join Tom and Dominic, as they discuss the Roman Republic’s audacious invasion of North Africa under the leadership of the dashing Scipio, and his clash with Hannibal.
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To hear our previous series on the rise of Carthage, Hannibal, and the battle of Cannae, go to episodes: 421, 422, 423, 424, 568, 569, 570, 571.
_______
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
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What happened at the Battle of Ibera, a totemic though overlooked battle of the Punic Wars? With the forces of Carthage closing in on a depleted Rome, would a young Roman, Publius Cornelius Scipio resurrect the fortunes of the Republic? And, could he destroy Carthage’s most crucial power base in Europe?
Join Tom and Dominic, as they discuss this next phase of the Carthaginian Wars.
_______
To hear our previous series on the rise of Carthage, Hannibal, and the battle of Cannae, go to episodes: 421, 422, 423, 424, 568, 569, 570, 571.
_______
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
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:01:24•February 5, 2026
The Arnolfini Portrait, with Laura Cumming
Why is Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait perceived as one of the greatest mysteries of the arts? What elements and symbolisms provoke debates about its identity and meaning? And, what do we know about its provenance, its travels through European royal courts, and its influence on Diego Velázquez?
In this new The Rest Is History Club series, Tom is joined by art critic and author Laura Cumming to discuss the histories behind famous paintings and put them in their historical contexts.
To hear the full episode, and all the other exclusive new episodes from Laura and Tom's paintings series, coming out every Wednesday for the next four weeks, join The Rest is History Club at therestishistory.com
FUTURE EPISODES....
Feb 11th: Las Meninas - Diego Velázquez
Feb 18th: The Skating Minister - Henry Raeburn
Feb 25th: The Angelus - Jean-François Millet
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
00:10:12•February 4, 2026
640. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Carthage at the Gates (Part 1)
Did Hannibal march on Rome after his legendary victory at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC? How could Rome fight on after losing so many men? And, where would their next cataclysmic clash take place…?
Join Tom and Dominic, as they discuss the beginning of the end for the once mighty city of Carthage, and her masterful general, Hannibal Barca.
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To hear our previous series on the rise of Carthage, Hannibal, and the battle of Cannae, go to episodes: 421, 422, 423, 424, 568, 569, 570, 571.
_______
To enjoy The Rest is History's curated historical playlists, go to
https://therestishistory.com/collection
_______
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
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:03:47•February 2, 2026
639. Revolution in Iran: Death in the Desert (Part 4)
How did America respond after the American Embassy in Tehran was seized, and American citizens taken hostage? Would the hostages survive? And, what became of the Iranian Revolution, and Ayatollah Khomeini?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they unfold the climactic conclusion to the Iranian Revolution, and America’s attempts to bring its hostages home.
_______
Become a member today and join us at The Rest Is History Festival at Hampton Court Palace on the 4th and 5th of July 2026. This is a members-only event. Join the Athelstans for guaranteed entry or become a Friend of the Show to enter the ballot. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus episodes, exclusive mini-series and more.
Sign up now at therestishistory.com
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:12:15•January 29, 2026
638. Revolution in Iran: The Hostage Crisis (Part 3)
Why and how was the American Embassy stormed in 1979, at the height of the Iranian Revolution? Did America respond when large numbers of American civil servants were taken hostage? And, would a science fiction film called Argo save the only 6 Americans able to escape…?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they discuss the defining event of the Iranian Revolution: the invasion of the American Embassy on the 4th of November 1979, when American citizens were taken hostage in Tehran…
_______
Become a member today and join us at The Rest Is History Festival at Hampton Court Palace on the 4th and 5th of July 2026. This is a members-only event. Join the Athelstans for guaranteed entry or become a Friend of the Show to enter the ballot. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus episodes, exclusive mini-series and more.
Sign up now at therestishistory.com
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:15:18•January 26, 2026
637. Revolution in Iran: Rise of the Ayatollah (Part 2)
What set off the final uprisings of the Iranian Revolution, against the last Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi? Would President Jimmy Carter and America back the Shah’s forbidding opponent, the firebrand, Ayatollah Khomeini? And, why would the Revolution prove to be one of the most pivotal events in recent history?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they discuss the final fall of Iran’s last Shah, America’s response, and the rising power of the revolutionary Ayatollah Khomeini, and his radical new vision for the governance of Iran…
_______
Become a member today and join us at The Rest Is History Festival at Hampton Court Palace on the 4th and 5th of July 2026. This is a members-only event. Join the Athelstans for guaranteed entry or become a Friend of the Show to enter the ballot. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus episodes, exclusive mini-series and more.
Sign up now at therestishistory.com
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:09:47•January 22, 2026
636. Revolution in Iran: Fall of the Shah (Part 1)
Why did the Iranian Revolution erupt in 1979? What was the nature of the relationship between President Carter and the ostentatious Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi? And, who was the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a man whose militant vision for Iran would see it drastically remade?
Join Dominic and Tom, as they launch into one of the most dramatic stories of all time, with such far reaching consequences, that they still reverberate across the Middle East today: the Islamic Revolution. As they delve into the events that set this cataclysmic event in motion, they will bring to life the three men at the heart of it all.
_______
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
_______
Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices