Entirely Unofficial Rest is History Catalogue and Interrogator
Great Library of Chatham High Street
An in-depth catalogue and library of every episode in the archives of the Rest is History podcast. Every historical event and figure mentioned can be found here. Every book, author and guest can be discovered with links to the episodes they have appeared in. AI powered Q&A lets you find that elusive moment you remember, but can't quite place the episode - letting you jump straight to the point where Dom cracks up about Chatham wrestlers, or to discover the truth about the ancient British sport of Dwyle Flonking. Based on complete transcripts of the entire archive.
Banner background featuring the Great Library of Chatham High Street with layered historical imagery.
Myths, legends and origin stories.
Mythic & Legendary
Background image depicting the Mythic & Legendary era.
The Odyssey: Return of the King (Part 2)
In this episode of The Rest Is History the hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their deep‑dive into Homer's Odyssey. After rec…
EpisodeRIHC: Iconic Episodes, Unforgettable Heroes, and History’s Greatest Apples
This special episode, recorded in Sydney to mark the podcast being named Apple’s 2025 Show of the Year, features hosts Tom Holland and Domi…
EpisodeThe Trojan War, with Mary Beard - FULL EPISODE
Tom Holland interviews classicist Mary Beard at Leighton House about the Trojan War and its place between myth and history. They retell the…
EpisodeGreek Myths: Sex, Drugs & Tragedy (Part 3)
Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Euripides' The Bacchae and the strange, violent cult of Dionysus. They open with a graphic passag…
Classical worlds from Mesopotamia to Rome.
Ancient Civilisations & Classical Antiquity
Background image depicting the Ancient Civilisations & Classical Antiquity era.
The Odyssey: Return of the King (Part 2)
In this episode of The Rest Is History the hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their deep‑dive into Homer's Odyssey. After rec…
EpisodeThe Odyssey: Hero of the Trojan Horse (Part 1)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore Homer's epic The Odyssey, using a dramatic reading by Russell Crowe and a transla…
EpisodeRIHC: Is Marathon the Most Important Battle in Ancient History?
In this Rest Is History Club Q&A bonus, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook revisit the Battle of Marathon, fielding listener questions…
EpisodeGreece vs Persia: The Rise of the First Superpower (Part 1)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the early Persian response to the Ionian Revolt, beginning with the burning of Sa…
Bridging Rome to medieval Europe.
Late Antiquity & Early Middle Ages
Background image depicting the Late Antiquity & Early Middle Ages era.
Dawn of the Samurai: Bloodbath at the Bridge (Part 2)
In this episode of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their multi‑part series on the rise of the samurai, focu…
EpisodeRIHC: Ancient Iran, Cyrus the Great, and Persian Nationalism
This bonus episode of The Rest Is History features Tom Holland interviewing Professor Ali Ansari about how post‑revolutionary Iran has trea…
EpisodeRIHC: Corrupt US Presidents, Wartime Prime Ministers, and the Birth of Byzantium
This bonus episode reunites Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook for a Rest Is History club Q&A. They open by referencing recent episodes (Sir…
EpisodeRIHC: Irish Kings, Medieval Magic, and The Norman Invasion of Ireland
This bonus episode features historian Gillian Kenny discussing the social, legal and ecclesiastical world of Ireland before the Anglo-Norma…
Crusades, kingdoms and cathedrals.
High & Late Middle Ages
Background image depicting the High & Late Middle Ages era.
Isabella of France: The First Femme Fatale
In the third episode of the "She-Wolves of England" mini‑series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are joined by historian Helen Castor, au…
EpisodeEleanor of Aquitaine: Lioness of England
In the second episode of the "She-Wolves of Medieval England" miniseries, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, joined by historian Helen Cast…
EpisodeEmpress Matilda: Civil War and the Fight for the Throne
In this Rest Is History Club mini‑series episode, Tom Holland welcomes historian Helen Castor to discuss the "She‑Wolves" of medieval Engla…
EpisodeDawn of the Samurai: The Shōgun Triumphant (Part 4)
In this episode of The Rest Is History Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their deep‑dive into the Genpei War, focusing on the dram…
Renaissance, reformations and global voyages.
Early Modern & Renaissance
Background image depicting the Early Modern & Renaissance era.
Ken Burns on Why America Really Declared Independence
In this episode of The Rest Is History, host Dominic Sandbrook welcomes documentary filmmaker Ken Burns to discuss the American Revolution.…
EpisodeFranklin: Revenge of the American Genius (Part 2)
In this episode of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook turn their focus to Benjamin Franklin, the only American to sign …
EpisodeBritain: God Save the King (Part 2)
In the second episode of their World Cup‑themed series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the origins of Britain’s national anthem,…
EpisodeEngland: God Save the King (Part 2)
In the second episode of their World Cup‑themed series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the history of Britain’s national anthem,…
Ideas, empires and revolutions reshaping the world.
Enlightenment & Age of Revolutions
Background image depicting the Enlightenment & Age of Revolutions era.
Ken Burns on Why America Really Declared Independence
In this episode of The Rest Is History, host Dominic Sandbrook welcomes documentary filmmaker Ken Burns to discuss the American Revolution.…
EpisodeFranklin: Revenge of the American Genius (Part 2)
In this episode of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook turn their focus to Benjamin Franklin, the only American to sign …
EpisodeJefferson: The Betrayal of Liberty (Part 4)
In this episode of The Rest Is History, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the princi…
EpisodeWashington: Hero of the Revolution (Part 1)
In this episode the hosts launch a new series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the colonial tax rebellion by focusing on George Washi…
Steam, empire and the long 19th century.
Industrial & Imperial Age (Long 19th Century)
Background image depicting the Industrial & Imperial Age (Long 19th Century) era.
Brazilian Dictators and the Beautiful Game - History of the World Cup
In this middle instalment of the Rest Is History mini‑series on dictatorships and the World Cup, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore …
EpisodeThe Fascist World Cup: Mussolini's Football Dictatorship - History of the World Cup
In this episode of The Rest Is History, Dominic Sandbrook welcomes historian Paul Rouse to discuss how dictatorships have exploited footbal…
EpisodeBrazil: The Emperor’s Anthem (Part 5)
In this episode of The Rest Is History the hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook turn their attention to Brazil, using the national anthe…
EpisodeEngland: God Save the King (Part 2)
In the second episode of their World Cup‑themed series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the history of Britain’s national anthem,…
Total war, upheaval and the uneasy peace between.
World Wars & Inter-war Era
Background image depicting the World Wars & Inter-war Era era.
The Fascist World Cup: Mussolini's Football Dictatorship - History of the World Cup
In this episode of The Rest Is History, Dominic Sandbrook welcomes historian Paul Rouse to discuss how dictatorships have exploited footbal…
EpisodeRIHC: Was the First World War More Important than the Second?
In this bonus episode of Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook step away from their regular medieval queens series to run thro…
EpisodeThe First World War: Death in the Trenches (Part 1)
In this opening episode of the 1915 series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the Western Front at the start of the second year of …
EpisodeThe First World War: Slaughter at Gallipoli (Part 5)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign of 1915, a bold but ill‑fated attempt by Winsto…
Superpower stand-offs and post-war recovery.
Mid-20th Century & Cold War
Background image depicting the Mid-20th Century & Cold War era.
The Junta's Tournament: A 1978 Nightmare in Argentina - History of the World Cup
In the third and final episode of their bonus World Cup series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, joined by National Treasure Professor Pa…
EpisodeBrazilian Dictators and the Beautiful Game - History of the World Cup
In this middle instalment of the Rest Is History mini‑series on dictatorships and the World Cup, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explore …
EpisodeBritain in the 70s: The Rise of Thatcher (Part 1)
In this episode of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the turbulent politics of mid‑1970s Britain, focusing on …
EpisodeBritain in the 70s: The Bailout from Hell (Part 4)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the political and economic turmoil that engulfed Britain in 1976, focusing on Pri…
Globalisation, technology and the present day.
Contemporary Era (Post-1991)
Background image depicting the Contemporary Era (Post-1991) era.
USA: The Star-Spangled Banner (Part 1)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook launch a six‑part series timed with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, using national anthems to ex…
EpisodeBritain: God Save the King (Part 2)
In the second episode of their World Cup‑themed series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the origins of Britain’s national anthem,…
EpisodeSouth Africa: Mandela and the Death of Apartheid (Part 6)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the extraordinary political significance of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in Sou…
EpisodeTom Holland Meets Paul McCartney
In this special Rest Is History episode, host Tom Holland sits down with legendary musician Paul McCartney to discuss McCartney’s new album…
Cross-era specials, biographies and deep dives.
Thematic / Biographical series
Background image depicting the Thematic / Biographical series era.
The Odyssey: Hero of the Trojan Horse (Part 1)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore Homer's epic The Odyssey, using a dramatic reading by Russell Crowe and a transla…
EpisodeThe Junta's Tournament: A 1978 Nightmare in Argentina - History of the World Cup
In the third and final episode of their bonus World Cup series, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, joined by National Treasure Professor Pa…
EpisodeHamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3)
In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook open with a dramatized reading of Alexander Hamilton’s farewell letter to his wife Eliza,…
EpisodeJefferson: The Betrayal of Liberty (Part 4)
In this episode of The Rest Is History, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the princi…