Late Antiquity & Early Middle Ages

RIHC: 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 …

RIHC: 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 be…

RIHC: The Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward the Confessor’s True Heir, and Vikings Abroad

This bonus Q&A episode of The Rest Is History features hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook answering listener quest…

The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss The Tale of Genji as both a literary masterpiece and a historical window into…

The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)

The episode examines Heian-period Japanese court culture through two seminal literary works: The Pillow Book by Sei Shō…

The Road to 1066: Anglo-Saxon Apocalypse (Part 1)

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook introduce a multi-episode series on the Norman Conquest, centring on the dramat…

Charlemagne: Pagan Hunter (Part 2)

This episode of The Rest Is History (hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook) examines Charlemagne’s military and cultu…

Charlemagne: Return of the Kings (Part 1)

This episode inaugurates the hosts' Charlemagne trilogy by situating Charlemagne within the collapse of Merovingian pow…

Charlemagne: Emperor of the West (Part 3)

This episode examines the events and significance of Charlemagne's imperial coronation on Christmas Day 800 and places …

Warlords of the West: Barbarian Heirs of Rome (Part 1)

This episode introduces the Franks and traces their transformation from frontier warbands to the rulers of Roman Gaul. …

Warlords of the West: A Clash of Ice and Fire (Part 3)

This episode examines the Battle of Tours (c. 732/733) and its wider significance. Opening with Edward Gibbon's famous …

Warlords of the West: Killer Queens (Part 2)

This episode examines the brutal, decades-long feud between Fredegund and Brunhilde in late-6th-century Merovingian Gau…

The World's First City

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Uruk (Warka), the ancient southern Mesopotamian city whose long occupation an…

RIHC: Medieval Women, Predicting the Future, and the Silk Roads

This bonus episode is a free-form visit to the British Library by Tom Holland with guest Tabby Syrett filling in for th…

History's Greatest Beards: From Egyptian Queens to Medieval Conquerors (Part 1)

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the cultural, political and religious meanings attached to beards from …

St George: Dragon-Slayer

This episode examines the legend and cult of Saint George: its murky origins, how early martyr narratives coalesced int…

The Empress of the Apocalypse

This episode examines Theophano, a Byzantine princess who married into the Ottonian dynasty and profoundly shaped late …

Romans in Space: Star Wars, Dune and Beyond...

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the surprising ways Star Wars and other science-fiction/fantasy works d…

Christmas: Pagan or Christian?

On this Christmas-morning episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook investigate the claim that Christmas is fundamental…

RIHC: History’s Top Sidekicks, Christian Frontier Battles, & the Quran

This is an impromptu bonus episode recorded in a hotel lounge in Bath. Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook chat abo…

RIHC: Roman Emperors - Busts, Coins, and Mullets (Livestream)

In this live episode Tom Holland (in naval-style jumper) and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Roman imperial image-making, foc…

Baghdad: The Arabian Nights (Ep 4)

This episode — the fourth in the hosts' series on Baghdad and the Islamic Golden Age — examines how medieval Baghdad be…

Baghdad: The Golden Age (Ep 3)

In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine Harun al-Rashid and Baghdad at the height of the early Abbasi…

Baghdad: Crossroads of the Universe (Ep 2)

This episode of The Rest Is History traces the collapse of the Umayyad Caliphate and the rise of the Abbasids, focusing…

Baghdad: The Forging of Islam (Ep 1)

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook set the scene for a four-episode series on Baghdad by surveying the late Umayyad worl…

The Colosseum: Rome's Arena of Death

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the Colosseum and Roman spectacles, using the film Gladiator as an entr…

Viking Sorcery

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook interview archaeologist and scholar Neil Price about Norse religion, magic (sei…

RIHC: English Mythology, Historical Heatwaves, and Woke Informers

This bonus episode is a loose, conversational Q&A in which Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss podcast scheduling…

RIHC: Rome's Greatest Emperors (Livestream)

In this live-streamed episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Tom's list of the most consequential Roman empe…

RIHC: The first British president, fossil halls, and Tom's trails

This bonus Restless History episode is an informal hosts' chat in which Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook swap travel a…

Hadrian and Antinous

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the life, death and posthumous cult of Antinous, the exceptionally beau…

Coronations: Sex, Holy Oil and Civil War (Ep 2)

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook trace the political, religious and performative history of English coronations from t…

Coronations: The Deep History (Ep 1)

This episode is the first of a three-part series on coronations. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook trace the British co…

Spain: The Caliphate of Córdoba

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook trace the rise, golden age and collapse of the Caliphate of Córdoba. They open with t…

RIHC: Podwashing, Tom’s opera, and Pixar

In this listener-questions episode Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland trade banter and respond to audience comments prim…

Saudi Arabia: The Mystery of the Kaaba

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the Kaaba’s religious significance, its rites (kiswah, tawaf, the Black Stone…

Croatia: The Man Who Saved The Roman Empire

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the rise, rule and lasting reforms of Diocletian (born Diocles in Salona) aga…

RIHC: Athelstans, Alfred and Anglo-Scottish relations

This episode is a conversational update from the hosts following recent live Rest Is History events and studio recordin…

RIHC: Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and videogames

This episode is an informal two‑year anniversary special of The Rest Is History. Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbroo…

Alfred the Great: Return of the King (Ep 2)

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the life and legacy of Alfred the Great, focusing on his escape after t…

Alfred the Great: Fury of the Vikings (Ep 1)

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the life and times of Alfred the Great and the Viking threat to ninth-century…

Roman Holidays (Ep 4)

This episode examines holidays and tourism in the ancient world, comparing Roman elite leisure — villas, spas and the B…

RIHC: Holidays, Yorkshire, and disease

In this bonus episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook chat informally about recent work and listeners' contributions.…

Justinian & Theodora: The Secret History (Ep 3)

This episode (the third in the Justinian and Theodora series) continues the story of Justinian I and Empress Theodora i…

Theodora: Empress of Byzantium (Ep 1)

In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook introduce listeners to the world of Constantinople and the remarkable…

Justinian: Making Rome Great Again (Ep 2)

This episode is the second part of a series on Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbr…

Plague and the decline of the Roman Empire

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook welcome Professor Kyle Harper (University of Oklahoma) to discuss his book The …

Londinium (Ep 1)

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook lead a walking tour through Roman London (Londinium), using surviving fragments, arch…

London: Places (Ep 2)

This episode is part of the hosts' London-themed week and focuses on two very different London places. Tom recounts a l…

Historical Love Island: THE WINNER

This is a special “results” edition of The Rest Is History in which hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook announce th…

RIHC: Boring Monarchs, The New York Times, and Dominic Sandbrook's Pleasure Island

This bonus episode is an informal, wide-ranging conversation between Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. They begin with…

RIHC: Biff & Chip, Dominic vs. Science, and The Divine Comedy

This episode is a wide-ranging listener Q&A and discussion. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook field questions about sci…

Crucifixion

In this Easter episode Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland examine crucifixion: its origins, mechanics, social function i…

Saint Patrick

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the historicity and legend of Saint Patrick. They foreground Patrick's …

RIHC: The 'Dark Ages' (Livestream)

This episode of The Rest Is History is a wide-ranging discussion of the so-called Dark Ages/late antiquity. Tom Holland…

When did the Roman Empire fall? (Part 1)

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook debate when — and whether — the Roman Empire actually fell, arguing that no single da…

Byzantium and the Ghosts of Rome (Part 2)

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their multipart discussion about when — and how — the Roman Empire end…

ARCHIVE: Ukraine and the United Kingdom

This episode, originally recorded in June 2021 and re-uploaded in February 2022, is a special on Anglo‑Ukrainian relati…

Ukraine and Russia

This special edition episode is a rapid historical sweep through Ukrainian history prompted by recent Russian actions. …

ARCHIVE: The Vikings and the birth of Kyiv

This episode of The Rest Is History (recorded early February 2022, re-airing material first published January 2022) exa…

The Birth of Russia

This episode is the second part of a mini-series focused on the Vikings in the East and the origins of Kievan Rus. Tom …

The Vikings Go East

In this episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine the Vikings in the East, tracing Scandinavian river routes in…

25 Dec: Coronation of Charlemagne and the collapse of the Soviet Union

This Christmas Day episode of The Rest Is History (the first of a 12 Days of Christmas mini-series) features Tom Hollan…

6 Jan: Alfred the Great and Pepys' 'Fanatiques'

This episode, the final instalment of the hosts' 12 Days of Christmas special, pairs two historical vignettes. First, T…

26 Dec: Good King Wenceslas and the first Gilbert & Sullivan

In this Boxing Day episode Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook present two light musical-themed items as part of their se…

The Norse Sagas

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook host Eleanor Rosamond Barraclough to discuss Viking voyages, the Icelandic sagas and …

Æthelstan: OFFICIALLY England's Greatest Monarch

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook celebrate their podcast-run "World Cup of the Kings and Queens of England" afte…

Ancient Olympics

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the ancient Olympic Games, exploring origins, mythic founders and the festiva…

England v Denmark

This episode of The Rest Is History, hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, traces Anglo‑Danish relations from th…

Muhammad

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the life of Muhammad and the problems historians face reconstructing early Is…

Culture Wars

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the long historical roots and character of "culture wars," debating whe…

Persia

Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook welcome Ali Ansari, professor of Iranian studies, to argue for Persia/Iran's ou…

St Cuthbert’s Day

This special episode of The Rest Is History is devoted to St Cuthbert. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Cuthbe…

King Arthur

Hosts Dominic Samuruk and Tom Holland debate the historicity and cultural afterlife of King Arthur. They evaluate early…

World Cup of Kings & Queens Preview

The hosts launch The Rest Is History's playful "World Cup of Kings and Queens," outlining a 16-contender tournament to …

Baghdad

4 episodes Aired: 2023-10-08 – 2023-10-09

12 (or 13) Days of Christmas

3 episodes Aired: 2021-12-25

Alfred the Great

3 episodes Aired: 2022-11-05 – 2022-11-16

Charlemagne trilogy

3 episodes Aired: 2024-12-16

Great World Cup Saga

3 episodes Aired: 2022-11-22 – 2022-12-13

Justinian and Theodora

3 episodes Aired: 2022-08-08

Vikings in the East

3 episodes Aired: 2022-02-07 – 2022-02-23

Warlords of the West (The Franks)

3 episodes Aired: 2024-12-09

Coronations

2 episodes Aired: 2023-05-04

Holidays

2 episodes Aired: 2022-08-10 – 2022-08-22

Alfred the Great (King of Wessex)

16 episodes

Æthelstan, King of England (Athelstan)

16 episodes

Constantine I (Constantine the Great)

15 episodes

Charlemagne (Charles I, King of the Franks / Emperor)

14 episodes

Justin I, Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire

12 episodes

Muhammad

10 episodes

Theodora (Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire)

9 episodes

Edgar I of England (Edgar the Peaceable)

7 episodes

Saint Augustine of Hippo

7 episodes

Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne

6 episodes

Abbasid Revolution (c.747–750)

6 episodes

Arab conquests (7th century)

6 episodes

Crisis of the Third Century (3rd century AD)

6 episodes

Lindisfarne raid (793)

6 episodes

Battle of Tours (732, France)

5 episodes

Coronation of Charlemagne (25 December 800)

5 episodes

Baptism of Vladimir I of Kiev (c. 988)

3 episodes

Christianization of the Roman Empire (4th century)

3 episodes

Danelaw (Viking occupation of eastern England, 9th–10th centuries)

3 episodes

Nika (Nike) Riots (532 CE, Constantinople)

3 episodes

In the Shadow of the Sword

Author: Tom Holland

7 episodes

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (standardized)

Author: Edward Gibbon

7 episodes

Millennium: The End of the World and the Forging of Christendom

Author: Tom Holland

4 episodes

Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age

Author: Tom Holland

4 episodes

The Secret History

Author: Procopius (Procopius of Caesarea)

4 episodes

Dominion

Author: Tom Holland

3 episodes

Ladybird books

Author: L. Du Garde Peach (and various)

3 episodes

Quran (Koran)

Author: Traditional Attribution or Various

3 episodes

The Arabian Nights

Author: Traditional Attribution or Various

3 episodes

The Last Kingdom

Author: Bernard Cornwell

3 episodes

Tom Holland

21 episodes

Traditional Attribution or Various

17 episodes

Bernard Cornwell

7 episodes

Edward Gibbon

7 episodes

Procopius (Procopius of Caesarea)

4 episodes

Robert Graves

4 episodes

Anonymous

3 episodes

Einhard

3 episodes

Neil Price

3 episodes

Peter Brown

3 episodes