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The Rest Is History

The Rest Is History

By: Goalhanger
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 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. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive weekly newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the show, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.Goalhanger Podcasts World
Episodes
  • 575. The Medici: The Bonfire of the Vanities (Part 4)

    575. The Medici: The Bonfire of the Vanities (Part 4)
    Jun 18 2025
    Following the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent, who was his Medici successor? Could he overcome the political turmoil and religious fervour in Florence, and rebuff the storm clouds of war gathering over his city with the approaching French army? How did this burgeoning catastrophe catapult the magnetic priest, Savonalrolla, to supreme power in Florence? Could he save it from the jaws of death with his fiercely puritanical regime? And, how would he become the bane of the Medici and destroy all they had ever built, in a roaring bonfire of worldly vanities? Join Dominic and Tom for the climactic apotheosis of their glittering, dramatic, salacious and utterly bombastic journey through the rise and fall of the flamboyant Medici at the high point of Renaissance Florence, and the charismatic priest who would save and then conquer their kingdom. What would be his fate…? The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ 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
  • 574. The Medici: Curse of the Mad Monk (Part 3)

    574. The Medici: Curse of the Mad Monk (Part 3)
    Jun 15 2025
    Did Lorenzo de’Medici’s rule in Florence incur prosperity, or was it a corrupt and autocratic regime, rife with torture, that would spell the doom of the former Republic? While building an edifice of power, wealth and luxury, how was he secretly bankrupting his famous family and city? Was he really the perfect Renaissance Prince, and how did he launch the careers of both Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci? And, with poverty and riots on the streets of Florence, who was Girolamo Savonarola, the Dominican priest bent on destroying Lorenzo and his family, while predicting the apocalyptic end of the world…? Join Dominic and Tom as they chart the rise and fall of Lorenzo the Magnificent, the ruin of Florence, and the hellfire and brimstone priest, destined to set the world on fire. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ 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
  • 573. The Medici: Lorenzo the Magnificent (Part 2)

    573. The Medici: Lorenzo the Magnificent (Part 2)
    Jun 11 2025
    Who was Lorenzo the Magnificent, the most glamorous, glittering, and blood-soaked of all the Medici, who became his family’s formidable but compulsive “Godfather” from the age of only twenty one? What was the Pazzi Conspiracy, in which he was almost murdered in a bloody plot to eliminate Medici supremacy in Florence, in the middle of a church mass? Were the Medici the first Italian mafia? What influence did Lorenzo have upon the Renaissance? And, what would become of the Medici, with conspirators circling, the Papacy against them, and their bank coffers draining away? Join Dominic and Tom as they dive into the colourful, salacious and politically tumultuous early life of one of Europe’s most charming and charismatic figures: Lorenzo the Magnificent. Could he remain Prince of Florence, and save his beloved city, against all the odds? ⁠The Rest Is History Club⁠: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to ⁠therestishistory.com⁠ to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: ⁠apple.co/therestishistory⁠. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to ⁠www.goalhanger.com⁠ _______ 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 1 min
All stars
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I've always enjoyed the books written by Tom and Dominic so I gave the podcast a go. Best decision, I thoroughly enjoy listening to them and their guests. Really fascinating breadth of subjects and genuinely warm and witty delivery. 5 stars, would recommend!

Informative, educational and entertaining!!

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This episode is great the narrators are excellent, funny and witty whilst informative and thought provoking. So thought provoking I triggered myself (stupidly) as my previous review is unkind and I unfortunately focused on the final minutes of speculation about potential future civil war in developed democratic nations rather than the whole piece which was great.

Please delete my last review .. its rubbish

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so interesting and gently fun. couldn't fault it. Costa Rica my favourite country now.

perfect podcast

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Love this podcast, perfect mix of humour and learning. I listen during my weekend walks and also on holiday. Please keep them coming 👍.

Perfect podcast

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This is an excellent podcast. informative, erudite, sometimes funny, and, crucially, no annoying presenters. Super.

does exactly what it says on the tin

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This is a great podcast which covers a huge variety of interesting historical topics. I love it. Thank you from Ireland.

Great History Stories

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Great subjects, music and gentle voices amazing how the listener just drifts into it. Perfect to listen to at any time.

Wonderful!

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Sensitively told,. Incredibly moving story, I found the second half of the show very powerful

Superb episode

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I have learnt so much from these interesting, educational and entertaining podcasts. I am now officially hooked on The Rest is History. A big thank you to Messrs Sandbrook and Holland for making history accessible and fun.

Fabulous podcast series

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This podcast is such an excellent and thought provoking way of delving into a wide range of events both ancient and modern. Always leaves you looking for more. A virtual ‘amuse-bouche’ for a budding historian.

Recent convert to historical study

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