History Behind the Headlines

What happens when popes and politics collide?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0000

A high-profile spat between Pope Leo and leading figures in the US administration has made headlines in recent weeks, after United States president Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance disagreed with comments the pope made about US-Israeli actions in the war with Iran. But it's far from the first time that the papacy and other powerful figures have butted heads. In this episode, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter look back at other points of tension between politics and religion.

But first: following Viktor Orbán's seismic election defeat in this month's elections in Hungary, what parallels can we meaningfully draw from this moment in the nation's political history? And what's the unsung contribution that Hungarians have made to culture here in the UK?

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

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Is the Bayeux Tapestry coming to Britain or not?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0000

The loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France to the UK has caused great excitement, but also some concerns. Lord Peter Ricketts is the UK government's Bayeux Tapestry Envoy, and here in conversation with David Musgrove, he gives the lowdown on how the loan is progressing.

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GO BEYOND THE PODCAST
There is a wealth of Bayeux Tapestry content on the HistoryExtra site, including a comprehensive five-part podcast series with a panel of experts: https://bit.ly/4c7ivhv

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Chess, space and medieval monks: this spring’s overlooked historical headlines

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0000

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has dominated news coverage, and episodes of this podcast, in recent weeks – and because we chose to focus on those pressing events, some other stories have taken a back seat.
So, in this special episode, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter catch up with some of the headlines we’ve missed over the past few months, from new theories about the ninth-century Book of Kells to a fresh take on how chess was regarded in the Middle Ages.

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

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Peter Ricketts on diplomacy, Trump and Iran

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Recent US actions in the Middle East have challenged the established world order, and called into question existing diplomatic and political norms. But how different is today’s diplomacy from that of the Second World War or the Cold War? And what does history tell us about the best way to deal with convention-busting figures such as President Trump?

In this bonus episode of History Behind the Headlines, Lord Peter Ricketts – former chair of the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee and author of books including the upcoming Peace Makers: Shaping the Modern World – talks to David Musgrove about the changing nature of international relations, and whether the post-WW2 consensus is now a thing of the past.

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What happens when war puts oil supplies at risk?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0000

Almost a month in, the Iran conflict has begun to have an impact on the world’s supplies of oil and gas – particularly as a result of Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping channels. But what’s the longer story of our reliance on particular resources? And what have the historical consequences been when they’re jeopardised?

In this episode, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda discuss the ways in which energy has shaped the human story – and reveal how the Strait of Hormuz was a contested region centuries before the current war.

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

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Is this the US’s least popular war?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0000

The conflict in the Middle East continues into a second week, with fighting between the United States, Israel, Iran and US-allied states in the region continuing to escalate. Senior US officials have given a range of reasons for launching the war, and disquiet about its causes and consequences has led to a lack of popular support in the US and reports of a fraying of its ‘special relationship’ with the United Kingdom.

In this episode, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter discuss the historical dimensions of the past fortnight with Sam Edwards, an expert in international relations and war at Loughborough University. What does history tell us about the war’s unpopularity in the US? Is this really a low in UK-US relations? And what do we need to know about the Middle East to make sense of recent events?

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

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How can the past help us understand the UK monarchy's current crisis?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0000

One story has dominated headlines in recent days: the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The younger brother of King Charles has been released under investigation following his arrest on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The news followed an announcement by Thames Valley Police that they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

In this episode, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda are joined by Craig Prescott, a specialist in UK constitutional law and the role of the monarchy based at Royal Holloway University of London, to discuss previous moments of jeopardy for the royal family – and the evolution of the relationship between crown and parliament.

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HISTORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES: BRIEFING

It can sometimes feel like the world is changing faster than ever before – but help is at hand. HistoryExtra’s new podcast series History Behind the Headlines: Briefing tasks expert historians with bringing you the history you need to make sense of the headlines, in five minutes or less. Find out more and listen here: https://play.megaphone.fm/mlldhlcjqlul5o2orgzdkw

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How have political scandals shaped history?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0000

This week has seen reverberations continue from the latest release of files relating to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Here in the UK, the government has been rocked by questions about the nature of his relationship with senior Labour figure Peter Mandelson, and suggestions that sensitive information may have changed hands.

In this episode, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter look back at the longer history of political scandal, assessing the ways in which corruption and chicanery were tackled in previous centuries.

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HISTORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES: BRIEFING

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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Is President Trump really weaponising history?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0000

From Greenland and Venezuela to his speech at Davos, the past few weeks have seen US president Donald Trump make a series of big moves on the world stage. But how historically unprecedented have his actions been? And is it right to see his administration as weaponising history for political ends?

To assess whether we are witnessing what Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has called a “rupture” in the postwar world order, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter are joined by Sam Edwards from Loughborough University to discuss whether we really are backsliding to a previous historical era.

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HISTORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES: BRIEFING

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GO BEYOND THE PODCAST

Read more about a 19th-century doctrine that may be the key to understanding today’s US foreign policy in this HistoryExtra article: https://bit.ly/4qSz8lq

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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Is Trump returning the world to an age of empires?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0000

At the start of January, the United States government launched a military operation in Venezuela, capturing its president Nicolás Maduro and announcing that the US would run the nation until it deems that there can be "a proper and judicious transition”. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and figures around him have also made repeated suggestions that the US needs to claim Greenland for reasons of national security.

Following those events, historians Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda explore the history of governance in South America – and whether President Trump and his administration are really making unprecedented moves on the world stage.

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GO BEYOND THE PODCAST

Read more about a 19th-century doctrine that may be the key to understanding today’s US foreign policy in this HistoryExtra article: https://bit.ly/4qSz8lq

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If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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BONUS: The history behind 2025

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0000

In this special bonus episode of History Behind the Headlines, historians Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter – plus host Matt Elton – pick the historical insights that stood out for them from across the past 12 months. From war in the Middle East to a new pope and surprising revelations about Adolf Hitler, we reveal the ways in which the past helps us make sense of today’s news.

Clips taken from:

Papal elections and tariff troubles: history behind the headlines (HistoryExtra podcast, 29th April 2025)

Why is it so hard for Israelis and Palestinians to make peace? (16th October 2025)

BONUS: What does Hitler’s DNA really tell us? (22nd November 2025)

If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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2025 in review: the historical trends of the year

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0000

As we head into the Christmas season, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda look back at the key historical parallels, books and anniversaries of the past 12 months – and the history that might shape the year to come.

If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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Ukraine peace deal: what are the lessons from history?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0000

The prospect of a peace agreement in the Ukraine-Russia war has been in the news over the past week, as delegates met in Geneva in an attempt to work out a deal. The story is still evolving – but which historical treaties offer useful comparisons? Regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda consider the parallels. Plus: as the UK reacts to the chancellor’s Budget, we explore the history behind the annual economic review.

If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs.

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BONUS: What does Hitler’s DNA really tell us?

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0000

A recent documentary drawing conclusions from new analysis of Adolf Hitler’s DNA has sparked headlines around the world. But how did the programme’s researchers get hold of the key evidence? And what issues – and implications – are prompted by linking the Nazi leader with a range of physical and psychological conditions?

In this bonus episode of History Behind the Headlines, two of the experts behind the documentary, Turi King and Alex J Kay, spoke to Matt Elton about what led to their involvement – and offer their take on the real value of such research.

What's your take on this story? Let us know – email podcast@historyextra.com.

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GO BEYOND THE PODCAST

To find out more about Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, don’t miss our HistoryExtra Academy course Nazi Germany, with Laurence Rees: https://bit.ly/4i9bs9n

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For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton and produced by Jack Bateman.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Princes, prisons and the limits of power

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda take a look at the history behind crises facing two British institutions in recent months: the royal family and the prison system. How did monarchs in past centuries deal with family members embroiled in scandal? And do recent headlines about escaped inmates tell us something about our shifting view of incarceration? Plus, what happens when a political leader invokes emergency legislation to get the job done?

If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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The most remarkable historical heists

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0000

The history world was shaken earlier this month when thieves stole 19th-century jewellery thought to be worth 88 million euros from the Louvre Museum in Paris. In this episode, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda discuss some of the greatest historical heists of past centuries – and explore whether museums can learn any lessons from the recent robbery.

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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Why is it so hard for Israelis and Palestinians to make peace?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Headlines in recent days have been dominated by news of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This follows two years of heightened conflict that has had a devastating impact on the Middle East, and which has also spilled over to cause tensions in other parts of the world.

In this episode, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda are joined by Eugene Rogan, Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History and Fellow of St Antony's College at the University of Oxford, to explore the history of attempts to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Jack Bateman.

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Should historians be celebrities?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 23:00:00 -0000

Historian, author and broadcaster David Olusoga is among the famous faces to feature on new TV series The Celebrity Traitors, which launches in the UK next Wednesday, 8 October on BBC One. But what are the opportunities, and dangers, when historians become celebrities? And to what extent should history be entertainment? Regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter share their thoughts. Plus: history’s most incredible imposters.

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Jack Bateman.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American violence & presidential visits

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0000

Following the killing of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk, tensions have been running high in the United States. But what parallels can history offer us to help make sense of recent events? Regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter are joined by fellow historian Adam IP Smith to discuss the key context. Plus, a historian's eye view of President Trump's recent state visit to the UK – and how it compares to a Tudor summit.

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Jack Bateman.

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The real history of Britain's flags

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0000

Recent weeks have seen thousands of St George's and union flags being flown in villages, towns and cities around England. But what's the real history behind those symbols? In this episode of our fortnightly podcast charting the history behind breaking news stories, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter discuss their origins. Plus what a set of 17th-century diaries tell us about life during a tumultuous period of history.

Read more about Alice Thornton's 17th-century diaries here: https://thornton.kdl.kcl.ac.uk

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Jack Bateman.

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Welcome to History Behind the Headlines

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0000

How does the past shape today's world? In HistoryExtra's fortnightly podcast History Behind the Headlines, Matt Elton is joined by regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and guest experts to explore the historical context you need to understand the latest news.

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠

This episode was hosted by Matt Elton and produced by Jack Bateman.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices