History Hack

#53 History Hack: Elizabeth I & Image

We all know she was very particular about how she was perceived, and so Historian and author Estelle Paranque joins us to talk about Elizabeth I's image, particularly from the French perspective, and how this changed over the course of her reign. 

#52 History Hack: Pole Position

Historian William Fletcher joins us to talk all about the Polish contribution to the Napoleonic Wars. 

#51 History Hack: The Rise of the Taliban

In part one of a two part podcast, we welcome Al Jazeera English's Senior Correspondent in Islamabad, Kamal Hyder, one of the preeminent journalists in the region. He recounts the events of the Afghan-Soviet War and their consequences and tells a personal tale of Afghanistan's history from the 1960s to 1998. 

#50 History Hack: Inspiring the Brontes

Historian Emma Butcher talks to us about how the Bronte siblings used the Napoleonic Wars, as well other recent history, to inspire them as writers and create imaginary worlds, and how all of this youthful activity impacted the classic literature that they are known for today. 

#49 History Hack: Pompeii

Archaeologist and historian Sophie Hay joins us to answer all of your questions on Pompeii. We talk social distancing with your pot plants, earthquakes, eruptions, art, architecture and herewith the only podcast that dedicates ten erudite, academic minutes to the Roman penis.

#48 History Hack: Rampage, 1945

We go back to the 1945 and the Pacific today with James Scott. He joins us to talk about his book Rampage: MacArthur, Yamashita and the Battle of Manila, and the plight of the Philippines in the Second World War.

#47 History Hack: The Second Chance

Horatio Hornblower himself, Ioan Gruffudd and Jamie Bamber, the faithful Archie, join us with naval historian Kate Jamieson for a fun, lengthy look back at the series that set their careers fully in motion. We talk fireships, mullets, Robert Lindsay and David Warner, runaway pigs and prostitutes, learn why bicorn hats are rubbish, talk about a possible return of the series and decide who really did push Captain Sawyer; as the chaps diligently work their way through your questions. Be ready to utilise #WhatWouldHoratioDo and #RebootHornblower! 

#46 History Hack: Bettany Hughes

All you need is love. History goddess Bettany Hughes joins us to talk about Venus & Aphrodite, life under lockdown and her new TV series about The Odyssey. 

#45 History Hack: Anzac Day

For Anzac Day, Australian Historian Mat McLachlan joins us to discuss the First World, Gallipoli and Australian National Identity. 

#44 History Hack: Down the Pub

Author Clare Mulley, Peter Johnston of the National Army Museum, Dave Hartley of the National Museum of the Royal Navy and First World War Historian Bethany Moore join fans of the show to debate The Most Iconic British Battle in History. Judges Holmes and O'Connell preside.