Absolute History

Recognized as the foremost Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes underwent a transformative journey in his extensive career. Shifting from cheerful and lighthearted works to paintings steeped in profound pessimism, Goya's evolution raises the intriguing question: What prompted this dramatic change in his artistic expression?

The Industrial Revolution brought significant social and economic changes to Europe and Britain. The construction of the Cork and Bandon Railway presented substantial engineering challenges, including the need for a deep tunnel through Goggin's Hill. The Goggin's Hill tunnel, about a kilometer long, was a remarkable engineering feat of the Victorian Railway age. The construction involved blasting through rock using gunpowder, with teams of workers enduring difficult and dangerous conditions, working day and night. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

Actor Sean Bean narrates this four-part documentary, which focuses on the history of one-on-one combat and how people have used organised fighting - to gamble, aid diplomatic relations, settle scores and protect personal honour, for example - throughout the ages. Four eras of fighting are covered in the series - Victorian, Georgian, Elizabethan and Tudor - and each hour-long episode brings to life the duels, the pugilism and the fascination Britain has had with this grim form of entertainment. Witness the rise of female warriors, including Britain's first prizefighter superstar Elizabeth Wilkinson Stokes, plus the impact of Charles Dickens and the evolution of combat rules, marking a transformative era in London's tumultuous past. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits!

Discover the vivid world of Romanticism as we unravel the life and art of Eugène Delacroix, the greatest French artist of his era. From revolutionary Paris to the exotic landscapes of North Africa, delve into his masterpieces, exploring the fusion of passion, color, and rebellion that shaped art for generations to come. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits!

The profound world of war poetry traces its historical and cultural significance through different periods. From early examples like "The Battle of Maldon," which captures the heroic spirit of the Dark Ages, to the evolving nature of war poetry during the 18th century, this episode explores how poets have depicted the human experience of war. We journey through the verses of renowned poets such as Robert Burns, Victor Hugo, Lord Tennyson, and Wilfred Owen, each offering a unique perspective on the impact of war on humanity. Discover how war poetry transitioned from glorifying deeds of valor to expressing the raw emotions stirred by conflict. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

Vincent Van Gogh tragically ended his life on July 27, 1890, in the French Village of Auvers. Van Gogh, born in 1853, struggled with loneliness, persecution, and madness, with only one of his paintings sold during his lifetime. Despite his difficult life, Van Gogh's artistic genius became widely recognized in the early 1900s, and his paintings gained significant financial value. Van Gogh's art, characterized by bold brushstrokes and emotional expression, challenged traditional conceptions of art, especially in terms of color usage. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

The English Romantic poets of the 19th century, including Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats, pioneered a literary movement marked by an emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual expression. Wordsworth's celebration of spontaneous feelings and connection with nature, Coleridge's imaginative and experimental works, and Shelley's radicalism and visionary poetry collectively shaped the Romantic Age. Their contributions defined a period characterized by introspection, a deep connection with nature, and a rejection of traditional poetic forms. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

Jane Eyre was released in 1847 and is considered a masterpiece of literature, offering a critique and celebration of Victorian society. Brontë stunned the aristocratic Victorian elite by boldly criticizing prevailing Victorian ideals in her novel, crafting a love story that defied conventional expectations. Charlotte Bronte, the author, was born in 1816 and grew up in a household marked by sickness and death, losing her mother at a young age. Charlotte's early education included a harsh experience at the Cowbridge Clergy Daughters School, which influenced her depiction of Lowood in Jane Eyre. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

Anglo-Saxon poetry reflects a fourth or fifth-century Pagan reality, creating noble pagan characters, such as Beowulf, in a Christian context. The tension arises as Christian theology requires damnation for these pagan characters, yet the poet sympathetically presents them in a favorable light. Beowulf, set in a fifth-century Danish Dynasty, exemplifies the heroic ideal of a pagan Anglo-Saxon. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

Geoffrey Chaucer, a poet living in the late 1300s, witnessed significant societal changes in England during the transition from feudalism to a more mercantile system. Chaucer began writing the Canterbury Tales around 1387 during a period when the Catholic Church still held extreme power and the Black Death and the 100 Years War were still having profound impacts on England. Chaucer employs satire, irony, and humor throughout the tales, making readers laugh at first and then revealing the seriousness and tragedy beneath. His innovative use of the five-stress line in Middle English enhances the complexity of his mature poetry, setting him apart as a groundbreaking writer. Despite the unfinished nature of the Canterbury Tales, Chaucer's overarching design and exploration of morality and social reality make it one of the greatest works in English literature. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

Great Expectations is the thirteenth novel by Charles Dickens and his penultimate completed novel. It depicts the education of an orphan nicknamed Pip. The novel explores themes such as class, snobbery, money, and forgiveness. Pip's journey reflects Dickens' contemplation on social class mobility. It is Dickens' second novel, after David Copperfield, to be fully narrated in the first person. Here, experts why in on the elements of the story, while the narrative plays out before your eyes.

We explore the marine mysteries of the Magdalen Islands, an archipelago in North America's tumultuous inland saltwater sea. Leonard Clark and his family, spanning three generations in the village, have meticulously documented over 1,000 sunken ships. They seek to help the people of the Magdalen Islands, all descendants of shipwrecked sailors, to uncover their ancestery. Leonard, an amateur archaeologist and shipwreck descendent, has dedicated his life to unraveling the history of the Magdalen Islands, tracing the origins of numerous shipwrecks, and deciphering clues to sunken treasures claimed by the sea. Along this unique journey, Leonard Clark shares historical insights and tales of sunken treasures with Mario Cyr, a local hero and globally acclaimed underwater cameraman. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

The metaphysical poets lived in a period of significant social and cultural change in the early 17th century. This era was marked by challenges to traditional beliefs due to scientific advances, religious and political upheavals, and the shift from medieval to modern society. The poets' works reflected the influences and pressures of this dynamic period, responding to the anxiety and uncertainty of the time. John Donne, the most renowned metaphysical poet, explored love in various forms—divine, sexual, and platonic.

Egypt is home to one of the world's earliest civilizations, with its earliest settlements in northern Africa dating to 17000 BC. Ancient Egypt was a powerful, influential, and expansionist empire that grew from the Nile River Valley to include much of the eastern Mediterranean. The civilization brought many inventions and advancements, including agriculture, art, architecture, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, religion, writing, and so much more.

Charles Dickens' classic novel 'A Tale Of Two Cities' tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. But what was going on in Dicken's personal life that he was trying to express through this novel?

David Attenborough investigates the remarkable life and death of Jumbo the elephant - the biggest animal celebrity of the 19th century whose story is said to have inspired the movie Dumbo. The most famous animal in the world, Jumbo captivated the world. But behind the curtain, was a tragic story of abuse, alcoholism, violence, and a mysterious death.

Discover the Queen Elizabeth II, the flagship of the historic Cunard line, boasting cutting-edge technology and a record-breaking speed of 34 knots. In the golden era of ocean liners, names like Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth symbolized a life of opulence and leisure. We will uncover the surprising origins of ocean liners in steam engine technology and how visionaries like Isambard Kingdom Brunel revolutionized maritime travel. We will learn about the challenges and risks faced by pioneers in the 1830s, leading to the creation of the first purpose-built ocean liner, the Great Western. Follow the evolution of transatlantic passenger services, from the impact of World War I to the development of steam turbo-electric propulsion, transforming ocean liners into cruise ships and military transports. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

It's hard to believe but silver was at one time worth more than gold. China used silver as their currency and the West had to pay in silver for Chinese goods. This angered the British and so they sought a commodity that the Chinese would be forced to buy. China did not covet any goods that the West had except one: Opium. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

China's lust for silver helped establish their formidable economic position on the global stage. However, Western powers were reluctant to engage in silver trade and in their search for an alternative avenue they discovered something that would change history forever: Opium. As opium surged throughout the nation, it brought forth multifaceted societal issues, ultimately fueling the harrowing Opium Wars. These conflicts marked the onset of a devastating "Century of Humiliation" for China, leaving an indelible mark on its history and global standing

In 1581, China's Emperor sparked a global demand for silver, changing the course of history forever. This was how Spain's silver trade with China shaped the New World, funding America's Industrial Revolution and driving the growth of cities worldwide. Uncover the conflicts and consequences as silver becomes both a source of power and a catalyst for China's 'century of humiliation.' Join us on a journey that reveals the intricate connections between China and the rest of the world.

Most Anglo-Saxons were farmers and lived off the land. They were able to make equipment such as ploughs and tools to help them in their work. They would grind wheat to make flour so they could make bread. Some Anglo-Saxons were skilled craftsmen who made decorative jewellery such as brooches and necklaces. But ultimately, Anglo Saxon life provided challenges long forgotten by today's Brits.

Join us on a captivating journey to the coldest and most inhospitable environment on Earth - Antarctica. We delve into the early 20th-century expeditions that set out to unravel the mysteries of this uncharted southern land, where temperatures can plummet to 100° below zero and winds can reach a staggering 200 mph. We will learn about the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton and his adventurous spirit, drive for fame, and rivalry with fellow explorer Robert Scott. We will then head further back in time to a much earlier maritime explorer who changed the course of human history, Christopher Columbus. While he set the blueprint for future sea-borne exploration, he left untold suffering and centuries of colonization in his wake.

Queen Victoria inherited the throne of Great Britain at the tender age of 18 and rules for 63 years, giving her name to an enitre era. Victoria was a complex character, her personality a strange mixture of contradictions. This fascinating documentary provides a penetrating insight into the Queen's life as Victoria's Secrets are revealed at last.

The Black Sea is a place of great mystery and antiquity. Scientists have found evidence of ancient submerged civilizations in the Black Sea, indicating a sudden rise in sea levels around 6000 BC. Ancient legends describe a time when the oceans rose above the land, causing an entire civilization to vanish beneath the cold waters of this ocean region. Could this be the great flood described in the Bible during the time of Noah?

It was called the Black Death, a disease that started in the 14th century, and swept across Europe wiping out half the population, one of the most lethal killers in human history. But the cause of the Black Death has eluded scientists. Now, Evolutionary biologist Hendrik Poinar embarks on an epic journey to solve the 600-year old mystery and change the way we fight infectious diseases today.

In the late 1400s in Tudor England, knights were born and bred to face combat, both on the battlefield and the tournament ground. We explore the intriguing world of medieval tournaments, highlighting the role of knights as both warriors and symbols of heroism. We also delve into the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a lavish and opulent tournament hosted by Henry VII in 1520, which became a symbol of power and prestige in Europe. This event, with its extravagant pageantry, marked the zenith of medieval tournaments.

Admiral Nelson's heroic death at the Battle of Trafalgar is immortalized in bronze and stone on the great column in Trafalgar Square. Nelson, a brave and brilliant war leader, was also known for being vain, ruthless, and impetuous. In 1805, the Royal Navy was on blockade duty, preparing for a possible invasion of England by Napoleon's forces. Nelson's personal life included a complex relationship with Lady Emma Hamilton, and his career was marked by significant victories and controversies. Nelson's daring and unconventional tactics in the Battle of Trafalgar led to a decisive victory for the British fleet, although he was mortally wounded during the battle, ultimately securing his place as a national hero.

This is the history of bare-knuckle fighting in Victorian Britain, a brutal sport that seeks to decide the undisputed champion of the world. The rise of fighters like Tom Spring, who came from humble working-class origins to become sporting superstars, paved the way for Tyson Fury, Mohammed Ali, and Mike Tyson. Bare-knuckle fighting was a sport with few rules, no gloves, and often resulted in death. The fight between Tom Sayers and Jack Heenan marked the end of the era of bare-knuckle prizefighting and was a turning point in the history of combat sports.

We explore the history of dueling in Georgian England, where individuals fought to the death to settle disputes, clear their names, or prove their courage and skill. The evolution of the dueling weapon ranged from swords to pistols, and various modifications were made for accuracy and ease of use. The prevalence of dueling can be attributed to excessive alcohol consumption, gambling, and the concept of honor.

Joann discovers how Egypt's enemies exploited a country weakened by internal strife, ultimately leading to its destruction. Joann leaves Egypt and journeys south to Sudan where she finds the remarkable story of the forgotten Nubian Kings. Alexandria was once Egypt's capital, known for its power, wealth, and luxury. During the 22nd Dynasty Libyan generals seized power and plundered royal tombs. The influence of Nubian culture on Egypt and the restoration efforts by the Kushite kings. Alexander the Great's role in Egypt, the establishment of Alexandria, and the Ptolemaic dynasty had immense influence on the fall of Egypt.

The history of organized fighting in Britain begins in the Georgian era. Lucy Inglis takes a look at the dark world of women's bare-knuckle boxing in London during the 18th century. The Georgian period in London was a time of expansion and upheaval. Women fought for honor, settled disputes, and competed for sport. Uncover the gritty world of Women's bare-knuckle prizefighting,, in an era marked by rough and unregulated fights. Learn about the social and health challenges faced by London's most impoverished population.

Joann Fletcher explores the magnificent Colossi of Memnon built under Egypt's greatest pharaoh, Amenhotep III. Joann explores the dizzying heights of Egypt's civilization, and the lives of the workers and artisans caught up in Egypt's most ambitious building project: the Valley of the Kings.

From the Norman invasion in 1066 to the end of the Wars of the Roses in 1485, Medieval England transformed from an agricultural feudal society to one on the brink of creating an empire. The feudal system under William the Conqueror emphasized that all land was the crown's property, and peasants worked on their lord's land for rent. The Manor Court addressed agricultural disputes and enforced the lord's rights, with a bailiff overseeing it. Medieval England had village settlements in forests, with Forest Law infamous for harsh punishments for deer hunting. Life was challenging for peasants with seasonal food scarcity, and education and social status were evolving during this period.

Joann Fletcher explores how the Pyramid Age ended in catastrophe. In one of Saqqara's last pyramid complexes, Joann uncovers evidence of famine as the young Egyptian state suffered a worsening climate and political upheaval.

*We apologize for any sections with uneven audio levels, we are aware of the issue.* This week we take a close look at the worst rural jobs and remember those who risked their necks to maintain the heart of rural life, shifted excrement to produce enduring images of the countryside and saved souls in the villages by eating bread. Tony experiences life as a shepherd boy, nettle harvester, reddle man, thresher, chaff-box boy, sedge cutter, sin eater, pole man, lead-white maker and featherier. Then he tackles the most arduous job of all, that of the steeplejack when he climbs the highest spire in Oxfordshire.

Every imaginable execution method took place at The Tower of London in its 1000-year-old past. The most grisly of all was live disembowelment. The method was so gross and barbaric that Queen Elizabeth I finally banned the practice. The last time it was used was in 1586 on the conspirators of the Babington Plot. The plot was the work of Francis Walsingham, the father of modern espionage. He was known as The Spymaster.

Among the thankless tasks tackled by Tony this week is the work of the midshipman, lighthouse keeper, stoker, and trimmer. He will live like the men of Britain's first navy who survived on minimal rations and like the men who wore sacks on their heads on the luxury liners.

Torture, treason, and bizarre executions were standard practices at The Tower Of London. The Tower is the United Kingdom's foremost tourist attraction - an imposing stronghold that has been part of London's royal heritage for more than 1,000 years. It has changed roles, from fortress to palace to prison; if the stones of this mighty citadel could talk imagine what stories they could tell. The events that have taken place here and the tragic and heroic characters that have passed through the gates have shaped the destiny of the United Kingdom.

*We apologize for any sections with uneven audio levels, we are aware of the issue.* You'd suspect that working in a royal palace wood have been preferable to working in the fields. But these royal jobs are among the worst in history. Life was gruelling for those who found themselves working as a lance maker, falcon-keeper, whipping boy, food taster, groom of the chamber, royal messenger, royal washerwoman, fireworker, boot boy, and the dreaded purple maker.

The Tower Of London is the United Kingdom's foremost tourist attraction - an imposing stronghold that has been part of London's royal heritage for more than 1,000 years. It has changed roles, from fortress to palace to prison; if the stones of this mighty citadel could talk imagine what stories they could tell. The events that have taken place here and the tragic and heroic characters that have passed through the gates have shaped the destiny of the United Kingdom.

Tony Robinson is exploring the West Yorkshire Moors, known as Bronte country, to discover the inspiration behind the works of the legendary Bronte sisters. Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte were born into a world of mills and moors in the early 19th century in Yorkshire. The writing prowess in the Bronte family produced timeless literary classics like "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights". Their lives, remarkable storytelling, and tragic early deaths have left a lasting imprint on the psyche of West Yorkshire.

The English Civil Wars comprised three wars, which were fought between Charles I and Parliament between 1642 and 1651. The wars were part of a wider conflict involving Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The human cost of the wars was devastating.

Scotland’s Tragic Last Stand To Overthrow The English Throne | History Of Warfare examines the specific people, events and evidence presented in this documentary. On 16 April 1746, on Drummossie Moor overlooking Inverness, a well supplied Hanoverian army led by the Duke of Cumberland annihilated the much smaller army of Lord John Murray and the leader he mistrusted, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. It was Bonnie Prince Charlie's final assault on the English, and the bloodiest of all the Jacobite battles. It was also the last battle fought on British soil.

Tony Robinson and Phil Harding travel to the Rocky Mountains in Montana, USA, for this special program on dinosaurs and the professional and private 'dinosaur hunters' who seek and recover fossil remains. Accompanying several digs, they soon learn that the methods used by the dinosaur hunters turn out to be similar to those employed by archaeologists. After joining a museum dig to excavate the bones of various tyrannosauroids, they discover the profitable tourist industry that dinosaur hunting has spawned in the US. Their journey culminates in a trip to the Badlands, where they help dinosaur hunter Jack Horner dig up the remains of a Tyrannosaurus.

The battle of Naseby was fought on the foggy morning of 14th June 1645 and is considered one of the most important battles in the English Civil War. Sir Thomas Fairfax, Captain-General of Parliament's New Model Army, led his troops to victory over King Charles I. Charles escaped, but the destruction of his forces meant that his ultimate defeat was simply a question of time.

In October 1642, the forces of King Charles I descended on Edgehill to fight the parliamentarian army of the Earl of Essex. This battle brought a shattering end to more than 130 years of peace.

Culloden: The Brutal 18th-Century Battle In The Scottish Highlands | Line Of Fire examines the specific people, events and evidence presented in this documentary. On 16 April 1746, on Drummossie Moor overlooking Inverness, a well supplied Hanoverian army led by the Duke of Cumberland annihilated the much smaller army of Lord John Murray and the leader he mistrusted, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. It was Bonnie Prince Charlie's final assault on the English, and the bloodiest of all the Jacobite battles. It was also the last battle fought on British soil.

Over the span of two years, London faced a series of unimaginable disasters. A devastating outbreak of the plague was soon followed by a fire that leveled the city. Based on such sources as the diaries of Samuel Pepys, Dr. Nathaniel Hodges, Rev. Thomas Vincent, and others of the disastrous Great Plague of 1665 and the equally destructive Great Fire of 1666 and their effects on life in 17th-century London.