History Hit

Ever wondered what your chances of survival were if you were unlucky enough to catch the plague? Join Medieval Historian and co-host of the podcast Gone Medieval Eleanor Janega in this new film as she answer some of the most google questions about the Black Death aka The Plague aka The Great Pestilence...

When and why did Soho become a hedonistic hotspot, the home of sex, drugs and music? Join host of Betwixt the Sheets Kate Lister and History Hit’s Dan Snow to talk about post-WW1 London - when a dark underworld of shady characters are soundtracked by an exploding jazz scene, fuelled by a roaring drugs trade. At the heart of it are the so-called 'dope girls'. Women who fascinated and appalled society in equal measure. How did a post war mindset influence the 1920s? How did the press react to all the scandal? And, who were some of the major players involved? Historic Soho has been brought to life in the new BBC show Dope Girls, which tells the story of Soho when female gangs ran the nightclubs after the First World War. You can watch now on @BBCiplayer in the UK, @stanaustralia in Australia and on @ctv in Canada.

If you were born into the gentry in the 16th and 17th century, at a very early age you’d be taught how to become a ‘gentleman’ - it’s in the name. But what exactly would you learn? Luke Tomes follows in the footsteps of the young men on their ‘grand tour’ of Europe, an educational rite of passage, in which the art of duelling and dancing were very much central to the programme. Challenging Kate Lister to a fencing bout before taking part in a 17th century dance-off, Luke finds out if his gentlemanly skills are up to scratch... 'Royal Favourites' comes to History Hit TV on 27 March 2025. Links to contributors

Natalie Haynes explores the myth of Medusa, and the story beyond her snakey hair and stoney gaze. History Hit goes on a remarkable journey with classicist Natalie Haynes to the beautiful Greek island of Corfu to discover the truth behind the myth of Medusa: a woman who both beguiles and terrifies us.

Historian Dan Snow meets Kevin Goodman to learn how battlefield surgery progresses in the 16th/17th centuries to deal with a deadly new technology - gunpowder

Imagine coming face to face with the extraordinary people who filled the court of King Henry VIII. Well we can! Thanks to the extraordinary work of the artist hans Holbein the Younger. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb goes to Buckingham Palace to enter the gallery of the Royal Collection where a brilliant exhibition of Hans Holbein’s works takes us to the very heart of life in the Tudor court - meeting the men and women who witnessed and changed history, Anne Boleyn, Thomas More, Jane Seymour. Thanks to the amazingly characterful drawings of Hans Holbein the Younger we can look them in the eye, weigh them up, consider their motives. Suzannah explores the movers and shakers of Henry VIII’s inner circle - including one very special Holbein portrait that could be of Anne Boleyn herself, captured in a reflective and intimate moment. Experts have long debated whether it could be Anne at the time she was queen. Now Suzannah and Royal Collections curator Kate Heard discuss the evidence and reach a thrilling conclusion. And there are other stars of the Tudor world

Was he responsible for killing his nephews? Did he give the order to have his brother murdered? Was he the most evil King ever? Join Medieval Historian Matt Lewis as he attempts to shed some light on one of history's most vilified figures.

Dan Snow & History Hit were given unique access to the house formerly home to the Commandant of the camp, Rudolf Höss. Inside Dan uncovers chilling evidence of the horrors that unfolded 80 years ago and learns what life was like for the family whilst living there. Special thanks to the Counter Extremism Project and the Auschwitz-Birkinau State Museum. Additional thanks to Thomas Harding and Dr Schindler for speaking with us.

Pompeii expert Dr. Daisy Dunn takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of 'Pompeii' (2014)

History Hit’s Tristan Hughes returns to the British Museum to get a special look at items from their upcoming touring exhibition Ancient Sudan: enduring heritage, an exploration into the Kushite Kingdom, a long lost civilisation that flourished in Sudan nearly 3,000 years ago. For over 1,200 years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, the Kingdom of Kush flourished and at its height was one of the largest empires in the ancient world, ruling from the Blue Nile to the Levant. Item 1: 00:56 Item 2: 05:44 Item 3: 12:28 Item 4: 17:56 Item 5: 24:10 This upcoming exhibition will examine this ancient culture's skilled craftsmanship, distinct religious beliefs, and the important role of women, as well as exploring the rich culture of modern Sudan. Highlights include beautiful examples of ceramics, a carved stone offering table and a striking bronze depiction of a goddess. Tabag Matting from Site H25 Image courtesy of Sudan Archaeological Research Society

For three hundred years Russia was ruled by one family: the Romanovs. But in just six short years, from 1916 to 1922 that all came crashing down as the country was transformed by a small band of dedicated Revolutionaries in a series of events that would shock and appal the world and alter the course of history. Join our team of experts (Helen Rappaport, Victor Sebeysten, Dr Pablo De Orellana, Josh Levine & Iain MacGregor) in this four part series as we explore the personalities and key moments that lead to the downfall of the Romanovs and rise of the communists. Full list of episodes below

Could Greek women leave the house? Could they drink wine? Did they fight in wars? Join Historian Honor Cargill-Martin as she reveals the truth about what life was like for women in Ancient Greece. Find more of Honor Cargill-Martin's content here

Experimental archaeologist Miriam Cooke sets out on a hands-on quest to re-discover the lost lives of our earliest ancestors through a combination of traditional archaeological techniques and cutting edge experimental methods. Joining her was archaeologist and historian Dr James Dilly, aka @ancientcraftUK

Did Commodus kill his father and have a relationship with his sister? Did Caligula declare war on an ocean? Join Historian Simon Elliot as he reveals the contenders for worst Roman Emperor ever! TIBERIUS CALIGULA NERO DOMITIAN COMMODUS CARACALLA MAXIMINUS THRAX

Luke Tomes travels to the Royal Armouries in Leeds to fire some of the most iconic weapons of the Second World War belonging to the British Army. As always he is joined by Keeper of Firearms & Artillery, Jonathan Ferguson who talks him through the history of all the pistols, rifles and machine guns employed in the conflict. First up is the Webley Revolver Mk VI, first introduced during the stalemate of static and bloody trench warfare in 1915. Designed as a top-break revolver with a double-action mechanism and potential speedloader accessory, the Webley Mk VI was considered to be vastly superior to its predecessor models - its 6 inch barrel also offering improved accuracy. Whilst the official service pistol for the British military during the Second World War was the Enfield No. 2 Mk I revolver, a shortage in production led to many Webley’s returning to front line service in the conflict. Second is the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I, the new and improved bolt-action rifle issued to British infantrymen during the latter half of the Second World War.

Medieval Historian Eleanor Janega takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of Monty Python's Legendary 'The Holy Grail'.

This special new film reveals an extraordinary Tudor life-story and an amazing creation. We meet the extraordinary Bess of Hardwick and go inside the incredible home she built, a spectacular construction in glass and stone that defined the elegance and grandeur of the Elizabethan age, typifying a woman who rose to the top of the Tudor tree. Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb expertly explores the glorious rooms, luscious tapestries and intimate portraits that capture the remarkable personality of Bess and the Elizabethan dream-house she built in her own image.

Medieval Historian Matt Lewis takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of Ridley Scott's epic blockbuster 'Kingdom of Heaven'. 00:41The Crusades and 1184 France

Bletchley Park is now internationally famous as the home of the code-breakers during World War Two. But the endeavours of Alan Turing, Dilly Knox and their colleagues were so top secret that we are only now beginning to learn how they really lived day-to-day in this magnificent house, where – behind closed doors, under the cover of darkness, and against the clock - they determined the course of our wartime history. The house is also fascinating for what it tells us about how the 10,000 men and women working there would live on a daily basis. Artefacts from a Recreation Club – offering activities such as fencing, debating societies and amateur dramatics, amongst others – and film showings suggest an atmosphere not dissimilar to an Oxbridge college, and show a more human side to the story of how they developed the Enigma Machine. In this World War Two Season Special, join Dan Snow on an exclusive tour of the house and grounds, as well as the little known but all-important cottages that surround them. Learn about the men and women

Was Pompeii named after Pompey? Was there a tsunami in Pompeii? Why was Pompeii bombed in WWII? Join Historian & Author Daisy Dunn as she answers the most searched Google questions about Pompeii.

Luke Tomes returns to the Royal Armouries in Leeds to fire some of the most iconic weapons of the Second World War belonging to the Soviet Red Army. As always he is joined by Keeper of Firearms & Artillery, Jonathan Ferguson who talks him through the history of all the pistols, rifles and machine guns employed in the conflict. First up is the TT-33, a sidearm equipped by most soldiers of the Soviet Army during the Second World War. The TT-33 or ‘Tokarev’ Pistol was named after its designer Fedor Tokarev, and was initially conceived as a modern replacement for the aging Nagant M1895 revolver. The simplicity of its design as well as an improvement in firepower would result in the production of over a million of the pistols by the end of the conflict. Second is the Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifle, the standard infantry weapon of the Red Army during World War II. Originally designed in 1891, the rifle would undergo several modifications before its M91/30 variant became standard issue for the Soviets. By the time World War Two had

We showed medieval historian Dr Eleanor Janega a series of AI Images depicting the most famous scenes throughout the Middle Ages. How accurate are they? What will Eleanor think? Watch the video and find out!

There are hundreds of wrecks around the Isles of Scilly, a site with one of the highest concentrations of wrecks in the UK. Dan Snow joins professional yachtsman and adventurer Conrad Humphreys as they tour the beautiful, rugged Isles of Scilly, on the wave-lashed shores of the Atlantic Ocean. In the first episode, Dan and Conrad navigate the ancient history of this remote archipelago on the edge of Britain, discovering burial mounds built thousands of years ago, and an Iron Age village that thrived here when the Romans ruled Europe. Sailing in Conrad’s beautiful replica 18th century boat, “Bounty’s End”, they weave their way through a wonderland of history and legend. In the second episode, the intrepid pair navigate through these notoriously treacherous waters to investigate stories of shipwrecks and an infamous maritime disaster that changed the history of navigation and unlocked the secrets of longitude! In the third and final episode, Dan and Conrad conclude their epic expedition around the Isles of Scilly exploring the impressive defences that line the islands’ coastlines that made them almost impregnable - guarding

We asked one of the world's leading experts on Ancient Rome and Roman Military History, Dr Simon Elliott FSA to answer the most googled questions about Gladiators!

History Hit’s Tristan Hughes heads behind the scenes at the British Museum to get a special look at items from their upcoming exhibition touring the UK: Gladiators of Britain. Taking visitors back nearly 2,000 years to the Roman province of Britannia and beyond, the exhibition brings together 25 items from the British Museum and Colchester Museums collections, as well as items from each local museum partner. Join curators Dr Anna Willi and Dr Richard Hobbs as they discuss items featured in the exhibition, including the Murmillo figurine, a bone figurine found near Colchester that depicts a gladiator of the heavily armoured Murmillo class from the 1st - 2nd Century AD, as well as a rare coin with a depiction of the Colosseum on one side, a beautifully preserved gladiator themed oil lamp and incredibly, the Hawkedon Helmet (1st century AD). This is the only piece of gladiatorial armour ever found from Roman Britain. Item 1: 01:09 Item 2: 08:03 Item 3: 12:10 Item 4: 16:19 Want to see more? Why not take a look for yourself, Gladiators of Britain will

Was JFK the ultimate ladies man? Did he advert Nuclear Armageddon? Was his assassination an insider job? Historian & Lecturer Mark White answers the most searched Google questions about John F Kennedy. 00.00 Intro

The Battle of Teutoburg forest is a story of betrayal, of one man’s vehement desire to liberate his people from Roman rule and the brutal, bloody lengths he would go to achieve it. Tristan Hughes heads to Germany to investigate how these German 'barbarians' beat one of history’s most powerful and well trained armies. With contemporary writing and expert historians on hand he walks in the footsteps of what's now remembered as the Varian disaster. In the early first century the Romans saw Germania as a land of forests and swamps full of backwards people, a place easy for them to conquer and control for their growing empire. German tribes were paying taxes, giving tributes and sending their high born sons to Rome, it was all going so well…but within this flourishing empire was a growing resentment of ruthless Roman rule. In early 9AD Roman forces led by Roman General Publius Quinctillius Varus crossed into the area of Germania run by the Cherusci tribe. Luckily for them they had a high profile Cherusci on their side who had been educated

When was Britain conquered? What did the Romans think of the locals? Why was Hadrian's wall built? Tristan Hughes answers the most searched Google questions about Roman Britain. Worst

Historian and broadcaster James Holland retraces the steps of the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943.

Historian Dan Snow takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of movies that depict the President of the United States. First off Dan reviews 'Lincoln' (2012), in which oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis stars as the iconic 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, as he strives to abolish slavery with the passing of the 13th Amendment as civil war rages on in his beloved nation. Next, Dan looks at Christopher Nolan's blockbuster 'Oppenheimer' (2023), starring Cillian Murphy and Gary Oldman, who plays Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. President. He focuses on the chilling meeting between Truman and the psychologically traumatised physicist, who worries what he has unleashed by creating the Atomic Bomb. As we'll see, Truman was far from sympathetic. Next up is 'Thirteen Days' (2000), a drama that focuses on John F. Kennedy's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. Often seen as the 35th U.S. President's finest hour, Dan looks to sort fact from fiction as Kennedy and his advisors seek to resolve this existential threat to humanity. Dan then moves onto reviewing Bryan Cranston's depiction

Luke Tomes undertakes a series of challenges around England's capital wearing 14th century full-plate armour. In this video, you'll find out what life was like for medieval knights in battle and on crusade, how they trained for combat, how much their armour cost them and most importantly, how they went to the toilet...

In 793 AD, the holy island of Lindisfarne was subject to one of the most infamous Viking raids on Britain. ‘Heathen' men plundered the sacred monastery in an event that shook Christian Europe. Dan Snow travels across the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne to discover the rich culture of this holy place before the Vikings raided - a beautiful site of pilgrimage and artistry. He also goes to Jarrow to discover more about the powerful Anglo Saxon kingdom of Northumbria and its great religious and historical writers such as Bede. And History Hit is on site at the Lindisfarne excavations of DigVentures: working with Durham University they have uncovered remarkable rune-inscribed namestones and a charming glass gaming piece that reveals the vibrant culture of the North Sea world in the early medieval period. Most intriguing of all is a complicated multiple burial that Dan witnesses being meticulously excavated. We also examine how the Lindisfarne attack of 793 fits with the wider story of Viking raiding and settlement. Dr Jane Kershaw of Oxford University puts it into context, from earlier forays further

Tudor historian Joanne Paul takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of Elizabeth (1998), and it's sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) featuring Kate Blanchett in her Oscar winning performance as the iconic Queen.

Grab your fedora, leather coat, your whip and plenty of water as you join Historian Dan Snow on a special journey of one of the most iconic sites of the ancient world, Petra. Marvel at the long abanonded sites of a long gone civilisation, stare in amazement at the intricately designed buildings hewn from the rock itself and watch out not to step in any camel poo.

Stalingrad: The Last Letters, a History Hit Original feature-length documentary, reveals newly translated, never-before heard accounts that shed light on the agonising final moments of the men trapped in the ruins of Stalingrad during the Second World War. Discovered and translated by renowned German historian These deeply personal writings, penned in the face of inevitable defeat, offer a raw glimpse into the horrors of the Eastern Front and unique insights into the lives of the men that fought and died for Hitler 1941 was a failure for Nazi Germany. After invading the Soviet Union in June, they had expected to defeat the Red Army in 6 weeks. But by December, German forces had been thrown back by the Soviet winter counter-offensive. And there were even bigger problems. Germany had previously relied on the Soviets themselves for supplies of raw materials. But now, at war with their former ally, those supplies were running short. For Hitler the extensive oilfields of the southern Caucasus were the key to victory, without them the war could not be won. The campaign to capture that

A unique discovery, a glittering hoard of beautifully crafted objects in silver, gold and crystal, buried in the ground and forgotten 1100 years ago. The Galloway Hoard opens an extraordinary window into the Viking Age, a time of upheaval in South-West Scotland where it was discovered, but also a time of long-distance trade and pilgrimage, revealed by its most precious objects. Medieval historian Helen Carr joins the experts from National Museums Scotland to explore and understand this incredible group of objects. One in particular has never been seen in public before, a fascinating lidded silver vessel that is believed to have come all the way from what is now Iran to Galloway. Helen witnesses it being meticulously conserved for its first display. The lidded silver vessel is on special display at the British Museum's Silk Roads exhibition.

Was the Trojan War real? Did the Greeks dig ditches? Why did the Greeks fight the Persians? Ancient Greek historian Roel Konijnendijk Answers Google’s Most Popular Questions About Ancient Greek Warfare.

Today in a special collaboration with World of Warships our favourite naval historian Dan Snow ranks his favourite battleships of WW2. From the gigantic Yamato, to the humble yet deadly HMS Warspite. Dan scores each battleship on spec, historical impact and arguable the most important - it's awesomeness. Disagree with him? Let us know in the comment section below. The World of Warships franchise brings naval history to life in free-to-play multiplayer action. Experience epic battles on historical ships from the 20th century, including famous World War II vessels! Claim your bonus codes for free in-game content using codes: WoWS PC - HISTORYHIT, WoWS Legends - TVT5FADCJ4, WoWS Blitz - JD1HISTORYHIT' see links below to get your bonus content!

Was Alexander the Great a good general? Was he blond? How big was his empire at its height? Tristan Hughes, Ancient Historian and host of the podcast The Ancients answers Google’s Most Popular Questions About Alexander The Great. Is Alexander the Great… in the bible?

Dan Snow explores behind the scenes at the majestic Kensington Palace, the glittering centre of the royal court in early Georgian England. It's a very special time to visit - the Historic Royal Palaces team has been delving deep into the archives to lift the veil of the public facing court and explore the lives of the many people who lived and worked here. Beyond the kings and queens in the stately rooms, there were hundreds of other men and women - people born high and low - who played a vital role in keeping the court going. This exhibition brings together an amazing collection of objects, many of which have never been seen before. From an ice saw used by Frances Talbot, the 'Keeper of the Ice and Snow' to the revealing scribbled notes of the Master Cook’s Book. From the intricate stitching of Queen Charlotte’s dress, contrasting with the plainer uniform of her dresser, Dan gets up close to objects which build a much more vivid picture of life in this palace, upstairs and downstairs. The extraordinary mural

Ancient Greek historian Roel Konijnendijk takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of Troy (2004), based on Based on Homer's "Iliad," and the battle between the ancient kingdoms of Troy and Sparta, starring Brad Pitt.

Historian Dr Kate Lister removes Bridgerton’s rose-tinted glasses, unlaces the corsets and unbuttons the breaches of the Georgians. Join Kate as she investigates how s*x and the world of celebrity were a big thing long before the 20th century. The fabulous wealthy elite of Bridgerton look perfectly preened, their teeth, hair, make up, even their sex scenes are all filled with opulent glamour! But in reality a lot of people in Georgian society, including the wealthy, were dealing with a myriad of issues, from syphilis, teeth decay and scandals to laudanum and gin addictions. All of this would have been rife and incredibly visible on the big city streets during the booming industrial revolution. Kate uncovers what went on betwixt the Georgian sheets: who's doing what, where, how and with whom. Along the way she’ll explore extraordinary guides to s*x work in London and Edinburgh and unwrap the world of 18th century condoms, syphilis and even high profile and hidden sex clubs. All of this will help to unearth the real lives of the people stomping the streets, pubs and

Tristan Hughes, host of "The Ancients" podcast, reviews scenes from famous movies and TV shows set in the Roman period.

Dan Snow explores the physical remains of Hadrian’s vast project of 122AD - over 80 Roman miles of wall, turrets and forts, stretching from coast to coast across northern England. Mile after mile of stone marching over the horizon. But why did the Romans go to all this effort? We dig into the key questions: was the wall a barrier or a porous border; a hubristic vanity project or a vital line of defence; who lived on and around the wall; and why has it endured in popular culture for nearly two thousand years, right up to Game of Thrones? Dan meets leading experts along the Wall and visits some of the key sites - from Arbeia in the east (where tombstones reveal people here from as far away as Syria) to Birdoswald in the west (where a blatant carving of a phallic symbol shows the Wall was more than just a barrier). A Roman historian wrote that when the Emperor Hadrian came to Britain in AD 122 he ‘put many things to right and was the first to build

How did people in the Tudor era wipe their bottoms? Were there people of colour in Tudor England? How violent was the Tudor period? Historian Dr Joanne Paul answers Google's most searched questions about life in Tudor England.

Join Alice Loxton as she explores the most intriguing and historic estates across Britain. In the first episode, Alice heads to Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. Originally a grand Elizabethan manor, by the 20th century Sissinghurst had fallen into a ruinous state. Yet it was this wildness and disrepair which enchanted one of the bestselling writers of the 1920s, Vita Sackville-West. Alice explores how Vita, along with her husband Harold, transformed this romantic ruin into a home. Joined by National Trust experts and leading historians, Alice uncovers the secrets of Sissinghurst - and in turn, the fascinating aspects of Vita’s unique character. From her bestselling writing to the creation of a world class garden, from a loving relationship with her husband Harold to many passionate romances with women, Vita was a remarkable woman, trapped between the old and new. This is the story of Vita’s Sissinghurst - a story of Vita in love. In the second episode, Alice travels to Blenheim Palace, one of the most remarkable historic houses in Britain. Gifted to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marloborough, after his

Medieval historian and co-host of the 'Gone Medieval' podcast, Matt Lewis, deep dives into the historical accuracy of the highly controversial movie 'The King', starring Timothée Chalamet.

Britain is an island where history is well and truly part of the landscape and an island where human feet have walked for a million years. We are constantly making groundbreaking archaeological discoveries that are helping us to better understand the way in which our distant ancestors lived. Join bushcraft and survival expert Ray Mears in the first episode of a brand new series as he explores Britain's distant past, from the earliest evidence of people in Britain, right up to the moment that everything would change. In the first episode of this series, Ray speaks to Dr David Waterhouse about the discovery made at Happisburgh beach in Norfolk of footprints dating back 900,000 years, before demonstrating how our distant ancestors would have made and used flint tools for hunting and skinning game. In the second episode, Ray explores Britain as it entered a new chapter in its history. 12,000 years ago, hunting tools had evolved, from hefty spears to the slick and stealthy bow and arrow. This revolution in technology would change the way humans hunted forever. In a