Dan Snow's History Hit

History Hit

Summary

Step into the past with Dan Snow’s History Hit, a podcast that breathes new life into the stories, conflicts, and figures that have shaped our world. Hosted by acclaimed historian Dan Snow, the show serves as your front-row seat to the most fascinating corners of human history. Whether you are curious about the strategic brilliance behind the Roman Empire, the grit of soldiers in the trenches of the First World War, or the intellectual fire that sparked the American Revolution, this podcast breaks down complex events into captivating, narrative-driven conversations. What sets this show apart is its commitment to moving beyond the history textbook. Dan regularly sits down with leading experts and authors to challenge conventional wisdom, peel back the layers of myths, and examine history through a modern lens. From the maritime rivalries of the spice trade to the brutal political maneuvering of Agrippina the Younger, the episodes are meticulously researched yet incredibly accessible. You will find yourself immersed in tales of adventure, political upheaval, and scientific progress, all delivered with an enthusiasm that makes thousands of years of history feel immediate and relevant. If you are a curious mind seeking to understand how the foundational events of our ancestors continue to echo in our lives today, this is your essential weekly guide to the past.

Updated Jul 6, 2026

Episodes

What Happens in The Odyssey?

Jul 6, 20261h 9m

Follow the epic, perilous voyage of Odysseus as he battles monsters and gods to return home after the Trojan War.

The Declaration of Independence

Jul 2, 202656 min

Discover how a revolutionary mission statement and eviction notice transformed thirteen colonies into a global superpower.

The Birth of America Explained

Jul 2, 202656 min

Explore how a radical 1776 declaration of independence transformed from an eviction notice into a universal ideal.

The Odyssey Explained: Mini-Series COMING SOON

Jun 30, 20261 min

Uncover the real history and bronze age mysteries behind the greatest adventure story ever told, The Odyssey.

Agrippina the Younger

Jun 29, 202651 min

A ruthless political player and royal schemer, Agrippina the Younger manipulated Rome’s power to make her son emperor.

Agrippina the Younger: Rome's Most Notorious Empress

Jun 29, 202651 min

Agrippina the Younger was a ruthless political mastermind who shaped the Roman Empire through intrigue and ambition.

Life in the Trenches

Jun 25, 202638 min

Surviving the filth, disease, and relentless danger of life in the trenches of the First World War.

Spain vs Portugal: The Spice Race

Jun 22, 202637 min

The deadly 16th-century race for spice dominance between Spain and Portugal launched an era of brutal global empire.

Why Did The Roman Empire Collapse?

Jun 18, 202653 min

Internal and external pressures unravelled the Roman Empire as the West fractured into new, competing kingdoms.

The Origins of the Tank

Jun 15, 202651 min

From muddy trench stalemate to industrial breakthrough, discover how the tank transformed 20th-century warfare.

Mary Beard on Ruling the Roman Empire

Jun 11, 202652 min

Mary Beard reveals how Rome evolved from a competitive republic into an autocratic empire run by one-man rule.

Harald Hardrada

Jun 8, 202650 min

Explore the epic life of Harold Hardrada, the warrior king whose legendary journey shaped the medieval world.

The Rise of the Roman Empire

Jun 4, 202640 min

Trace the rise of Rome from a collection of iron-age huts to a dominant power that reshaped the ancient world.

The Great Fire of London

Jun 1, 202631 min

A freak gale and a baker’s oven sparked a catastrophic blaze that leveled 1666 London, changing the city forever.

SAS Hijacked A Fascist Train To Liberate A Concentration Camp

May 28, 202648 min

Elite SAS commandos hijack a steam train to infiltrate enemy lines and liberate a concentration camp in occupied Italy.

The Rise and Fall of the Boleyns

May 25, 202643 min

Driven by ambition and merit, the Boleyn family rose from humble origins to the apex of power in Henry VIII's court.

Anglo-Saxons vs Vikings: The Battle That Gave Birth To England

May 21, 202642 min

The Battle of Brunanburh saw Athelstan crush a grand alliance to cement his status as the first true King of England.

The Rise and Fall of Venice

May 18, 202644 min

Born from mud flats in a lagoon, Venice rose to become a powerful, innovative maritime empire before its slow decline.

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