History's Greatest Cities

4.7 (66)
History
Weekly

Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield will be joining expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Venturing to the great cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, they'll explore centuries-long stories of foundation and growth, and examine how contact between continents shaped these far-flung places. Along the way, they'll introduce the colourful characters who played pivotal roles in the development of these cities, and lead listeners through the must-visit palaces, temples, bazaars and, of course, bars and restaurants. And, our experts will also share insider tips to help visitors discover hidden facets of each fascinating destination. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

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The HistoryExtra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

4.4 (2930)

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Was the moon landing faked? Did Shakespeare actually pen his works? And were the pyramids really built by aliens? In History's Greatest Conspiracies, Rob Attar takes a deep dive into the theories in the company of expert historians to uncover if there's any truth behind the murky myths. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

3.6 (55)

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Take a deep dive into the past as we bring you the very best of HistoryExtra magazine, Britain’s bestselling history magazine. With a new episode released every Monday, enjoy fascinating and enlightening articles from leading historical experts, covering a broad sweep of the centuries – from the scandals of Georgian society to the horrors of the First World War, revolutions, rebellions, and more. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

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How can the experience of the Babylonians and Assyrians ease our worries now? Can we look to a Tudor queen for advice on procrastination? How can we harness the ancient fear of faeries and witches to add a bit of enchantment to our lives today? What’s this all about? It’s a simple concept. I find a great historian or archaeologist and I ask them to propose a Life Lesson from History – some learning from their study of the past that will help us today to live better, happier, healthier, or more productive lives. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

3.9 (30)

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Did Oliver Cromwell really ban one of our favourite Christmas treats? Are pasties really Cornish? And is toast the best thing since sliced bread? History's Greatest Dishes, from HistoryExtra, serves up a feast of facts about some of the past's most remarkable delicacies. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales – all in the company of Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray. It's sure to leave you with food for thought. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

4.3 (14)

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History’s Greatest Battles returns with a new run, focusing on that blood-soaked 15th-century struggle for the English throne: the Wars of the Roses. In the company of historian Lauren Johnson, Emily Briffett revisits five of the most gripping clashes of this dynastic showdown. Along the way, they spotlight the decisive moments and power players who flipped fate on its head, and explore what these brutal encounters reveal about power, propaganda and survival in late medieval England. How might history have twisted differently if a single charge, arrow or act of treachery had gone another way? GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.

4.9 (13)

History

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4.7

out of 5

66 Ratings

Are more episodes coming?

Jun 16

LYJSOL

Are more shows coming? I hope so!
Informative

09/30/2025

3675()

I just started listening and I’m glad to see that the podcast is now also including non European cities. I was struck by one very stark absence though, Moscow isn’t anywhere in the podcast.
Next city

07/07/2025

AllIn72847

When will London be added?
Another great podcast from History Extra

04/30/2025

RAKGB

I just finished listening to the excellent episode about NewYork and thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I knew the history. I must say, though. The thing you simply must try here is a freshly made bagel - boiled, baked, and hand rolled. You'll never taste one like it anywhere else. Thanks for the great podcast!

Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield will be joining expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Venturing to the great cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, they'll explore centuries-long stories of foundation and growth, and examine how contact between continents shaped these far-flung places. Along the way, they'll introduce the colourful characters who played pivotal roles in the development of these cities, and lead listeners through the must-visit palaces, temples, bazaars and, of course, bars and restaurants. And, our experts will also share insider tips to help visitors discover hidden facets of each fascinating destination. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. ⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠ EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠. GET IN TOUCH 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.