History's Living Voices: The Past, Told by Those Who Lived It

HLV

History's Living Voices is the ultimate, immersive history podcast that delivers firsthand, first-person historical accounts direct from the source. In every episode, we cut out the middleman and go straight to the primary documents: personal diaries, battlefield maps with handwritten orders, private letters, and last-will-and-testaments. Through these authentic, unfiltered voices, discover the true human behind the legend. Imagine a seasoned medieval knight storyteller, having just removed his helmet, guiding you through the troop positions in an ancient manuscript, his words grounded in actual historical records—like a weathered document sealed with a critical year, such as '1776'. From the front lines of global wars to the breakthroughs of visionaries, hear exactly what it felt like to be in the room where it happened. Perfect for fans of documentary storytelling and historical deep-dives who crave authenticity. If you want to know what it truly felt like to live through the moments that forged modernity, this is your journey. Hit follow to listen to the people who wrote the real story of humanity.

  1. 1h ago

    The Behistun Inscription // Darius The Great (550 - 486 BC) // Persian Primary Source

    This is an extract from the Behistun Inscription, an inscription and large relief in three separate languages by the Persian king Darius I (the Great). Incorrectly attributed in antiquity and for many years after its creation, it was finally deciphered by the army officer Henry Rawlinson in the 19th century - and due to its trilingual nature became a keystone in the decipherment of cuneiform. It was commissioned by Darius himself, and acts as a mini autobiography, describing his lineage and deeds before he came to the throne and the challenges he faced as the King of Kings. How do we actually know about history? Voices of the Past is a channel dedicated to recreating the original accounts from the people who lived through events, or who lived far closer to them than we do today. We do this word for word, with an accompanying soundtrack of rousing music and images. — Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to subscribe for new videos every single week! & Let us know in the comments what you’d like to see covered in the future. — Don’t forget to subscribe to our other channel History Time, where we make full length historical documentaries:- https://www.youtube.com/historytime. —Join our community on social media:- Twitter:- https://twitter.com/HistoryTimeUK/ Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/HistoryTimeOfficial/ Instagram:- https://www.instagram.com/historytime_ig/ — Music courtesy of:- - Epidemic Sound — Voice actor & editor:- David Kelly Are you a budding artist, writer, illustrator, cartographer, or music producer? Send us an email! No matter how professional you are or even if you’re just starting out, we can always use new music and images in my videos. Get in touch! I’d love to hear from you. We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Thanks to: Arad - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1397951 jcbmac Photograph:Diego DelsoDrawing:http://www.iranicaonline.org [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] درفش کاویانی [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 2h ago

    The Art of War by Sun Tzu // Ancient Chinese Primary Source

    Here we have extracts from Sun Tzu's ancient classic, still relevant today. Translated by Lionel Giles. Huge thanks to Antony Cummins for the use of his images from his version of the text, and for his choice of extracts for this video. Pick up a copy of his clear and easy to understand version here: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Art-War-Step-Step/dp/1786782715 Video actor and editor: David Kelly If this channel is something you like, if you think saving primary sources is important, head over to the patreon and join up! https://www.patreon.com/voicesofthepast — Don’t forget to subscribe to my brother's channel History Time, where he makes full length historical documentaries:- https://www.youtube.com/historytime — Music courtesy of:- Epidemic Sound Artlist.io We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Thanks to: By vlasta2, bluefootedbooby on flickr.com - https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluefootedbooby/370458424/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1616406 By SY - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64875198 Joe Hunt Terracotta Warrior, Xian https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/7d/eda234fc2aa4a6c3aa426a997f6c9d.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0037646.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-21): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/qmcauudh CC-BY-4.0 AhaUFO / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) Photo by prostějovský časosběrač from Pexels Poemandpainting / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) Filipe Fortes from New York, United States / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 3h ago

    The Mongol Invasion of Europe (As Witnessed By Master Roger, 1241)

    Play Enlisted for FREE on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS®5: https://playen.link/pastvoicesen Follow the link to download the game and get your exclusive bonus now. See you in battle! -------------------------------------------------- Extracts taken from Anonymus and Master Roger The Deeds of the Hungarians/Epistle to the Sorrowful Lament upon the Destruction of the Kingdom of Hungary by the Tatars edited by Martyn C. Rady, Laszlo Veszpremy, Janos M. Bak Central European University Press, 1 January 2010 https://ceupress.com/book/anonymus-and-master-roger Edited and Image Curation by Manuel Rubio - check out his amazing channel: @ArtandContext Thumbnail Art by Ettore Mazza Art by Carlos López Art by Alex Stoica Stock footage from Storyblocks and Artlist. Music from Epidemic Sound and Artlist.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Mongol Invasion of Europe (As Witnessed By Master Roger, 1241)

  4. 4h ago

    Roman Trade Route to Ancient China // 1st cent. AD Periplus // Ancient Primary Source

    For your free 1 month Audible trial head over to: http://www.audible.com/VOTP or send VOTP to 500-500. ----------------- This is an extract from the 1st century Periplus of the Erythraean Sea - a navigation and trade guide for sea merchants, and an invaluable insight into the Roman Empire's knowledge of both Ancient India and Ancient China. Thanks for Raoul McLaughlin for the use of his translation, head over to his YouTube channel for more context on this remarkable document: https://youtu.be/rvYb9d4p2d4 If this channel is something you like, if you think saving primary sources is important, head over to the patreon and join up! http://patreon.com/voicesofthepast — Don’t forget to subscribe to my brother's channel History Time, where he makes full length historical documentaries:- https://www.youtube.com/historytime — Music courtesy of:- - Epidemic Sound — Voice actor & editor:- David Kelly We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Thanks to: Tony Hisgett Roberto Venturini Gary Todd Matthew Jose Fisher PHGCOM for the map NASA image by Jeff Schmaltz, LANCE/EOSDIS Rapid Response. Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 5h ago

    Earliest Islamic Documentation of India (852) // "Reports of China and India" // Primary Source

    The first 1000 people to use the link in my description will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: https://skl.sh/voicesofthepast01211 This video is sponsored by Skillshare. ------------ Extract taken from "Accounts of China and India" by Abū Zayd al-Sīrāfī Translated by Tim Mackintosh-Smith Published by: NYU Press https://nyupress.org/9781479830596/accounts-of-china-and-india/ — Music courtesy of:- Epidemic Sound Artlist.io We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Thanks to: Ghateshwara Mahadeva  By Balaji - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19568036 Kannauj Triangle By w:user:Planemad - Own workInternational Borders: University of Texas map library - India Political map 2001Disputed Borders: University of Texas map library - China-India Borders - Eastern Sector 1988 & Western Sector 1988 - Kashmir Region 2004 - Kashmir Maps.State and District boundaries: Census of India - 2001 Census State Maps - Survey of India Maps.Other sources: US Army Map Service, Survey of India Map Explorer, Columbia UniversityMap specific sources: "John Keay, History of India, 2000, Grove publications, New York, ISBN 0-8021-3797-0" page 198., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1846341 Sand dunes By Nepenthes - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5623273 Hiten R, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Buddhist Cave By Y.Shishido - http://pipimaru.dyndns.org/india_2004/index.html, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=365302 Indian Rhino By Lurey Rohit - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6938018 Rhino By Sanjay ach - self-made at San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California, USA, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2682673 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Earliest Islamic Documentation of India (852) // "Reports of China and India" // Primary Source

  6. 6h ago

    Japanese Historian Describes First Contact With Europeans // 16th cent. "Teppo-ki" // Primary Source

    Get MagellanTV here: https://try.magellantv.com/voicesofthepast & get an exclusive offer extended to our viewers: an extra month FREE. MagellanTV is a new kind of streaming service run by filmmakers with 2,000+ documentaries! Check out our personal recommendation and MagellanTV’s exclusive playlists: https://www.magellantv.com/explore/history --------------------- Here we have something special - the Japanese perspective of the first Europeans in Japan. In 1543 two Portuguese traders - men "whose physical features differed" from the locals - arrived on a Chinese junk, with a gift that would change the course of Japanese history. Recorded for posterity by Nanpo Bushi half a century later, this account gives us the view of a people coming into contact with Europe for the first time. Translated by Olof G Lidin in his book "Tanegashima: The Arrival Of Europe In Japan" and published by NIAS press: http://www.niaspress.dk If this channel is something you like, if you think saving primary sources is important, head over to the patreon and join up! patreon.com/voicesofthepast — Don’t forget to subscribe to my brother's channel History Time, where he makes full length historical documentaries:- https://www.youtube.com/historytime — Music courtesy of:- - Epidemic Sound — Voice actor & editor:- David Kelly We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Thanks to: Image Credit: NASA Goddard/MODIS Rapid Response Team alisdair [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)] ryochiji [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)] みっち PHGCOM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 7h ago

    th Century Executioner Reveals His Executions and their Crimes (1573-1617) Franz Schmidt's Diary

    Get your special offer for MagellanTV here: https://try.magellantv.com/voicesofthepast. It's an exclusive offer for our viewers! Start your free trial today. MagellanTV is a new kind of streaming service run by filmmakers with 3,000+ documentaries! Check out our personal recommendation and MagellanTV’s exclusive playlists: https://www.magellantv.com/explore/history -------------- Extracts taken from "A Hangman’s Diary: Being the Authentic Journal of Master Franz Schmidt, Public Executioner of Nuremberg 1573–1617." Translated by C. Calvert and A.W. Gruner. Published by D. Appleton, second impression October, 1928. Soundtrack licensed from Epidemic Sound/Artlist. Footage from Videoblocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    th Century Executioner Reveals His Executions and their Crimes (1573-1617) Franz Schmidt's Diary

  8. 8h ago

    Japanese Castaway Delivers First Impression of USA (1852) // Astounding Story of John Manjiro

    Get your special offer for MagellanTV here: https://try.magellantv.com/voicesofthepast. It's an exclusive offer for our viewers! Start your free trial today. MagellanTV is a new kind of streaming service run by filmmakers with 3,000+ documentaries! Check out our personal recommendation and MagellanTV’s exclusive playlists: https://www.magellantv.com/explore/history -------------- Extracts taken from "Drifting Toward the Southeast: The Story of Five Japanese Castaways : a Complete Translation of Hyoson Kiryaku (a Brief Account of Drifting Toward the Southeast) as Told to the Court of Lord Yamauchi of Tosa in 1852 by John Manjiro Translated by: Junya Nagakuni and Junji Kitadai (Spinner Publications, 2003) http://www.spinnerpub.com/Drifting_Toward_the_Southeast.html https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Junya-Nagakuni/dp/0932027563 If this channel is something you like, if you think saving primary sources is important, head over to the patreon and join up! https://www.patreon.com/voicesofthepast — Don’t forget to subscribe to my brother's channel History Time, where he makes full length historical documentaries:- https://www.youtube.com/historytime — Music courtesy of:- Epidemic Sound Artlist.io We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Image credits: Thanks to Matthew Cartwright for his work on the images of the boat in the ocean, the men arriving on the island and Manjiro in the Gold Rush. Thanks to The Rosenbach, Philadelphia, Manjiro Exhibition for the use of images 3, 4, 23, 24, and 25 in their collection from the manuscript of Hyoson Kiryaku. https://rosenbach.org/visit/exhibitions/manjiro-drifting-1841-2020/ Island of Torishima By Copyright © National Land Image Information (Color Aerial Photographs), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68424540 Political Graveyard from Ann Arbor, MI, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Japanese Castaway Delivers First Impression of USA (1852) // Astounding Story of John Manjiro
See All (117)

About

History's Living Voices is the ultimate, immersive history podcast that delivers firsthand, first-person historical accounts direct from the source. In every episode, we cut out the middleman and go straight to the primary documents: personal diaries, battlefield maps with handwritten orders, private letters, and last-will-and-testaments. Through these authentic, unfiltered voices, discover the true human behind the legend. Imagine a seasoned medieval knight storyteller, having just removed his helmet, guiding you through the troop positions in an ancient manuscript, his words grounded in actual historical records—like a weathered document sealed with a critical year, such as '1776'. From the front lines of global wars to the breakthroughs of visionaries, hear exactly what it felt like to be in the room where it happened. Perfect for fans of documentary storytelling and historical deep-dives who crave authenticity. If you want to know what it truly felt like to live through the moments that forged modernity, this is your journey. Hit follow to listen to the people who wrote the real story of humanity.

Information

  • Creator
    HLV
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    117