116 episodes

Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of mediaeval history to life through compelling stories, fascinating characters and vivid scenes.

“A Dynasty to Die For” tells the story of the Plantagenets, one of the most powerful and dysfunctional families in European history. Their scandals, betrayals and bloody politics shaped the world we live in today.

In Season 3, King John takes his turn at heading up the Plantagenet empire – and finds himself fighting on all fronts. His reign is at risk from family rivalry, an aggressive French king, his own unhappy barons and even the pope. But perhaps the greatest threat is his own recklessness and vicious cruel streak.

Over twelve action-packed episodes, find out how John’s misadventures lay the groundwork for modern Europe. Whether you think he’s a brilliant administrator, brutal murderer or incompetent bungler, there’s never been a king quite like John.

NOTE: If you haven’t heard Seasons 1 and 2, you can go back and hear this wild story from the start.

A Sony Music Entertainment production.

Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com

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This is History: A Dynasty to Die For This is History

    • History
    • 4.8 • 1K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of mediaeval history to life through compelling stories, fascinating characters and vivid scenes.

“A Dynasty to Die For” tells the story of the Plantagenets, one of the most powerful and dysfunctional families in European history. Their scandals, betrayals and bloody politics shaped the world we live in today.

In Season 3, King John takes his turn at heading up the Plantagenet empire – and finds himself fighting on all fronts. His reign is at risk from family rivalry, an aggressive French king, his own unhappy barons and even the pope. But perhaps the greatest threat is his own recklessness and vicious cruel streak.

Over twelve action-packed episodes, find out how John’s misadventures lay the groundwork for modern Europe. Whether you think he’s a brilliant administrator, brutal murderer or incompetent bungler, there’s never been a king quite like John.

NOTE: If you haven’t heard Seasons 1 and 2, you can go back and hear this wild story from the start.

A Sony Music Entertainment production.

Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Season 3 | 1. Softsword

    Season 3 | 1. Softsword

    King John’s first real test of leadership arrives, in the form of a treaty with Philip Augustus, the wily King of France. Will John spot the French King’s trap, or blunder straight into it? Meanwhile, a grim discovery in the river Seine sets the tone for the reign of England’s most diabolical ruler. 



    This is History is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production.  



    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts  

     

    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com 

     

    Written and presented by Dan Jones



    Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills

    Executive  Producer - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field

    Production Manager - Jen Mistri and Poppy Thompson

    Composer -  Matt Acheson 

    Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy
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    • 27 min
    Season 3 | How did they celebrate New Year’s in the Middle Ages?

    Season 3 | How did they celebrate New Year’s in the Middle Ages?

    Can’t get enough of Plantagenet drama?

    Join Dan for subscriber-only episodes where he dives even deeper into the Middle Ages.

    King John’s reign begins just before the dawn of the Century, in 1199, so Rosie wants to know how Mediaeval folk celebrated New Year’s Eve. Plus, more on the public and political fallout from the treaty at Le Goulet.

    To send us questions for the show, you can tweet Dan directly@DGJones or use #Dansplaining

    This is History is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production.

    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com

    Presented by Dan Jones and Rosie Merotra
    Producer - Georgia Mills
    Executive Producer - Louisa Field
    Production Manager - Jen Mistri
    Engineer - Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell

    Season 3 | 2. Save the Queen

    Season 3 | 2. Save the Queen

    John decides to get married, but his controversial choice of bride causes his French lands to erupt in rebellion. John’s enemies ride for the castle of Mirebeau, where they aim to capture the ultimate prize: the King’s mother, Eleanor of Aquitane. 





    This is History is a Sony Music Entertainment production.  



    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts  

     

    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com 



    Written and presented by Dan Jones



    Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills

    Executive  Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field

    Production Manager - Poppy Thompson

    Composer -  Matt Acheson

    Engineer - Matias Torres Sole

    Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 28 min
    Season 3 | Did John really murder his nephew?

    Season 3 | Did John really murder his nephew?

    Can’t get enough of Plantagenet drama?

    Join Dan for subscriber-only episodes where he dives even deeper into the Middle Ages.

    In this episode Dan examines Eleanor’s strange soft spot for her treacherous youngest son, and explores why Arthur risked it all to imprison his Grandma and battle it out with his Uncle. Plus, what would have happened if the House of Windsor used the Plantagenet rules of succession?

    To send in questions for the show, you can tweet Dan directly@DGJones or use #Dansplaining

    This is History is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production.

    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com

    Presented by Dan Jones and Rosie Merotra
    Producer - Georgia Mills
    Executive Producer - Louisa Field
    Production Manager - Jen Mistri
    Engineer - Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell

    Season 3 | 3. Lost Cause

    Season 3 | 3. Lost Cause

    The finest castle in the Plantagenet Empire, Château Gaillard, is under siege. French King Philip Augustus has it surrounded, and is willing to play dirty, literally, to claim it. If John doesn’t act fast, he could lose everything his father and brother fought to build.



    This is History is a Sony Music Entertainment production.



    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts



    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com



    Written and presented by Dan Jones

    Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills

    Executive  Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field

    Production Manager - Poppy Thompson

    Composer -  Matt Acheson

    Engineer - Matias Torres Sole

    Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 27 min
    Season 3 | What was Greek fire?

    Season 3 | What was Greek fire?

    Can’t get enough of Plantagenet drama?

    Join Dan for subscriber-only episodes where he dives even deeper into the Middle Ages.

    How was the mysterious weapon, Greek fire, actually used? And were there any other chemical weapons around during the Middle Ages? Plus, a closer look at Marshall’s divided loyalties, and a sad farewell to Eleanor of Aquitaine.

    To send in questions for the show, you can tweet Dan directly@DGJones or use #Dansplaining

    This is History is a Somethin’ Else & Sony Music Entertainment production.

    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com

    Presented by Dan Jones and Rosie Merotra
    Producer - Georgia Mills
    Executive Producer - Louisa Field
    Production Manager - Jen Mistri
    Engineer - Matias Torres Sole

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
1K Ratings

1K Ratings

The Kidwells ,

excellent historical stories

Finishing up Dynasty to Die For. From all the novels i’ve read through my college years, Dan Jones puts them all in historical context. Here I thought my family had issues. The Plantagenets definitely had theirs.
Dan Jones and his team, puts history of Western Europe into an easily understood narrative using anachronistic equivalents to modern life. Great story telling!

Pookie Chu ,

Excellent Podcast

Phenomenal story teller. Keeps a good pace and your attention. If you love history you will love this podcast.

Phoenixgrl ,

Binge worthy

My husband and I binged this whole series on a road trip and never got tired of the dramatic stories, salacious details, and Dan Jones’ storytelling. This is one of the best history podcasts!

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