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Artwork for Empire: World History

Empire: World History

Goalhanger
British Empire
Gaza
Ireland
Bronze Age Collapse
India
China
The Great Famine
Soviet Union
Suez Crisis
Israel
East India Company
Rudyard Kipling
George Orwell
Yalta Conference
Algeria
Irish Nationalism
Hungary
Mao Zedong
Colonialism
World War II

The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history. William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires. From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today? Empire Club: Become a... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes510Founded4 years ago
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History

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Artwork for Empire: World History

Latest Episodes

In 1916, Arab leaders rose up against the Ottoman Empire with the hope of creating an independent Arab state at the end of World War I. Lawrence of Arabia arrives in Cairo to advise Faisal I and unleash guerrilla warfare, including attacking the Heja... more

The 1962 cinematic masterpiece is considered one of the best films of all time, but who was the real Lawrence of Arabia? A geeky and unconventional soldier, the young T.E. Lawrence was obsessed with Crusaders and wanted to be a hero. He would become ... more

Three shots, six seconds, all caught on camera. The image of JFK’s assassination is one of the defining pictures of the 20th century, along with the photograph of Jackie Kennedy in her blood-stained pink suit stood next to Lyndon B. Johnson being swo... more

After facing Nixon in America’s first televised electoral debate, JFK charms the nation. As president, he soon faces what could be the end of the world – the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Anita Anand is joined by historian Frederik Logevall to discuss the p... more

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Recent Guests

Scott Anderson
Author of Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East
Episode: 412. Lawrence of Arabia: Guerrilla Warfare In The Arab Revolt (Part 2)
Anthony Sattin
Travel writer, historian and author of The Young T. E. Lawrence
Episode: 411. Lawrence of Arabia: The Truth Behind The Legend (Part 1)
Frederik Logevall
Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of John F. Kennedy
Episode: 410. JFK: Blood On The Streets Of Dallas (Part 4)
Fredrik Logevall
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of a three-volume biography of John F. Kennedy
Harvard University
Episode: 409. JFK: The Cuban Missile Crisis (Part 3)
Peter Frankopan
Historian and author of The First Crusade: The Call from the East
Episode: 406. Norman Conquest: The First Crusade (Part 6)
Marc Morris
Historian and author of The Norman Conquest and The Anglo-Saxons
Episode: 404. Norman Conquest: Colonising Ireland (Part 4)
Eleanor Barraclough
Historian
Episode: 401. The Norman Conquests: Secrets of the Bayeux Tapestry (Part 1)
Fiona Hill
National intelligence officer on Russia; former senior Russia advisor, U.S. National Security Council; co-author of Mr. Putin, Operative in the Kremlin
Brookings Institution (as referenced in discussion)
Episode: 400. Stalin: A Poisonous Legacy (Part 6)
Antony Beevor
Author of Stalingrad, a redefining work on the battle
Author
Episode: 399. Stalin: Hitler’s Downfall At Stalingrad (Part 5)

Hosts

Anita Anand
Host of Empire: World History; co-host; affiliations commonly listed as Empire: World History / Goalhanger or Empire (Goalhanger)
William Dalrymple
Co-host; Host of Empire: World History; author and historian

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 16.6k ratings
  • This is amazing exceptional podcast series. I am only part way through, however the Ottoman Empire series was a revelation to me and excellent. I have even been moved to read William's book On The Holy Mountain which again I would strongly recommend. This is accessible stuff - often with great knowledgeable guests which add to it. There is some fun too.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Alan from Leeds
    a month ago
  • The best history podcast out

    So informed, knowledgeable and entertaining. I love the guests, host takes and the range of topics covered.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NickMojoHolmes
    South Africaa month ago
  • Great pluralistic analysis of the world

    I love this podcast, so interesting (though sometimes you talk over your guests a bit too much) i don’t at all agree with the 1⭐️ reviews saying it’s anti western civilisation, it seems they haven’t bothered to actually listen to much of it! This podcast shines a light on areas of history and perspectives that were mostly missing from our basic education and are important to learn about and consider. It’s a discussion. The veracity of sources is assessed. It’s interesting and educational.

    When ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    acudunc
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Excellent and entertaining

    Very well done and fun to listen to. It may be history light but you learn a lot. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    basel100
    Switzerlanda month ago
  • Anti-western self-flagellation

    A pair of simpering metropolitan progressives tell us how awful western civilisation is.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tomwoodhams
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many praise the hosts' approachable storytelling and broad topic coverage.
Listeners appreciate deep historical context and engaging guest experts.
Some reviews criticize perceived bias or editorial stance, indicating mixed reception among audiences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

411. Lawrence of Arabia: The Truth Behind The Legend (Part 1)
Q: Does Lawrence have an affinity with the Arabs he meets, and does he like them?
Sattin describes Lawrence's sense of freedom and belonging in the region, his affection for local people, and the mutual care he experienced while working with them.
411. Lawrence of Arabia: The Truth Behind The Legend (Part 1)
Q: Is it true that Lawrence enlisted in the army as a boy soldier?
Lawrence later claimed he had enlisted around age seventeen, but there is no army record confirming it; Sattin says the story may or may not be true.
412. Lawrence of Arabia: Guerrilla Warfare In The Arab Revolt (Part 2)
Q: How quickly did Lawrence know about the agreement to divide much of the northern Arab world between Britain and France, and did he tell Faisal?
Anderson says Lawrence knew about the Sykes-Picot Agreement early, likely after it was signed, and inferred that Lawrence told Faisal soon after returning from Cairo. Faisal then became more aggressive and less trusting of the British, while Lawrence warned him not to rely on British promises.
412. Lawrence of Arabia: Guerrilla Warfare In The Arab Revolt (Part 2)
Q: What was Lawrence's job at the siege of Kut, and what happened there?
After two failed relief missions left the Indian Army stranded, Lawrence was one of two British officers sent to negotiate its release with the besieging Turks. The experience, along with Gallipoli and the failed Gaza assaults, reinforced his view that the British Army was incompetent.
410. JFK: Blood On The Streets Of Dallas (Part 4)
Q: What is the smoking gun that would convince you that he was a lone wolf or he was operating for someone else?
Logevall would look for tangible evidence such as a letter, document, or recording showing whether Oswald planned the assassination with someone else. Without that, he will rely on circumstantial evidence and says he has not seen evidence proving a conspiracy.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Empire: World History

What is Empire: World History about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The episodes routinely explore big-picture histories of empires, revolutions, and imperial dynamics, with a strong emphasis on how power, conquest, and governance shape today's world. Hosts bring scholarly context, vivid storytelling, and contemporary parallels, often connecting ancient or colonial-era events to modern politics, technology, and memory. A standout element is the clear collaboration with guest historians and specialists, which deepens analysis while keeping complex histories accessible for curious, globally minded audiences.

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Which podcasts are similar to Empire: World History?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Empire: World History:

1. The Rest Is History
2. The Rest Is Classified
3. The Rest Is Politics
4. The Book Club
5. Dan Snow's History Hit

How many episodes of Empire: World History are there?

Empire: World History launched 4 years ago and published 510 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Empire: World History?

Recent guests on Empire: World History include:

1. Scott Anderson
2. Anthony Sattin
3. Frederik Logevall
4. Fredrik Logevall
5. Peter Frankopan
6. Marc Morris
7. Eleanor Barraclough
8. Fiona Hill

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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