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Artwork for This is History: History’s Greatest Fails

This is History: History’s Greatest Fails

Sony Music Entertainment
Hundred Years' War
Edward III
France
Plantagenets
Henry V
Richard II
Edward II
Henry Bolingbroke
England
Simon De Montfort
Black Death
Edward I
Henry III
Scotland
Wars Of the Roses
Henry VI
Plantagenet Dynasty
Joan Of Arc
Peasants' Revolt
Middle Ages

History’s Greatest Fails is a miniseries from Dan Jones and Elizabeth Day that aims to answer the simple, but complex, question: Why do losers make history? From Richard III, to Vincent Van Gough, to the purposefully forgotten female Pharaoh Hatshepsut, this series is going to help you better understand how the idea of failure changes over time, and what lessons failure has for all of us. Dan and ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes367Founded4 years ago
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Society & CultureHistory

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Artwork for This is History: History’s Greatest Fails

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Recent Guests

Professor Helen Bond
Scholar of early Christianity
Edinburgh University
Episode: 3. A Nativity to Die For — Gold, Frankincense... and Murder
Helen Bond
Professor of early Christianity at Edinburgh University and resident Nativity expert
Edinburgh University
Episode: 2. A Nativity to Die For — Away in a manger
Jillian Turecki
Powerful relationship coach and author
Author of "It Begins with You"
Episode: You Might Also Like: The School of Greatness
Rachel Botsman
Lecturer at Oxford University and world-renowned expert on trust
Oxford University
Episode: You Might Also Like: Revisionist History
Annie Gray
Author, broadcaster and one of the UK's leading authorities on the history of food.
BBC Radio 4
Episode: In Conversation | Mediaeval Feasts and Foraging - with Annie Gray
Dr. Glaire Anderson
Expert in Islamic art, author of 'A Bridge to the Sky', and historical advisor on the video game series 'Assassin's Creed Mirage'.
University of Edinburgh
Episode: In Conversation | Flying dreams and X-rated rhymes - with Glaire Anderson
Stephen Fry
A titan of British comedy and the author of several books on Greek mythology
Episode: In Conversation | Greek myths in the Middle Ages- with Stephen Fry
Alice Loxton
Historian, TV presenter, and author of two books
Episode: In Conversation | Sexy poets and killer queens - with Alice Loxton

Host

Dan Jones
Historian and host, renowned medievalist, known for narrative, character-driven history.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 6.7k ratings
  • Get the basic facts straight

    I’m wanting to enjoy this series about History’s losers, but the female host gets so many easy facts wrong. So far she’s said that “if Edward VIII had become King”, and also said that Edward VIII’s parents were Edward VII and Mary of Teck. Dan, why aren’t you correcting her?!!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    ZKafer
    United States23 days ago
  • Keep ‘em coming

    This is a great concept for a podcast, a fun and educational listen, and the hosts have great chemistry. Keep the episodes coming guys!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dirkedbutgently
    United States23 days ago
  • 5 stars

    I stumbled upon this podcast while looking for something to fall asleep to at night. Now the problem is I don’t want to fall asleep by because I’m thoroughly

    enjoying listening and learning. If history was this interesting in school I would have learned a lot more. Great narrating, background sounds and quotes. Do I wish the bonus content was free, sure. But I understand they need to monetize too.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kezza0607
    Canadaa month ago
  • Only publicity

    Little show, lots of ads…

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    F. Ruiz
    Spaina month ago
  • Anything history

    I love the way this podcast is presented. The sound effect brings a little cinematic drama to the stories. Can’t wait for the new season.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    myfeit
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Many appreciate the accessible yet scholarly approach to medieval events and dynastic politics.
Listeners praise the host's storytelling and expertise, calling the show engaging and well-researched.
Readers highlight high production quality and the ability to make long-form history feel cinematic.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#62
United States/History
Spotify
#37
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#185
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#16
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#65
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#35
Australia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S9 E6 | The Ambush
Q: What is your favourite conspiracy theory, medieval or otherwise?
Listeners are encouraged to share their favorite conspiracy theories on Patreon.
Was the Queen of England a French spy?
Q: Why is Maine significant?
Maine is strategically significant as it connects Normandy and Aquitaine and has historical ties to the Plantagenets.
Was the Queen of England a French spy?
Q: Can you just give me a snapshot of the adults in the room?
Suffolk is a new person who has risen to power, taking charge of negotiations and policy.
S9 E1 | Problem Child
Q: Given that England still stuck to the rules with an infant king, I want to know, what's the weirdest thing you, or someone you know, has done in service of a rule?
This question for Royal Favourites encourages personal anecdotes related to strict adherence to rules, showcasing the quirks of monarchy and governance.
S8 E2 | Whack a Mole
Q: If you were in Henry IV's position, would you be a little bit superstitious?
The challenges Henry IV faces may provoke paranoia and superstition, especially after executing a key church figure like Archbishop Scroop, considering the Middle Ages' viewpoint on divine wrath.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series delves into the late medieval crisis that shaped England and France, tracing Henry VI's fragile, infant-led reign amid mounting noble feuds, political intrigue, and social upheaval. Narratives weave together the Wars of the Roses, the Yorkist–Lancastrian power struggles, and the shifting loyalties that followed Henry V's death, with recurring threads around Margaret of Anjou, Joan of Arc, and the spectral shadow of royal madness and witchcraft. The host's storytelling emphasizes social context, court politics, and battlefield moments, offering a vivid arc from fragile kingship to open civil war while highlighting how propaganda, ritual, and diplomacy shaped public perception and outcomes. The show is notable for a cinematic, char... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Gone Medieval
2. Not Just the Tudors
3. Dan Snow's History Hit
4. Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
5. After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

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this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 367 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Professor Helen Bond
2. Helen Bond
3. Jillian Turecki
4. Rachel Botsman
5. Annie Gray
6. Dr. Glaire Anderson
7. Stephen Fry
8. Alice Loxton

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