One of the world’s most influential composers, Ludwig van Beethoven changed the course of Western music. Despite losing his hearing, he created some of history’s most celebrated works, and his compositions are renowned for their emotional depth, innovation, and freshness to this day. But how did an unpolished youth from the German Rhineland rise to become one of the most famous names in classical music? Why was his private life beset by disappointment? And how did he continue to produce such ext...
Mar 10, 2025•59 min•Ep 174•Transcript available on Metacast Nestled deep in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City stands as one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Built in the early 15th century as the secretive seat of imperial rule, it’s the largest palace complex anywhere in the world, and the biggest wooden structure on earth. But how did an audacious coup lead to the construction of this mysterious compound? What was life like inside the gated city? And how did it survive revolution, civil war, invasion, and natural disasters, to rema...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep 173•Transcript available on Metacast During World War Two, the Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most brutal engagements of the entire conflict, and would go on to be one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare. Over a course of six months, Soviet forces fought to defend their city against the German Army, where an estimated 1 million Soviet soldiers, and 800,000 Axis troops were killed, wounded or captured. But why was a modest little city in southern Russia so important to Stalin and Hitler? Who were the soldiers who...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep 172•Transcript available on Metacast Pablo Picasso was one of the most celebrated and radical artists of the 20th century. His styles shocked and outraged contemporaries, and are still instantly recognisable today. But while the artist was publicly fêted, behind closed doors there was a darker side, and many of his female companions protested at his behaviour. So what drove Picasso to master the rules of art, and then break them? How did a man who claimed he didn’t ‘do politics’ become a poster boy for revolution? And what makes hi...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep 171•Transcript available on Metacast Leader of the Wild Bunch gang, Butch Cassidy was a legendary American criminal who engineered infamous bank and train robberies across the West in the late 19th century. His charisma and careful planning ensured he eluded capture for years. And when, in 1901, he fled the law to South America with his partner, the Sundance Kid, reports differ as to what exactly became of him…. Could Cassidy have survived, quietly living out the rest of his days back in the United States? What is the real truth ab...
Feb 10, 2025•59 min•Ep 170•Transcript available on Metacast Nelson Mandela came to be considered one of the great global figures of his age, but for decades he was a prisoner in his own country. Branded a terrorist by South Africa’s white authorities, as well as many foreign governments, he survived years in the wilderness, only to return in one of the most dramatic character rehabilitations in history. So what drove this son of a high-ranking family to become an activist against South Africa’s apartheid regime? What strategies did he adopt, and at what ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr•Ep 169•Transcript available on Metacast When a man called Edward Hargraves first discovered gold in Australia, in 1851, the impact on the country was immeasurable. Word of Hargraves’ good fortune caused thousands of individuals to flood New South Wales and join the rush. Men left their families, professionals quit their jobs, ships were abandoned in the ports, as gold-fever spread through the country. Within two decades, Australia’s population had quadrupled. But what fortunes awaited those hopeful individuals who chased the allure of...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep 168•Transcript available on Metacast From impoverished roots on an island struggling to leave behind its colonial past, Bob Marley emerged; creating music that spoke with a universality, and which was beloved by people all over the world. His love of music was the backbone of his life, and his commitment to the Rastafari faith shone a spotlight on its ideals. But how did Bob Marley go from Kingston’s most impoverished area, to becoming a global star? Why was his life so tragically cut short? And why does his music still inspire you...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr•Ep 167•Transcript available on Metacast Emperor Nero was one of the most reviled and controversial leaders of Ancient Rome. To some, his reign was a breath of fresh air after his unpopular predecessor, and his failings had no more to do with him, than with the unstable infrastructure of Roman government. And yet to others, Nero is inseparable from rumours about his sexual predilections, debauched behaviours, and apparent appetite for murder. But how did Nero seize the imperial crown while still in his teens? What really happened to en...
Jan 13, 2025•58 min•Ep 166•Transcript available on Metacast The second of nine children from a well-to-do family in New England, John F Kennedy fought his way up to become the most powerful man on the planet. After claiming a narrow victory in the 1960 election, Kennedy and his glamorous wife, Jacqueline, led the country on a wave of optimism and energy. For many, he represented a vision of America at its brightest. But what challenges did he have to overcome to reach office? What were the personal qualities that powered his rise? And just how golden was...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep 165•Transcript available on Metacast In 480BC, the Spartans secured their place in history when 300 of their soldiers fought to the death against the mighty Persian army at Thermopylae. Their reputation for brutal decisiveness and simple living have been admired for thousands of years. But what about the darker side of Spartan ideology, a society that culled weak babies, forced children to fight, and enslaved its neighbours? Was Sparta really a utopia? Or was Aristotle right when he said that Spartans simply made men into machines?...
Dec 30, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Older than the pyramids and just as cryptic, the prehistoric British site of Stonehenge has dominated its landscape for thousands of years. But what is Stonehenge? A celestial clock? An ancient computer to predict eclipses? Was it a temple, a cemetery, or a site of execution? And who were the people who lived and died to create this Stone Age masterpiece? This is a Short History of Stonehenge. Written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Julian Richards, archaeologist, broadcaster and author of the off...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Beatrix Potter’s tales and illustrations of Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten and friends, set in quintessential English villages and on Edwardian farms, have charmed children for decades. But alongside being an artist and author, Beatrix Potter was a natural scientist, a conservationist, a farmer, sheep-breeder, and shrewd businesswoman. So how did this shy, sheltered Victorian girl become a literary phenomenon? What did it take to succeed in the male dominated world of publishing? Why did she focus so ...
Dec 16, 2024•56 min•Ep 164•Transcript available on Metacast A brand-new release from the Noiser Network. Join Hugh Bonneville on a thrilling journey through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated Holmes mysteries - read in their original, masterful form. If you enjoy this taster episode, search ’Sherlock Holmes Short Stories’ in your podcast app and hit follow for more episodes. Or follow this link: https://podfollow.com/sherlock-holmes-short-stories-1 Part 2 of The Adventure of the Speckled Band is live now and waiting for you. Learn more about your a...
Dec 12, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast A 50-mile man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the creation of the Panama Canal was arguably the greatest infrastructure project the world had ever seen. But its journey from concept to completion was anything but simple, as it failed repeatedly, and passed through numerous pairs of hands, before a decade-long construction began, fronted by the United States. But what made the creation of the canal the single most expensive construction effort in American history, both i...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 163•Transcript available on Metacast The official seat of Britain’s monarchy for almost 200 years, Buckingham Palace has provided the stage and backdrop to countless events that have shaped the nation and the wider world. An iconic building, family home, and nucleus of political power, it’s one of the nation’s most expensive estates. But how did a singular building become such a staple part of Britain’s landscape? How did the royal headquarters develop? And what is its future in the 21st century and beyond? This is a Short History ...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 162•Transcript available on Metacast Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the ancient city of Chichén Itza stands as a majestic testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of the ancient Maya civilization. It’s long been regarded as a shining example of Maya influence, yet today, many experts agree it’s not typically Maya at all, but rather a reflection of a shifting, adapting civilisation. So how did the city become such an important hub to a dominant Mesoamerican superpower? What were the cultura...
Nov 25, 2024•59 min•Ep 161•Transcript available on Metacast Sir Isaac Newton became one of history’s most important scientists - all thanks, as legend has it, to an apple falling from a tree. But beyond the famous anecdote is the story of a polymath who revolutionised our grasp of how the universe works, and led a life plagued by rivalries, grudges, and accusations of plagiarism. Loved by some, derided by others, why was Newton so controversial? What were his most enduring discoveries? And why did he step away from science? This is a Short History Of Sir...
Nov 18, 2024•56 min•Ep 160•Transcript available on Metacast Take a trip back in time to Ancient Rome, to discover the bizarre and barbaric world of the gladiators. But who were these mysterious warriors? And how much truth lies behind the legends? Take your seat in the Roman Colosseum, the games are about to begin. This is a Short History Of the Gladiators. A Noiser production, written by Addison Nugent. With thanks to Dr. Neville Morley, historian and author of The Roman Empire: Roots of Imperialism. Get every episode of Short History Of a week early wi...
Nov 15, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a testament to human ingenuity and architectural brilliance. Built in the third century BC on the small island of Pharos, it was the first lighthouse in recorded history and the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing over 100 metres high, it provided a vital beacon for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. But who built the lighthouse? How did it change during its 17 centuries overlooking the city? And, after its fi...
Nov 11, 2024•57 min•Ep 159•Transcript available on Metacast Vlad the Impaler is one of history’s most terrifying villains. A leader who used torture, terrorism, and sadistic punishment to retain his grip on power. Though he was considered a folk hero by some in his homeland, for many, he’s the inspiration behind the most spine-chilling tale of all time: Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But what sparked Vlad’s bloodthirsty obsession? How did he come to give his name - Dracul - to a vampire? And when it comes to medieval violence and tyranny, how did Vlad the Impale...
Nov 04, 2024•59 min•Ep 158•Transcript available on Metacast The Trojan War was a time of heroes. From the swift-footed Achilles, and the hot-headed Prince Paris, to the beautiful Queen Helen, and the all-powerful gods, Zeus, Athena, and Aphrodite. In these early days of what we now call Ancient Greece, the story of Troy was already a saga from a bygone age, re-imagined by Homer, and told around the world ever since. But was any of it true? Did those legendary heroes ever exist? How did Helen’s beauty launch a thousand ships? And could the Greeks really h...
Oct 28, 2024•57 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast Marie Curie was an extraordinary woman who, alongside her husband Pierre, turned the scientific world on its head. Their work led to the discovery of new elements, and a previously unknown process, called radioactivity. Over the course of a 40-year career, Marie Curie faced daunting challenges - from personal choices, to devastating health issues. But how did one woman make the journey from struggling immigrant to internationally recognised scientist? How important was her partnership with her h...
Oct 20, 2024•59 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast Walter Raleigh remains one of the most famous figures of the late-Tudor and early-Stuart period. His life epitomised Elizabethan energy and ambition - though many of his grand schemes ended in failure. Raleigh was a soldier, sailor, courtier, writer, politician, explorer, and colonist. Depending on who you ask, he was also a pirate and traitor, or a patriot and hero. So how did this perplexing figure rise from comparatively humble beginnings to become one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourites? Did he ...
Oct 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast This is a taster episode from our sister show, Real Survival Stories. Hosted by our very own John Hopkins, the show brings you astonishing tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary survival situations. In this episode, we meet Pat and Pete Etheridge. One tranquil day on holiday in Sri Lanka, the island is engulfed by a wall of water. Swept away in the torrent, the couple will face their own individual battles to survive before they can even begin to find their way back to each other… Re...
Oct 09, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast The battle for Vietnam waged between the communist-ruled North of the country, and the US-backed south, lasted almost 20 years, from 1955. It spilled over into neighbouring countries, and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 3.8 million people - half of them civilians. It was a brutal, un-winnable conflict, which reshaped global geopolitics. But how did what might have been a little local trouble in Southeast Asia evolve into an international conflict? Why did the rise of an anti-colonial, nat...
Oct 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast The story of Sitting Bull is inextricably linked to that of his immense, untamed homeland, which he fought to protect and preserve. Sitting Bull was feared as a villain to white settlers, but regarded as a warrior, a shaman, and a hero to his own people. Determined to protect his people’s culture, heritage, and dignity, he was the greatest chief the Lakota people had ever known. But why did his way of life become so threatened? How did he rise from a young warrior, to leader of the Lakota tribe?...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 153•Transcript available on Metacast Born amid the turmoil of 16th century British society, Mary Queen of Scots was a leader trapped between Scotland and England, Catholic and Protestant ideologies, as well as love and duty. But she was also a woman with burning ambition, and her obsession with securing the English throne would define her life, and death. So, was Mary Stuart a plotter who would stop at nothing to realise her dreams? Or a wronged woman, manipulated by those around her? And did her dying father’s prophecy about her r...
Sep 22, 2024•58 min•Ep 152•Transcript available on Metacast Over roughly a thousand years, the Kremlin has come to symbolise Russia itself, with all its varying fortunes, allegiances, and leaders. It’s a physical location that has become synonymous with government and nationhood. Through war and peace, Russia’s leaders have always striven to forge their own identities alongside that of this famous old complex. But what were the origins of this forbidding citadel? How did it become intrinsically linked to the rise of Moscow? And what of its enemies - from...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast Ask any British school child for a significant date in history, and they’ll likely offer 1066 - the year of William the Conqueror’s Norman invasion of England. But William was just one prominent Norman figure, and 1066 was a single chapter in a much larger story. Settling in northern France in the early 10th century, the Normans were a formidable, cunning, bold and ruthless force, who moulded Medieval Europe, and left a lasting legacy across the British Isles. But where else did the Normans esta...
Sep 08, 2024•56 min•Ep 150•Transcript available on Metacast 
