Forbidden History

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Battle of Agincourt through the eyes of archaeologists. While the battle is often remembered through legend and literature, the evidence beneath the soil tells a more grounded story of what really happened in 1415. Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Prof. Anne Curry: University of Southampton Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1916, two great fleets met in the cold, grey waters of the North Sea in what became the largest naval battle of the First World War. This episode explores the conflicting legacy of the Battle of Jutland - a clash as shadowed by fog as it was by uncertainty. Cast List: Chuck Meide: Maritime Archaeologist Brendan Burke: Maritime Archaeologist Nicholas Jellicoe: Author, Jutland the Unfinished Battle Guy Walters: Author & Historian Andrew Choong: Curator, National Maritime Museum Nick Hewitt: Head of Exhibitions & Collections, The National Museum of The Royal Navy Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the dramatic 1244 siege of Montségur, the last stronghold of the Cathars, a heretical Christian sect hunted by the Catholic Church… Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Dr Marie-Elise Gardel: Archaeologist, Site Medieval De Cabaret a Lastours Frederic Loppe: Archaeologist, Site Medieval De Cabaret a Lastours Fabrice Chambon: Cultural Ambassador, Chateau & Musee De Montsegur Andre Czeski: Archaeologist, Musee De Montsegur Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1947, a strange crash in the New Mexico desert sparked rumours of alien contact and a military cover-up… In this episode, we dives into the conflicting reports, declassified documents, and enduring questions surrounding the Roswell incident. Cast List: Guy Walters: Author & Historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1925, the SS Cotopaxi vanished without a trace while sailing through the infamous Bermuda Triangle, leaving behind no clear explanation. In this episode, we dive into the mysterious theories, and join experts on their hunt for the shipwreck... will they find what they're looking for? Cast List: Chuck Meide: Maritime Archaeologist Michael Barnette: Marine Biologist and Underwater Explorer Douglas Myers: Captain William Myers’s Grandson Guy Walters: Historian & Author Al Perkins: Avid Diver Brendan Burke: Maritime Archaeologist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happened to Jesus between ages of 12 and 30? In this episode we explore the mystery of his "missing years," from ancient legends to modern theories, and what they reveal about faith, history, and the unknown. Cast List: Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who was the St. Bees Man? In this episode, we continue exploring the incredible story of the Cumbrian Knight who was discovered in a lead shroud in 1981. This second instalment to the story has us trying to figure out exactly who this man was... Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Chris Robson: Local Expert Dr Robin Darwall-Smith: Magdalen College Archivist Ian McAndrew: Local GP Tim Guard: Author, Chivalry, Kingship and Crusade David Nicolle: Author & Historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who was the St. Bees Man? In part one of this episode, we explore the incredible story of the Cumbrian Knight who was discovered in a lead shroud in 1981. With his body coated in beeswax, the man was found in a near perfect state of preservation... but how? Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Chris Robson: Local Expert Deirdre O’Sullivan: Archaeologist, University of Leicester Ian McAndrew: Local GP Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During World War II, Nazi Germany launched a secretive effort to harness the power of the atom - but how close did they really get to building a nuclear weapon? In this episode, we explore the science, the scientists, and the sabotage behind Hitler’s atomic ambitions. Was the world closer to a Nazi bomb than we realise, or was it doomed from the start? Cast List: Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we journey to Portugal to uncover the secrets of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrotta, where Portuguese forces and their English allies triumphed against the Castilians and French under the blazing August sun. An ancient ossuary filled with the battle’s fallen could unlock new insights into medieval warfare in Europe. Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Manuel Joao Matias: Dryas Octopetala Archaeological Services Professor Joao Gouveia Monteiro: Universidade De Coimbra Simon Richardson: Metal Detectorist Nuno Barraca: Geophysicist, Dryas Octopetala Archaeological Services Professor Eugenia Cunha: Forensic Anthropologist, Universidade De Coimbra Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the ancient biblical story of the Exodus, tracing the Israelites' journey from Egyptian slavery to the Promised Land. Join us as we uncover the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this legendary migration that has inspired countless generations. Cast List: Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we explore the surprisingly private and complex life of Henry VIII beyond his public image. From his refined tastes and athletic pursuits, this episode reveals a lesser-known side of the Tudor monarch. Cast List: Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’ Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’ Dr. Matt Green: Historian Lesley Ronaldson: Guide Lecturer, Hampton Court Palace Eleri Lynn: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we investigate a medieval skeleton found near Lewes, Sussex, initially suspected to be a casualty of the Battle of Lewes in the 12th century. But with radiocarbon dating revealing an even older origin, possibly the Norman era, the research team delves into whether this could be the first skeletal link to the Battle of Hastings... Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University Of York Malin Holst: Osteoarcheologist, University Of York Chris Whittick: Senior Archivist, East Sussex County Council Luke Barber: Research Officer, Sussex Archaeology Society John Bleach: Sussex Archaeological Society Greg Chuter: Assistant County Archaeologist, East Sussex County Council Edwina Livesey: Sussex Archaeological Society Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we uncover the true origins of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a story born from scientific curiosity and the eerie promise of reanimation. Over 200 years later, its questions about creation, responsibility, and the limits of human ambition are more prominent than ever in the age of artificial intelligence... Cast List: Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the extravagant reign of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King" who ruled France for over 70 years. Discover how his obsession with absolute power and the lavish court life at Versailles transformed the French monarchy and left a lasting legacy on European culture. Cast List: Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’ Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’ Dr. Matt Green: Historian Emmanuel Frossard: Master Perfumier Christine Baltay: Historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2013, a team of metal detectorists in Janakkala, Finland, stumbled upon something astonishing - a mysterious grave dating back over a thousand years. Buried with two swords, the extraordinary find suggests a link between Christians and Pagans. Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist Simo Vanhatalo: Archaeological Field Services, Museuivirasto Paul Macdonald: Sword maker, MacDonald Armouries Rachel Wood: University of York Raila Altonen: Landowner Mikko Mäkelä: Metal Detectorist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we journey into one of the most enduring conspiracy theories of the 20th century: Did NASA really land astronauts on the Moon in 1969, or was it an elaborate hoax filmed on a Hollywood soundstage? We explore the origins of the Apollo moon landing conspiracy theory, discuss the most common claims made by skeptics, and examine how science, photography, and cold war politics fuelled both belief and doubt. Cast List: Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we unpack the life of King George III, his battles with mental illness and how they forced his son, the Prince Regent, into power. As the king faded from public life, the prince indulged in grand architectural dreams and lavish tastes, ushering in a new era shaped by crisis, culture, and conflict. Cast List: Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’ Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’ Dr. Matt Green: Historian Dr Jane Desborough: Curator of Scientific Instruments at the Science Museum, London Professor Peter Garrard: Professor of Neurology at St George's University of London Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we’re joined by Tony McMahon to explore the life and legacy of James, the so-called “brother” of Jesus. Was James an early leader in the Jerusalem church whose influence shaped the foundation of Christianity, and a truly a devoted follower of Jesus? Or are there hidden texts or Gnostic writings that reveal a different James than the one we’re told about... Cast List: Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we explore the Nazi regime’s radical urban planning ambitions, from Hitler’s vision for “Germania” - a colossal, totalitarian capital meant to eclipse all others, to the destruction of Warsaw. Cast List: Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press. Nicholas O’Shaughnessy: Professor of Communication at Queen Mary, University of London Terry Charman: Historian & Author Frank McDonough: Author & Historian of the Third Reich Nigel Jones: Author & Historian Wolfgang Schlecker: Historian Alexander Kropp: Berlin Journalist & Historian Dr. Alexander Schmidt: German Historian & Nuremberg resident Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices