They’re small, sticky, and often overlooked, but postage stamps have told the story of the modern world in miniature. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of stamps, from the world’s first stamp in Victorian Britain to stamp-collecting mania and the rise of digital alternatives. Whether you're a philatelist or just curious about how mail used to work, this one’s got you licked.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-stamps/ or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute/Compact podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact Murder, Compact Mysteries, and Compact Warfare at:

• 5minutebiographies.com
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Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

From ancient Greek tragedies to modern Broadway blockbusters, the history of theatre is packed with drama, innovation, and cultural evolution. In this episode, we take the stage to explore how storytelling moved from sacred rituals to global entertainment, and how the spotlight has never stopped shifting.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-theatre/ or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute/Compact podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact Murder, Compact Mysteries, and Compact Warfare at:

• 5minutebiographies.com
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• compactmysteries.com
• compactwarfare.com

Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

From the dusty beaches of early motor racing to the supersonic runs across desert plains, this episode explores the adrenaline-fuelled pursuit of the world land speed record. Discover how fearless innovators, cutting-edge engineering, and record-breaking ambition have shaped more than a century of speed on wheels, and what the future might hold for the fastest machines on Earth.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-the-world-land-speed-record/ or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute/Compact podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact Murder, Compact Mysteries, and Compact Warfare at:

• 5minutebiographies.com
• compactdisasters.com 
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• compactmysteries.com
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Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

Few countries have shaped the world quite like Greece. In this episode, we explore the rich history of a land that gave us democracy, philosophy, theatre, and epic tales of gods and heroes. From ancient civilisations and classical glory to occupation, independence, and modern challenges, the story of Greece is one of resilience, culture, and enduring influence.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-greece or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

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Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

From ancient ball games to the global phenomenon we know today, soccer’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, we explore how a simple pastime evolved into the world’s most popular sport. From medieval chaos and Victorian rule-making to World Cup glory and street games in every corner of the globe, this is the story of how the beautiful game captured hearts everywhere.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-soccer or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute/Compact podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact Murder, Compact Mysteries, and Compact Warfare at:

• 5minutebiographies.com
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Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

From its murky medicinal origins to its notorious role in the Gin Craze and eventual rise as a refined spirit, gin has a story as complex as its botanical blend. In this episode, we trace the journey of gin across centuries and continents, from Dutch pharmacies to American speakeasies, and explore how it transformed from social scourge to cocktail royalty. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just curious about its colourful past, this is a spirited tale worth sipping on.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-gin or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute/Compact podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact Murder, Compact Mysteries, and Compact Warfare at:

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• compactmysteries.com
• compactwarfare.com

Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

From the roar of The Brickyard to the drama of the Indy 500, this episode takes you through the high-speed story of IndyCar. Discover how a dusty oval in Indiana became home to one of motorsport’s greatest traditions, how rivalries nearly tore the sport apart, and how it all came back together to form the thrilling, unpredictable series we see today. If you’ve ever wondered how America does open-wheel racing, this is where to start.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-indycar or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, 5 Minute Disasters, 5 Minute Murder, 5 Minute Mysteries, and 5 Minute Warfare at:

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• 5minutemysteries.com
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Or check them all out at Compact Histories.

From ancient Aboriginal homelands to a world-famous harbour city, Sydney has a story like no other. In this episode, we explore how the land of the Gadigal people became a British penal colony, grew into a booming multicultural metropolis, and emerged as one of the most iconic cities on Earth. From convicts to the Opera House, it’s a journey through resilience, reinvention, and remarkable transformation.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-sydney or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

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Or check them all out at 5 Minute Productions.

For thousands of years, the sword was more than just a weapon—it was a symbol of power, honor, and legend. In this episode of 5 Minute History, we trace the History of the Sword—from bronze blades of ancient warriors to the iconic swords that shaped battles and myths alike.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-the-sword or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, 5 Minute Disasters, 5 Minute Murder, 5 Minute Mysteries, and 5 Minute Warfare at:

• 5minutebiographies.com
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• 5minutemysteries.com
• 5minutewarfare.com

Or check them all out at 5 Minute Productions.

From ancient assemblies to modern democracies, the story of Government is the story of how societies organize, rule, and reinvent themselves. In this episode of 5 Minute History, we trace the evolution of government—how power has shifted, adapted, and shaped the world we live in today.

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at: https://5minutehistory.com/the-history-of-government or why not take a look at our YouTube channel at https://5minutehistory.com/youtube/

Please support us by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to support us more directly then why not consider buying us a coffee?  Head on over to 5minutehistory.com/coffee to see how

Check out our other 5 Minute podcasts - 5 Minute Biographies, 5 Minute Disasters, 5 Minute Murder, 5 Minute Mysteries, and 5 Minute Warfare at:

• 5minutebiographies.com
• 5minutedisasters.com 
• 5minutemurder.com
• 5minutemysteries.com
• 5minutewarfare.com

Or check them all out at 5 Minute Productions.