History's Greatest Cities

To delve into the history of Tunis – and the ancient city of Carthage that preceded the modern Tunisian capital – travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by classicist and archaeologist Dr Eve MacDonald. Together, they explore theatres, mosques and markets, and meet some of the key characters who shaped the fascinating stories of these two cities.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

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Vienna has long been a pivotal location in European history, shaping imperial politics, hosting landmark diplomatic negotiations, and nurturing artistic, cultural and intellectual movements that spread throughout the continent. In this episode of History’s Greatest Cities, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by Florian Pollock to explore Austria's vibrant capital, from its Roman origins right up to modern day. Along the way, they stop off at some of the most fascinating historic spots to visit and share top tips for wandering history enthusiasts.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠.

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Kyoto stands as Japan’s thousand-year imperial heart, in which courtly ritual, Buddhist thought, and architectural artistry crystallised into the nation’s cultural centre. In this episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Lesley Downer to trace the city’s story. Together, they explore Kyoto’s temples and shrines, bamboo groves and geisha haunts – and meet people who played major roles in the city’s story, from its settlement to the era of modernisation that swept Japan in the mid-19th century.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠.

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As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston played a pivotal role in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, as well as the signing of the Declaration of Independence that followed. In this episode of History’s Greatest Cities, Paul Bloomfield is joined by writer John Bell to explore the storied history of the capital of Massachusetts. Together, they wander through Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods, tracing the story of this harbour city from its pre-colonial roots, through Puritan settlement, to its rise as a major port and administrative centre of the British Atlantic world.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠.

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Siena stands as a brick-and-marble time capsule of the Middle Ages, where banking ambition, artistic revolution, and fierce civic identity fused into one of the great medieval Italian city states. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by archaeologist and researcher Lucy Shipley to explore this enchanting Tuscan city. Together they explore the city’s early years as a Roman military colony, its flourishing in the Middle Ages, and its later decline and revival. Along the way, they meet important figures who played major roles in Siena's story – and recommend top tips for eager travellers.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠.

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Glasgow, once the beating heart of Scotland’s industry and trade, forged a legacy of innovation and culture that still shapes the modern nation. In this episode of History’s Greatest Cities, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by author and lecturer Dr Craig Lamont to explore the city’s monastic origins, its growth as a market town, and its development as an industrial, ship-building port. Along the way, they explore cathedrals, museums and world-class art galleries, and introduce key characters in Glasgow's story.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠.

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Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by author Bradley Mayhew to explore Samarkand, the ancient Uzbek city and major hub on the Silk Roads. Together, they trace more than two millennia of history, from its ancient origins in the seventh century BC through conquest by Alexander the Great, destruction by Genghis Khan, prominence under Timur and later incorporation into the Soviet Union. Along the way, they meet major historical figures, try the local cuisine and share top advice for visitors to the city today.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠.

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Serving as a medieval royal capital, Kraków was a vibrant historical centre of culture, learning and commerce, symbolising the region’s political and intellectual life for centuries. In this episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield and historian Professor Natalia Nowakowska guide us through the streets, squares and stories of this ancient city. They consider how invasion, oppression, and renewal shaped the city we know today – as well as the complex history and legacy of the Jewish population that played such an important role in the city's success for many centuries before Nazi occupation.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/.

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Thinking about booking a big historical trip in 2026? In this bonus episode of History’s Greatest Cities, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by Tom Hall, vice president at Lonely Planet, to explore the best locations for history lovers. Which destinations are worth your time, and which historical hotspots are currently enjoying their moment in the spotlight? Find out here – and get some expert practical advice on making the most out of your trip.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/.

This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth unfold, we're exploring one of the places she called home: Bath. In this special episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by Bath-based historian and writer Kirsten Elliott to explore the local history on her doorstep. Together they journey past Roman baths, medieval walls, and the elegant Georgian Royal Crescent – and, of course, check out some traditional English pubs along the way. They also meet some of the characters who shaped the city, from famed writers to postal pioneers.

History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.

For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com.

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.

You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/.

This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices