Forbidden History

This episode explores the history and legends surrounding the Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil's Bible, including its mysterious origins and the legend of its monk author. The journey traces the manuscript's turbulent survival through religious wars, its time in the Sedlec ossuary, and its movement through various hands, including Emperor Rudolf II and Queen Christina of Sweden. Beyond its physical history, the episode investigates connections to 13th-century Bohemian folklore, such as Huska Castle and the 'Devil's Heads' carvings. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on how the manuscript serves as a powerful memento mori and a representation of the fundamental Christian duality between salvation and perdition.

This episode explores the political life and strategic maneuvers of Cleopatra, beginning with her early education under Ptolemy XII. It details how she learned to leverage Roman debt and navigate internal Egyptian crises, such as the Gabiniani uprising, by utilizing Roman connections to reclaim her throne. The narrative follows her calculated use of wealth and femininity to form alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The episode concludes by examining the rise of Octavian, the pivotal Battle of Actium, and how the very gender-based political strategies Cleopatra used to gain power were ultimately weaponized by Rome to orchestrate her downfall.

This episode explores the mysteries and construction of ancient pyramids, ranging from the Great Pyramid of Giza and Teotihuacan to the controversial structures in Bosnia. It examines mainstream Egyptological views alongside fringe theories regarding pyramids as energy conduits, technological machines, or remnants of a lost global culture. The discussion details recent archaeological findings, such as muon particle voids in Egypt and pyrite-embedded tunnels in Mexico, while weighing the claims of Sam Osmanagic regarding man-made formations in Bosnia. The episode contrasts scientific geological perspectives with theories about the intentional astronomical planning and potential healing properties of these ancient monuments.

This episode explores the historical significance of the Viking raid on Lindisfarne and its role in marking the beginning of the Viking Age. It details the religious importance of the Holy Island, the lives of its early monastic community, and the devastating impact of the 793 attack. The episode also examines recent archaeological efforts by Dig Ventures to uncover the truth behind this era. Through excavations revealing stone foundations of early churches, researchers investigate the landscape of Lindisfarne and the lack of physical evidence left by the raid, noting that only written accounts capture the profound trauma of the event.

This episode explores the mystery and controversy surrounding crystal skulls, focusing on the tension between scientific evidence and spiritual belief. It examines the Mitchell Hedges skull and its alleged supernatural properties alongside technological analyses that suggest many famous skulls are 19th-century forgeries created using modern rotary tools. While scientific testing of mineral compositions and tool marks points to modern manufacturing and non-local quartz, the episode also investigates theories of extraterrestrial or Atlantean origins. Ultimately, it considers how the emotional impact and the power of belief allow the legend of these artifacts to persist despite evidence of their potential as commercial hoaxes.

This episode explores the legal and logistical foundations of the Nuremberg trials, detailing how the Allies established new international laws to prosecute Nazi leaders for unprecedented crimes. It covers the selection of Nuremberg as the trial location, the identification of key defendants, and the use of innovative technologies like simultaneous translation and archival evidence. The discussion further details the prosecution's use of evidence, the various legal defenses used by Nazi defendants, and the eventual sentencing. It also explores the controversial nature of 'victor's justice,' the execution of the condemned, and the lasting legacy of establishing international law.

This episode explores the enduring mysteries and theories surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, ranging from scientific explanations like methane gas and meteorological conditions to more speculative ideas involving Atlantis and portals to other dimensions. The discussion examines how advanced military technology, such as sonar testing at the AUTEC naval base, may have contributed to local legends of UFOs and USOs. Additionally, the episode delves into Bermuda's historical role as a strategic Cold War listening post and its reputation for shipwrecks and natural dangers. The investigation connects secret military activities and underwater warfare testing to the psychological allure and fear surrounding the region's famous disappearances.

This episode of Forbidden History explores the history of Project Stargate, a multi-million dollar US government research program dedicated to investigating remote viewing and extrasensory perception. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, the program sought to determine if psychics could be utilized as an intelligence-gathering tool to identify distant locations, military installations, and missing objects. Featuring insights from former CIA agent Lindsay Moran, the narrative traces the project's evolution from early experiments at the Stanford Research Institute through various iterations under the Army and the DIA. The episode examines the scientific attempts to validate anomalous perceptual abilities, the influence of figures like Hal Puthoff and Ingo Swann, and the eventual termination of the program following a 1995 review that found the results statistically significant yet practically unusable.

This episode explores the deep-seated mysteries and controversies surrounding the Vatican, from the hidden contents of its secret archives to allegations of wartime collaboration. It examines significant financial scandals involving the Vatican Bank, including the suspicious deaths of Pope John Paul I and financier Roberto Calvi, and his connections to Mafia money laundering. The discussion further delves into the purpose of the Vatican Observatory in Arizona, weighing conspiracy theories about searching for aliens against scientific research into asteroids and galaxies. Finally, the episode considers the possibility of intelligent life in the universe and the potential for suppressed theological truths held within the Church's archives.

This episode explores the complex and contradictory life of Charles Lindbergh, from his rise to fame following his historic solo transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis to the tragic kidnapping of his first child. The narrative follows his descent into controversy, including his involvement with eugenics, Nazi sympathy, and the 'America First' movement. As the episode concludes, it examines Lindbergh's later years as an environmentalist and the posthumous revelations that complicated his legacy. Historical research uncovered his private adherence to racist ideologies and the existence of secret families in Germany, presenting a figure defined by both superhuman achievements and deeply abhorrent personal beliefs.

This episode explores the biblical account of the fall of Jericho and the ritualistic siege led by Joshua, examining the perceived power of the Ark of the Covenant alongside the archaeological history of the site. From Charles Warren's early explorations to Kathleen Kenyon's scientific excavations, we trace the discovery of prehistoric rituals and decorated skulls. The discussion further investigates the discrepancy between archaeological dating and the biblical narrative, specifically regarding the destruction of Jericho's walls. We explore the debate over whether the siege is a historical event or a literary myth, considering the theory that the Bible may represent a theologized cultural memory of an ancient catastrophe.

This episode explores the history of the Mary Celeste, tracing its journey from its origins as the Amazon to its discovery as an abandoned vessel in 1872. The discussion covers the subsequent legal investigations into potential foul play and how fictionalized accounts by authors like Arthur Conan Doyle helped transform the maritime mystery into a global legend. The episode also examines modern theories regarding the abandonment, including water ingress and alcohol vapor explosions, before detailing the ship's final fate through an intentional wrecking for insurance fraud in 1885. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the human tragedy behind the enduring legend.

This episode investigates the hunt for a serial killer operating on Berlin's S-Bahn during the WWII era. Amidst Nazi-enforced news blackouts and political pressure to blame foreign workers, detectives utilized forensic evidence—including blood spatter analysis and the identification of a unique lead cable weapon—to track the murderer. The investigation eventually led to the interrogation and confession of Paul Ogossov. The episode concludes with the chilling irony that Detective Georg Heuser, who played a key role in solving the case, later became an SS mass murderer involved in the Holocaust.

This episode explores the discovery and archaeological significance of the Oseberg ship burial, a spectacular Viking grave containing two women and remarkably preserved organic artifacts. It details the historical excavation process led by Professor Gabriel Gustafsson and discusses modern scientific re-examinations that have revealed new insights into the lives and origins of the deceased. The discussion further delves into the intricate details of the burial, including the symbolic value of textiles, the significance of early archaeological photography, and the complex social roles of the two women. The episode also covers the construction of a modern replica ship and the enduring mystery regarding why the burial mound was placed in such an inconspicuous location.

This episode of Forbidden History examines the CIA's involvement in the 1973 Chilean coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende and installed General Augusto Pinochet. The narrative explores how United States strategic interests during the Cold War led to covert operations, including economic warfare and political destabilization, aimed at preventing a Marxist government from succeeding in Latin America. The discussion details the progression from election interference to the violent military takeover, highlighting the discrepancy between Washington's geopolitical objectives and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe. The episode analyzes the long-term consequences of the Pinochet regime, characterized by widespread human rights abuses, and reflects on the moral complexities of intelligence agencies acting as tools of national policy.

This episode explores the archaeological and historical significance of the Battle of Dornach in 1499, a conflict between the Swiss cantons and the Holy Roman Empire. It examines the unique and grim display of human skulls within the town of Dornach, detailing the unusual history of how these remains have been moved and displayed over centuries. The investigation delves into the osteological evidence found on the remains, using experimental archaeology to replicate specific blade trauma, such as wounds from a rare flame-bladed sword. The findings reflect a brutal conflict where surrender was not an option, serving as both a historical warning and a grim reminder of the human cost of war.

This episode explores the profound and contradictory life of Fritz Haber, a chemist whose scientific breakthroughs simultaneously sustained and devastated humanity. The narrative traces his journey from the development of the Haber-Bosch process—a revolutionary method for synthesizing ammonia that averted global famine and supports much of the modern world's population—to his role as the architect of chemical warfare during World War I. Through the lens of historian Dominic Selwood, the episode examines how Haber's intense German nationalism led him to direct research into lethal agents like chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas. The biography further details the personal tragedies resulting from his work, including the suicide of his wife, Clara Immenvar, and his eventual forced exile from Germany due to the rise of Nazi racial ideologies. The episode concludes by reflecting on the Haber Paradox: a legacy where the same chemical mastery used to feed billions also provided the foundation for tools of mass destruction.

This episode explores the massive industrial, architectural, and military projects of Nazi Germany, from the construction of the Bunker Valentin for U-boat production to synthetic fuel plants like Hydrewerker Perlitz AG. It examines how Hitler used monumental architecture in Nuremberg and the planned 'Germania' in Berlin to project power, intimidate citizens, and establish historical legitimacy. The episode also details the use of social programs like the Prora complex as tools for propaganda and population control, alongside the strategic importance of command sites like the Wolf's Lair. Finally, it covers the Allied intelligence success in cracking the Enigma code and highlights how the Nazi war machine was fundamentally built upon the brutal exploitation of millions of forced laborers.

This episode of Forbidden History explores the life and tragic end of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet radar engineer known as the 'Billion Dollar Spy.' During the Cold War, Tolkachev provided the CIA with invaluable technical intelligence regarding Soviet radar and weapons systems, motivated by deep-seated ideological disillusionment with the Soviet regime rather than financial gain. The narrative details how Tolkachev's mission was ultimately compromised not by his own error, but by the betrayal of a former CIA officer, Edward Lee Howard. The episode examines the high-stakes world of human intelligence, the psychological bond between handlers and assets, and the devastating consequences when the integrity of an intelligence network fails.

In this episode of Forbidden History we uncover the hidden wealth of the Viking world. From the remarkable hordes of Gotland to the intricate jewellery of Scandinavia, we explore what these remarkable finds reveal about Viking life and their legacy. PATREON LINK HERE: https://patreon.com/ForbiddenHistory?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Tim Sutherland: Host and Archaeologist Max Adams: Archaeologist and Author Hanne Lovise Aannestad: Archaeologist and Collection Manager, University of Oslo Neil Price: Archaeologist, Uppsala University Per Widerström: Archaeologist, Gotlands Museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, Dominic Selwood joins us as we explore the truth behind the heist that changed the art world forever, and transformed the Mona Lisa into a global phenomenon. PATREON LINK HERE: https://patreon.com/ForbiddenHistory?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Dominic Selwood: Journalist & Historian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the most shocking cases connected with the regime's bloody reign, beginning with Hitler's niece Geli Raubal, who was found dead in his apartment in 1931. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, Dominic Selwood joins us to trace the terrifying rise of witch trials in Britain and beyond, exploring how fear, faith and accusation could turn suspicion into a death sentence. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Dominic Selwood: Historian and Journalist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Viking Age began in 793 with the attack on Lindisfarne--or did it? Evidence indicates Scandanavian explorers and traders had been active in Europe for decades before suddenly adopting the new strategy which brought fear to Europe. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Tim Sutherland: Host / Archaeologist Raili Allmäe: Osteologist, Tallinn University John Haywood: Historian and Author Marge Konsa: Archaeologist, University of Tartu Louise Loe: Project Manager, Oxford Archaeology Jüri Peets: Archaeologist, Tallinn University Neil Price: Archaeologist, Uppsala University Dave Score: Head of Field Research, Oxford Archaeology Steve Wallis: Archaeological Director, Dorset District Administration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, historian Guy Walters joins us to explore the Nazi presence in America, primarily in the build-up to WWII. From the rallies of the German American Bund and the influence of Charles Lindbergh to the agents and saboteurs who tried to bring Hitler’s war to U.S. soil. PATREON LINK HERE: https://patreon.com/ForbiddenHistory?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Guy Walters: Author & Historian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by journalist Dominic Selwood, we uncover the infamous experiment of Prohibition; How one law turned ordinary Americans into criminals, unleashed organised crime, and forever changed the nation. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Dominc Selwood: Journalist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the siege of Vadum Jacob in 1179, Muslim forces overcame the Knights Templar. Forensic analysis of the battleground sheds light on this conquest. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Ronnie Ellenblum: Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Gila Kahil: Doctor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hadas Motro: Hebrew University of Jerusalem David Nicolle: Author and Military Historian Kate Raphael: Hebrew University of Jerusalem Tim Sutherland: Host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, join us as we explore the life of Peter the Great, who, despite his strange eccentricities, managed to wrestle Russia to the modern age. PATREON LINK HERE: https://patreon.com/ForbiddenHistory?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkCast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Tracy Borman: Host Dominic Selwood: Journalist & Historian Tony McMahon: Author & Historian Nigel Jones: Journalist & Historian Arthur Gamalily: Historian Yuri Chistov: Russian HIstorian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, we trace the rise of the CIA and Mossad, from their origins in the aftermath of World War II to their role in shaping modern geopolitics. Former CIA officer Lindsay Moran provides a rare insider perspective on how these agencies function, and what sets them apart. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Lindsay Moran: Writer & Former Spy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, we dive beneath the surface of Chuuk Lagoon, where a vast underwater graveyard tells the story of one of World War II’s most devastating naval defeats. Exploring the remains left behind after Operation Hailstone, we uncover how these wrecks became both haunting relics of war and one of the most extraordinary dive sites on Earth. Cast List: Eric Meyers: NarratorProfessor Bill Jeffrey: Maritime archaeologist, University of GuamDiane Strong: AuthorGradvin Aisek: Local historian and cultural commentatorJim Pinson: Technical diverBill Stinnett: Author and WWII naval researcherGuy Walters: Historian and authorMichael Barnette: Maritime archaeologist and wreck diver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1962 discovery and excavation of thousand-year-old Viking ships at the bottom of a fjord near Roskilde, Denmark changed the understanding of Viking technology and culture. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Tim Sutherland: Host Karen Grønbæk Andersen: Viking historian Vibeke Bischoff: Archaeologist Ivan Jakobsen: Maritime historian Louise Kæmpe Henriksen: Curator Søren Nielsen: Archaeologist Neil Price: Professor of Archaeology Else Roesdahl: Professor of Archaeology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, Dominic Selwood explores the origins of King Arthur, tracing the line between legend and reality to uncover whether a true warrior king once stood behind the myth. Cast List: Dominic Selwood: Historian & Journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, a mysterious hoard of medieval swords emerges from the past. Tied to the Battle of Castillon, their discovery challenges everything we think we know about the final moments of the Hundred Years War. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist David Nicolle: Military Historian David Oliver: Arms and Armour Expert Clive Thomas: Arms and Armour Researcher Bob Savage: Royal Armouries Expert Henry Hallop: Arms Specialist David Williams: Auctioneer, Bonhams Antoine: Musée de l’Armée Curator Dr Guilheim Perin: Historian Ewart Oakeshott: Historical Arms and Armour Scholar (Archive) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if Christianity was shaped as much by Egypt as it was by Rome or Jerusalem? In this episode, Tony McMahon explores how one of the world’s oldest civilisations could have influenced the rise of a new faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, we are joined by battlefield archaeologist Tim Sutherland, who investigates one of the most extraordinary Viking discoveries ever made. A specialist in conflict archaeology and the forensic analysis of mass graves, Tim has spent decades uncovering the physical evidence of warfare left behind in the soil. Now he travels to the remote shores of Estonia, where two ancient ship burials are rewriting everything we thought we knew about Viking culture. Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Tim Sutherland: Host Raili Allmäe: Osteo-Archaeologist, University of Tallinn John Haywood: Historian and Writer Marge Konsa: Archaeologist, University of Tartu Jüri Peets: Archaeologist, University of Tallinn Neil Price: Historian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1945, an armoured Nazi train allegedly vanished into a sealed tunnel in the mountains of Poland, loaded with billions in stolen treasure. Decades later, treasure hunters arrived with new technology. The world held its breath. What they found next was either the greatest discovery in history or the ultimate disappointment. Cast List: Guy Walters: Historian & Author Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Russian Revolution erupted in 1917, Tsar Nicholas II and his family looked to one man who might save them: King George V of Britain, his own cousin. Britain initially offered the Romanovs refuge, but the offer was suddenly withdrawn. Why did the king change his mind, and could that decision have sealed the Romanovs’ fate? Cast List: Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this St Patrick’s Day special episode of Forbidden History, archaeologist Tim Sutherland travels to Ireland to explore the reality behind one of the country’s most famous medieval battles. With insights from historians, archaeologists and weapons experts, the episode reveals how new research and archaeology are shedding fresh light on the conflict. Cast List: John Cronin: Writer and Historian Seán Duffy: Historian, Trinity College Dublin (Prof. Seán Duffy) Rodney French: Coppersmith Andrew Halpin: Historian and Weapons Expert (Dr. Andrew Halpin) Frank Kearney: Galway County Council Paul Macdonald: Swordmaker, Macdonald Armouries David Nicolle: Military Historian (Dr. David Nicolle) Boyd Rankin: Armourer Damien Shiels: Archaeologist, Rubicon Heritage Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Forbidden History, we are joined by historian Tracy Borman. Tracy heads to Chicago to discover how Al Capone rose to infamy, from club bouncer to the most notorious gangster in history, uncovering the two sides to his personality. Cast List: Tracy Borman - Historian Tony McMahon - Historian and Author Dominic Selwood - Historian and Author Eric Meyers – Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of our three-part series, we explore the modern battle over the Parthenon sculptures as a clash between the idea of shared global heritage and the pull of national identity, as Britain and Greece stake competing claims to history itself. Cast List: Dominic Selwood: Journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part II of our Parthenon trilogy, we follow Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin as he secures the sculptures and begins their fraught journey from Athens to Britain. Imprisonment, financial ruin, and fierce public criticism surround him as the marbles arrive in London. Almost immediately, they ignite heated debate in Parliament and among Britain’s cultural elite. Part III is released this Thursday. Cast List: Dominic Selwood: Journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long before it became a global controversy, the Parthenon was the ultimate statement of Athenian power. In Part I of our three-part special, historian Dominic Selwood takes us back to 5th-century BC Athens. Join us in exploring its construction under Pericles, its role as a temple and imperial treasury, and the powerful sculptural programme designed by Phidias. From the metopes and frieze to the towering statue of Athena to the changes that different cultures made to them. This is Part I of a three-part series. Part II, examining Lord Elgin and the removal of the sculptures, releases tomorrow. Part III follows the day after, exploring the legal and cultural debates that continues today. Cast List: Dominic Selwood: Journalist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In World War II, the U.S. Army’s 761st Tank Battalion, known as the Black Panthers. They fought not only Nazi Germany but also the racism within their own ranks. Sent into some of the fiercest battles in Europe, they built a combat record that stunned and impressed their commanders. Yet for decades, their story was largely overlooked. Cast List: Dr. Ed Lengel: Chief Historian, National Medal of Honor Museum Selena Carty: Cultural and Ancestral Historian Dr. Robert Jefferson: Associate Professor of History, University of New Mexico Wayne Robinson: 761st Historian Shalina Patel: Historian Private E.G McConnell: Self Staff Sgt. Floyd Dade: Self Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the world of the Condottieri, the mercenary captains who shaped the politics and battlefields of Renaissance Italy. We explore their shifting loyalties, ruthless strategies, and the lasting legacy they left on European warfare… Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist Dr David Nicolle: Author & Military Historian Dr Toby Capwell: The Wallace Collection Dave Hewitt: White Rose Armourie Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we uncover the surprising, sometimes contradictory sides of Isaac Newton, from his plague‑year breakthroughs to his mystical obsessions and turbulent personality. He was far more than the inventor of calculus and the man who explained gravity - he was also a secretive alchemist, a biblical scholar, a financial speculator, and a fiercely private thinker whose curiosity knew almost no bounds. Cast List: Dominic Selwood: Author, Historian & Barrister Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take a deeper look into a clandestine CIA project from the Cold War-era, MK-Ultra. Mind control, drug use, and a potential link to Charles Manson are just a few of the topics that shadow this story, with its eventual exposure reshaping the public’s trust in government intelligence agencies. 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

This week we’re revisiting an earlier episode of Forbidden History that you may have missed. In this episode, we take a look at the historical evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion, from the realities behind the legend, to piecing together what we know for certain and what is missing. We explore how little detail the Bible truly contains – including no reference to a cross – and the lack of archaeological evidence. Cast List: Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian Dr Andrew Boakye: Lecturer in Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester Janina Ramirez: A cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford Tony McMahon: A former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian Dominic Selwood: A historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph Peter Stanford: Writer, editor, journalist and presenter, known for his biographies and writings…

In this episode we take a look at the D-Day landings of World War II. From the overlooked battlefields to the details of the combined arms allied operation, this episode questions what we think we know about one of history’s most iconic military operations. Including a daring commando raid behind enemy lines, that was instrumental to the seizure of the beaches. Cast List: Geoffrey Wawro: Professor of Military History Peter Caddick-Adams: Historian Martin Davies: Author Stuart Lawrence: Historian Rudy Passera: Military Historian Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re revisiting an earlier episode of Forbidden History that you may have missed. We take a look at the tragic murder of the last Tsars of Russia, the Romanovs, in 1918. This episode explores the decline of Tsar Nicolas as ruler, the grizzly deaths of him and his family, and the conspiracies that surrounded their deaths in the following years. Cast List: Helen Rappaport: Author & Historian Guy Walters: Author & Historian James Sherwood: Writer & Royal Correspondent Christopher Warwick: Royal Biographer & Historian Andrew Cook: Author, Historian & former British civil servant Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deep in the Pyrenees lies an abandoned railway station that was once the second largest in Europe. This luxurious station at the border between France and Spain in its heyday was a real-life Casablanca. In this episode, we take a look at the shadowy history of Canfranc, including tales of espionage, Nazi gold and the fight against tyranny. Cast List: Tim Dunn: Railway Historian Dominic Selwood: Historian & Journalist Guy Walters: Author & Historian Claire Barratt: Industrial Heritage Engineer Jonathan Diaz: Retired Bus Driver Regine Pehau-Gerbet: Historian Rocio Hurtado: Forest Engineer Nigel Jones: Author & Historian Ramon J. Campo: Historian & Journalist Santiago Marraco: Son of Resistance Fighter Simone Casaubon: Ex Resistance Fighter Emilio Astier: Grandson of Resistance Fighter Suze Kundu: Material Chemist Carlos Pena Garay: Director, Canfranc Underground Lab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices