Maria Theresa, Habsburg Empress

Maria Theresa, Habsburg Empress

Author: History Hit April 20, 2026 Duration: 50:07

How did a woman rise to power, and keep it, in the fiercely male-dominated Habsburg Empire?

From her distrust of the Enlightenment to her religious intolerance, and from family strategy to imperial power, Maria Theresa was a remarkable ruler driven by discipline, faith, dynastic ambition, and political will.

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Professor Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger to discover how Maria Theresa held together a fractured empire, confronted war and court politics, and reshaped Europe.


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Habsburg Women: Matriarchs of Power

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When Women Ruled the Low Countries

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Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

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Step beyond the well-trodden path of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I with historian Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. While the Tudor dynasty remains a central touchstone, the conversations in Not Just the Tudors roam a much wider, richer historical landscape. You might find an episode delving into the court of Mughal India or examining the artistry of Velázquez, followed by a deep dive into the world of Shakespeare or the haunting history of witch trials. This approach reveals how the 16th and 17th centuries were a time of global connection and dramatic change far beyond the English court. Each week, Suzannah is joined by fellow historians and specialists, turning each session into a compelling dialogue that uncovers incredible, often overlooked stories. The result is a layered portrait of an era, built through detailed discussions and fresh perspectives. Produced by History Hit, this podcast releases new episodes every Wednesday and Sunday, offering regular escapes into a past that is both complex and surprisingly familiar. It’s a series for anyone who loves history but craves a broader view, proving that context is everything.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Not Just the Tudors
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