War — History’s Ultimate Failure

War — History’s Ultimate Failure

Author: Sony Music Entertainment May 12, 2026 Duration: 32:17
Elizabeth Day grew up in Belfast and would as a child walk past the most bombed hotel in Europe. Dan Jones recalls a Croatian widow whose husband went out for bread and never returned. In this final episode of History’s Greatest Fails, Dan and Elizabeth name war as history's ultimate failure and reflect on the changes that follow societal collapse. Together, they draw on conflicts that have changed the course of world history, such as the Hundred Years' War, the World Wars, the Troubles, and the breakup of Yugoslavia. Plus, Elizabeth delves into a special area of interest: How societies choose to remember war and how that has influenced the evolution of art, literature, and architecture. So what can we learn from history’s ultimate failure? – As always, Dan’s royal favourites can chime in anytime on the royal court on Patreon at patreon.com/thisishistory. And don’t forget to listen to this season’s accompanying bonus episodes for this miniseries, where Dan and Producer Al are dissecting the biggest historical failures as submitted by the royal favourites. In this episode, they attempt to answer why invading Russia is never a good idea, and the futility of France’s Maginot line amid the 20th-Century’s rapid technological change. – A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices –– Presented by Dan Jones and Elizabeth Day Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Researcher - Phoebe Joyce Executive Producer - Louisa Field Executive Producer - Dan Jones Executive Producer for Daylight Productions - Elizabeth Day Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production Coordinator - Eric Ryan Head of Content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For picks up the story after the death of Henry V, leaving England with an infant king, Henry VI. Historian Dan Jones guides listeners through the tumultuous reign that follows, a period defined by fragile regencies and escalating noble rivalries. This podcast delves into the power vacuums and personal dramas that set the stage for decades of conflict. The narrative explores how scandal, accusations of witchcraft, and the looming specter of madness intertwined with the brutal political machinations of the era. As factions vie for control both domestically and in England's French territories, the series charts the descent into the dynastic carnage known as the Wars of the Roses. Each episode builds a vivid picture of a kingdom teetering on the brink, where the crown itself becomes a lethal prize. The storytelling in this podcast focuses on the human ambitions and failures behind the historical events, offering a detailed and compelling audio experience. Listeners will hear a deep analysis of the key figures and turning points that shaped this pivotal century, moving beyond simple dates and battles to understand the motivations and consequences that defined a nation's destiny.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

THIS IS HISTORY — A DYNASTY TO DIE FOR
Podcast Episodes
Season 7 | 5. It’s a Wonderful Parliament [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:28
The French are preparing for an all mighty invasion. The king doesn’t really seem to care — until the nobles use the parliamentary equivalent of a royal kick up the backside. And, will the French army even get off their…
Season 7 | 4. The Tyranny Begins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
After surviving the Peasants’ Revolt, Richard II comes out on top. He has violently suppressed the rebels and married the well-credentialed Anne of Bohemia. But this Plantagenet has his eye on another playmate, the hands…
Season 7 | 3. Summer of Blood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Find out more about the Peasants’ Revolt in our bonus episode. And remember to visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member. This is your ticket to the This Is History Royal court, where you can cha…
Season 7 | 2. Death and Taxes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:05
Richard II’s reign is not off to a good start – find out more about the runners and riders in this week’s bonus episode. You can also visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member to get extra perks…
Season 7 | 1. God Save The Kid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:10
Visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member and unlock bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access, and more exclusive subscriber perks. The reign of the mighty warrior king Edward III is final…
Introducing… Season Seven of a Dynasty to Die for [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27
This is the story of the ultimate frenemies that will see a cataclysmic shift in power away from the Plantagenets. The warrior king Edward III is dying and disaster looms when his grandson, the child king Richard II, is…
Empire of Gold | 6. An Emperor’s Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:05
Find out more about Musa’s incredible legacy in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening. Musa looks to cement his legacy in West Africa with a spectacular project in Timbuktu but first must…
Empire of Gold | 5. Journey’s End [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:49
Find out more about the battlefield in mediaeval Mali in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening. Musa is tantalisingly close to completing his pilgrimage but conflict looms large in Timbuk…
Empire of Gold | 4. Gold Rush [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:20
Find out more about Musa’s extravagance in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening. It’s chaos in Cairo as Musa’s extravagant generosity has spectacular consequences. The Egyptian merchants…
Empire of Gold | 3. Trouble in Cairo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:41
Find out more about the legendary Mamluks in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening. Musa clashes with the fearsome Mamluks as he enters Cairo and must find a way to placate the sultan of…