Beijing’s history stretches back many centuries, so how has it survived and become the rapidly changing capital of one of the world's fastest-growing economies? Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield joins writer and broadcaster Jonathan Clements on a journey through Beijing’s extraordinarily lengthy history, exploring its walls, palaces, bridges, and historic neighbourhoods. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in Beijing’s story and discover lesser-known places to visit for insights into its heritage.
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, check out BBC History Magazine or 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
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28:21
Kingston
From early Taino inhabitants to Spanish colonisation and capture by the British, through the era of the transatlantic slave trade up to independence and the growth of the modern city, Kingston is a city with lots of legacies. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield and historian Audra A Diptree explore the major turning points in the Jamaican capital’s history, seeking out places where they can catch a glimpse of those pivotal episodes. Along the way, they track down some of the characters who shaped the city's past and its diverse heritage, and also discover the sounds and flavours that bring Kingston’s rich culture to life.
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, check out BBC History Magazine or 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
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39:30
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a diverse and multinational city with a short but vibrant history. In this episode, academic Jason Wilson leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield through the barrios of the Argentine capital to uncover what makes it so fascinating. Together they revisit the founding of the settlement by European colonisers and discuss the waves of development and further immigration that created the great polyglot metropolis we know today. They'll also meet some of the characters who came, saw and conquered the city, discover places to visit for insights into Buenos Aires’ past, and offer some insider travel tips.
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, check out BBC History Magazine or 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
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38:47
New York City
Historian Kara Schlichting leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield through the diverse stories of the city which we now know as the ‘Five Boroughs’ – New York City. Together, they introduce the indigenous peoples who first utilised the area, and the Europeans who established settlements.
They explore the expanding horizons of Manhattan Island and beyond, discussing trade, slavery, conflict, transport, communications, architecture, infrastructure and more. Along the way, Paul and Kara delve into new ways of viewing this now iconic metropolis, revealing what makes this endlessly fascinating place so unique.
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, check out BBC History Magazine or 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
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46:59
Antwerp
Michael Pye roams the streets of the Belgian city dominated by a medieval fortress and graced by Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance monuments
Renowned for its busy port and leading role in the diamond trade, Antwerp's story has plenty of booms and busts that shaped both its physical form and its psyche. Historian and author Michael Pye leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield around Flanders’ leading city, virtually exploring its old centre, market squares and stately thoroughfares. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the figures who played key roles in the development of Antwerp, and seek out spots to enjoy typical food and drink.
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, check out BBC History Magazine or 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
Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield will be joining expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Venturing to the great cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, they'll explore centuries-long stories of foundation and growth, and examine how contact between continents shaped these far-flung places. Along the way, they'll introduce the colourful characters who played pivotal roles in the development of these cities, and lead listeners through the must-visit palaces, temples, bazaars and, of course, bars and restaurants. And, our experts will also share insider tips to help visitors discover hidden facets of each fascinating destination.
History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.
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/
France