Forbidden History

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 on religion and ethics Gunnar Samuelsson: Author and Associate Professor in New Testament Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Bena Mantel: Licensed tour guide, lecturer and archaeologist. Peggy Brunache: Historian, archaeologist and lecturer at University of Glasgow Israel Hershkovitz: Anatomist Professor at Tel Aviv University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

King Ludwig II of Bavaria, famed for his eccentricity and fairy-tale castles, was found dead in Lake Starnberg in 1886 under mysterious circumstances. Officially ruled a suicide, his death has long fuelled speculation of a government conspiracy to remove a monarch whose  artistic pursuits clashed with political priorities. This enduring mystery raises the question: was Ludwig truly mad, or the victim of darker forces? Go to ⁠rula.com/forbidden⁠ and take the first step towards better mental health today. Cast List: Guy Walters: Author & Historian James Sherwood: Writer and Royal Correspondent  Ann Marie Ackerman: Writer & Prosecutor Ken Hollings: Writer, broadcaster and cultural theorist Dr Gerhard Immler: Chief Archive Director, Bavarian State Archives, Munich Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into one of the more peculiar World War II conspiracy theories: the alleged Nazi expeditions to Antarctica. We explore the historical roots, the myths of secret bases, and why this story continues to captivate imaginations decades later. Was it simply for science and discovery, or something stranger? Go to ⁠rula.com/forbidden⁠ and take the first step towards better mental health today. Cast List: Guy Walters: Author & Historian  Eric Meyers: Narrator  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we explore the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 - one of the most infamous chapters in American history. Discover how fear and superstition sparked mass hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, leading to the wrongful execution of 20 innocent people. We’ll uncover the truth behind the trials, their lasting impact, and why many believe Salem remains haunted to this day. Go to ⁠⁠⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠⁠⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included. Go to ⁠rula.com/forbidden⁠ and take the first step towards better mental health today. Cast List: Sam Baltrusis: Author & Historian  Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine  Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history. Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian  Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Thomas Vallor: Salem Historian Nick Dickinson: Witch, Headmistress of Circe Academy in Salem  Jacqui Allouise: Witch, owner of The Cauldron Black in Salem Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1307, the once-mighty Knights Templar were accused of heresy and dismantled by the French crown. Legend says their last Grand Master uttered a chilling curse as he faced the flames - a curse that would echo through the fall of kings and kingdoms. Was it coincidence, or the lingering shadow of the Templars’ wrath? Go to ⁠⁠⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠⁠⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included. Go to rula.com/forbidden and take the first step towards better mental health today. Check out our other stories mentioned in this episode below: Freemasons: The Original Secret Society - listen here Oak Island: Beneath the Curse - listen here 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

Born in the shadows of the Crusades, the Knights Templar began as humble protectors of pilgrims but soon rose to unimaginable power. Who was this mysterious group? And how did they rise from guardians to legendary figures shrouded in mystery? Go to ⁠⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included. 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

In this episode, archaeologist Tim Sutherland leads the search for King Richard III’s long-lost chapel at Towton, North Yorkshire. Through the study of skeletons, with traces of vanished architecture, he uncovers clues that may reveal the hidden story of this medieval sanctuary. Go to ⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included. Cast List: Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York Simon Richardson: Metal Detectorist Malin Holst: Osteoarcheologist, University of York Anthony Massington: Buildings Archaeologist Eric Meyers: Narrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of the Harz Railway in Germany. A story that holds tales of witches, top-secret Nazi weapons programmes and political Cold War spies. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://surfshark.com/forbiddenhistory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or use code FORBIDDENHISTORY at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Go to ⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included. Cast List:  Dominic Selwood: Historian & Journalist Tim Dunn: Railway Historian Guy Walters: Author & Historian Dirk Bahnsen: Communications Manager, HSB  Claire Barratt: Industrial Engineer  Sabine Houben: Local Guide  Dr Friedhart Knolle: Harz National Park Authority  Dr Regine Heubaun: Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial Nigel Jones: Author & Historian  Stefan Hordler: Director, Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial  Horst Dittman: Former Driver  Jurgen Steimecke: Former Driver  Christoph Lampert: Director, Brockenhaus Museum  Dietmar Schultke: Former GDR Border Guard Eric Meyers: Narrator  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we’re joined by Tony McMahon to discuss the enigma that is Stonehenge. Who built this 5000 year old monument and how? We cover the various theories and mysteries that have surrounded this remarkable site over the years.  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://surfshark.com/forbiddenhistory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or use code FORBIDDENHISTORY at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Go to ⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included. 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