HistoryExtra podcast

A history of the US in 100 unexpected objects

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans are taking a fresh look at their nation's past. But what if the story of the US isn't best told through presidents, wars and famous speeches? In this episode, Roman Mars – host of new series The History of the United States in 100 Objects – tells Emily Briffett about what some of those items tell us about the nation's extraordinary past. The History of the United States in 100 Objects is a BBC Studios and 99% Invisible co-production for SiriusXM and is available to listen to weekly on BBC Sounds and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An A-Z history of the English alphabet

Which letter of the English alphabet did Benjamin Franklin think we'd be better off without? Why must the letter U (almost) always follow the letter Q? And what is the point of silent letters? From the first scratches carved into stone to the maddening mysteries of modern English spelling, the alphabet has had a long and extraordinary journey. In this episode, Emily Briffett is joined by linguist, writer and broadcaster Danny Bate to explore the history of the English alphabet, and the strange story behind the letters we use every day. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Curious to find out more about the ancient civilisations who greatly influenced the alphabet's trajectory? Leanr more about the Phoenicians with Josephine Quinn here: https://bit.ly/42nZ5iC And check out this episode on the Etruscans with Lucy Shipley here: https://bit.ly/48O2T0g Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Abigail Adams: life of the week

As the wife of a founding figure in early American history, Abigail Adams was able to push beyond the restrictions of many of her sex in the 18th century, influencing policy and advocating for those in society who often didn't have a voice. These actions have sometimes seen her remembered as a proto-feminist in the story of the US. But how true is this reputation? And what other strides was she able to make? Historian and writer Laura Kamoie speaks to Elinor Evans about Adams's life – the subject of Laura's new historical novel co-authored with Stephanie Dray, A Founding Mother. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST To find out more about the American Revolution, including key figures, the experiences of women, and the people who forged the early United States, head to our curated list, which includes archive podcast episodes and videos, all available in the HistoryExtra app: https://bit.ly/42OYGpt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The astonishing laws of medieval Wales

From divorce settlements and cattle disputes to surprisingly modern ideas about gender and compensation, the laws of Hywel Dda shed unique light on how society functioned, in a turbulent age of rival princes and conquest. Speaking to Elinor Evans, legal historian Sara Elin Roberts explains the laws often attributed to a tenth-century king, and what they tell us about Wales in the Middle Ages. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST You can find more about the laws of medieval Wales at https://www.cyfraith-hywel.org.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside the Declaration of Independence

It’s 250 years since the Declaration of Independence brought a new nation into formal existence. But what did it actually say – and who did it leave out? In the second episode of HistoryExtra’s series on the American Revolutionary War, Elinor Evans and Professor Adam IP Smith explore the drafting of the Declaration, the grievances against George III, and the document’s immediate and long-term impact – and examine the contradictions at the heart of America’s founding ideals. ––––– GO BEYOND THE PODCAST To find all the further reading mentioned in this series, head to our curated list, which includes archive podcast episodes and video clips on battles, key figures and more, all available in the HistoryExtra app: https://bit.ly/42OYGpt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices