This Week in History artwork
History Weekly

This Week in History

This Week in History brings the past to life by exploring the remarkable, world-changing, and sometimes bizarre events that happened this very week throughout history. Each episode dives deep into a curated selection of anniversaries spanning science, war, politics, culture, and nature — connecting the dots between distant eras and the world we live in today. From Galileo's forced recantation before the Inquisition to Operation Barbarossa reshaping the Second World War, from a river literally catching fire to landmark moments in civil rights and exploration, no corner of history is off limits. Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast, a student looking for context, or simply someone who loves a great story, This Week in History delivers fresh perspective on the events that shaped humanity. What makes this show distinctive is its calendar-driven format: every episode is anchored to real anniversaries, giving listeners a recurring reason to tune in and a new lens through which to see the present. Thoughtful, accessible, and endlessly surprising, This Week in History is the weekly companion for curious minds who believe that understanding the past is the key to understanding everything else. Subscribe now and discover what happened this week — across centuries.

Listen on Spreaker
10 episodes · Verified by YesOui

Episodes

Latest episodes

22 Jun 2026 · 8 min

Galileo's Recantation, Operation Barbarossa & a River on Fire | Jun 22–28

From Galileo forced to recant before the Inquisition to the largest military invasion in history, this week's historical events span science, war, nature, and art across five centuries. Strap in for a brisk tour of the moments that shaped the world you're living in right now.
15 Jun 2026 · 7 min

Magna Carta, Juneteenth & the Birth of the Blockbuster | Jun 15–21

This week in history spans eight centuries of turning points: the sealing of the Magna Carta, the birth of Juneteenth, Valentina Tereshkova in space, the Battle of Waterloo, and the summer Jaws changed Hollywood forever. Ten events, ten stories, one extraordinary week.
8 Jun 2026 · 9 min

Viking Raid, Loving v. Virginia & the First Pacific Flight | Jun 8–13

From the Viking assault on Lindisfarne in 793 to the landmark Loving v. Virginia ruling in 1967, this week in history delivered turning points across a thousand years. Eight remarkable events, eight centuries — one unforgettable week.
1 Jun 2026 · 8 min

Anne Boleyn's Crown, D-Day & the First AIDS Report | Jun 1–6

From Anne Boleyn's coronation and the Battle of Midway to the first CDC AIDS report and the D-Day landings, this week in history was packed with world-changing moments. Eight remarkable events across five centuries, four continents, and every corner of human experience.
25 May 2026 · 8 min

Moon Shot, Star Wars & the Fall of Constantinople | May 25–29

From JFK's moonshot pledge to the premiere of Star Wars and the fall of Constantinople, this week in history delivered world-changing moments across five centuries. Buckle up for nine extraordinary events that reshaped empires, pop culture, and the cosmos.
18 May 2026 · 8 min

Lindbergh's Landing, Blue Jeans & Mount St. Helens | May 18–24

This week in history spans the Council of Nicaea, Anne Boleyn's execution, the birth of blue jeans, Lindbergh's Atlantic crossing, the founding of FIFA, Apollo Ten's dress rehearsal, and the eruption of Mount St. Helens. Eight centuries of politics, aviation, disaster, sport, and culture packed into one week.
11 May 2026 · 9 min

Constantinople, Deep Blue & the First Vaccine | May 11–14

Eight landmark historical events from May 11–14 span the founding of Constantinople, Deep Blue's chess victory, the world's first vaccination, and Robert Smalls' daring Civil War escape. From Jamestown to the birth of Israel, this week in history reshaped civilization across every century.
4 May 2026 · 8 min

Joan of Arc, Beethoven's Ninth & the Birth of Coca-Cola | May 5–10

From Joan of Arc's siege-breaking victory at Orléans to Nelson Mandela's inauguration, this week in history delivers ten world-changing moments across six centuries. Beethoven premieres his Ninth Symphony deaf, Bannister breaks the four-minute mile, and a pharmacist in Atlanta mixes the world's most famous drink.
27 Apr 2026 · 7 min

Tariq's Landing to the Jet Age: History's Greatest April–May Week

From the Islamic conquest of Hispania in 711 to the world's first commercial jet flight in 1952, this week in history spans continents, centuries, and civilisations. Eight extraordinary events — one remarkable calendar week.
24 Apr 2026 · 8 min

Rome's Birthday, DNA's Secret & the Worst Soft Drink Decision Ever

From the founding of Rome in 753 BC to a cosmonaut's fatal final journey, this week in history spans millennia of politics, science, sport, and spectacular human error. Twelve stops, many centuries, one calendar week — buckle up.