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Witness History

Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs, from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015, to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal’s worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.

If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.

Copyright: © (C) BBC 2024

Latest Episodes:

The invention of Semtex Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

In 1958, Stanislav Brebera invented Semtex.

It was a malleable, odourless and stable plastic explosive which became the choice weapon for those seeking to spread terror.

In 2018, Maria Jestafjeva spoke to Mirisov Brebera, the brother of the chemist who created it.

(Photo: Semtex. Credit: Getty Images)

Seggae riots in Mauritius Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

Mauritian musician Kaya, who pioneered a new genre called seggae, fusing reggae and sega, died in police custody on 21 February 1999.

His death sparked three days of rioting. People believed Kaya had been beaten to death.

Veronique Topize, Kaya's widow demanded an independent autopsy and President Cassam Uteem travelled into the heart of the disorder to appeal directly to the rioters to put down their weapons and go home.

Veronique Topize and Cassam Uteem shared their memories with Reena Stanton-Sharma.

(Photo: Painting of Kaya (left). Credit: BBC)

Battle for the capital: Bonn v Berlin Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell and Germany had to decide which city would be the new capital.

The contenders were the West German city of Bonn and the East German city of Berlin and the two fought it out in a ferocious political battle that would help define the country.

Ilona Toller hears from Bonn citizen Jürgen Nimptsch, who would later become the mayor of the city and Wolfgang Schäuble who fought on the side of Berlin. A Whistledown production.

(Photo: Bundestag 2023. Credit: Getty Images)

First winter ascent of Everest Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

On 17 February 1980, the first people climbed Everest in winter.

John Beauchamp hears from Leszek Cichy and Krzysztof Wielicki from Poland who were the men who did it.

It was at the height of the Cold War, when Poland was behind the Iron Curtain.

The two climbers decided that they had to show the world that their country was still capable of doing extraordinary things.

Despite a lack of money and equipment and using whatever they could lay their hands on – including welding goggles – they made it to the top of the world’s tallest mountain.

A Free Range and Overcoat Media co-production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Leszek Cichy (left) Krzysztof Wielicki (right). Credit: Krzysztof Wielicki)

Discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

On 16 February 1923, the sealed burial chamber of ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaoh Tutankhamun was opened for the first time.

Mike Gallagher takes us back to the Valley of the Kings and the discovery of the ancient Egyptian ruler king’s resting place in 1922 by the English archaeologist Howard Carter.

This programme was first broadcast in 2010.

(Photo:The opening of Tutankhamun's tomb. Credit: Getty Images)

'I developed Pokémon' Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

On 27 February 1996, gamers were first introduced to characters Pikachu, Eevee, and Charmander when the first Pokémon games were released in Japan.

Known as Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green, the games were released simultaneously on the Nintendo Game Boy hand-held console.

In a matter of years the franchise would make the leap from an ageing games console to television animation and beyond, making it a worldwide pop culture powerhouse.

Kurt Brookes speaks to game developer Akihito Tomisawa about the development, release, and success of the game series.

A Made in Manchester production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Pikachu. Credit: Made in Manchester)

First Danish queen for 600 years Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

In January 1972, King Frederick IX of Denmark died after a short illness at the age of 72.

He was succeeded by his daughter Margrethe who became the first Queen of Denmark in 600 years.

Watching her proclamation as Margrethe II of Denmark in the room next to the balcony of the Christiansborg Palace was the country’s former Foreign and Defence Minister Kjeld Olesen.

He’s been remembering that day with Ashley Byrne at his home in Copenhagen.

A Made in Manchester Production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Margrethe II of Denmark in 1970. Credit: Getty Images)

'Hot Autumn': When Italy’s workers revolted Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

In 1969 and 1970, thousands of workers in Italy went on strike, protesting against low pay and poor working conditions. It became known as the ‘Hot Autumn’.

Renzo Baricelli represented tyre workers at the Pirelli rubber factory in Milan, one of the main centres of protest.

He tells Vicky Farncombe how he had to step in when angry workers with hammers were threatening to smash up the factory.

(Photo: Workers protesting in Milan during the 'Hot Autumn'. Credit: Getty Images)

'I told the world Pope Benedict XVI was resigning' Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

On 11 February 2013, Benedict XVI shocked the world by becoming the first pope in nearly 600 years to quit. All other popes in the modern era had held the position from election until death.

He said he was resigning because of old age. Little known journalist Giovanna Chirri got the world exclusive on the story. She shares her memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

(Photo: Pope Benedict XVI. Credit: Getty Images)

The Pope and Jews Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

In April 1986, Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to a Rome synagogue.

It was aimed at healing centuries of deep wounds between Jews and Catholics.

Giacomo Saban, who welcomed the pontiff to the synagogue, tells his story to Alan Johnston.

This programme was first broadcast in 2014.

(Photo: Pope John Paul II at the synagogue. Credit: Getty Images)

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