About this episode
At the heart of Beijing sits the Forbidden City, one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. It's the largest palace complex on Earth. Constructed in the early 15th century as the hidden heart of imperial power, it was a city within a city — sealed off from the world, governed by rigid ritual, political intrigue, and absolute authority.
How did a daring coup bring this colossal complex into existence? What was daily life really like behind its towering walls? And, how did it endure revolution, the rise and fall of dynasties, and catastrophe to become a symbol of China itself? Dan travels to the heart of Beijing to reveal its extraordinary story.
You can learn more in Dan's History Hit TV documentary 'Beijing Central Axis: China's Medieval Wonder'. Sign up to watch at: https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore
You can email the podcast at [email protected].
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Dan Snow's History Hit publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Dan Snow's History Hit
The Battle of Stamford Bridge Explained
Dan Snow's History Hit
The Battle of New York Explained
Dan Snow's History Hit
The Rise & Fall of Babylon
Dan Snow's History Hit
Templar's Tunnels, HMS Victory and Troy: History's Best Historical Sites with Da...
Dan Snow's History Hit