HistoryHub
Connecting past and present
History Hub is delighted to present Kingdom, Empire and Plus Ultra: conversations on the history of Portugal and Spain, 1415-1898. This podcast series features interviews with experts in the areas of Portuguese and Spanish history, from the beginning of the Portuguese discoveries in 1415 to the end of Spanish dominion in America in 1898.
The interviews, conducted by historian Dr. Edward Collins, will cover a range of topics on the domestic and overseas histories of both nations, which include, among others: the Portuguese explorations of Africa and Asia, Spanish navigation and settlement in America, the church in Portugal and Spain, monarchy and intermarriage in the Iberian kingdoms, natural science and mapping in America, the role of nautical science, Irish historical relations with Portugal and Spain, and imperial competition in Europe and overseas.
Kingdom, Empire and Plus Ultra is available via iTunes, Spotify and Soundcloud.
The series is currently our most popular with 2,000 downloads per month more than 200,000 in total since we launched the series in 2016. Kingdom, Empire and Plus Ultra is available via Apple, Spotify and Soundcloud.
Kingdom, Empire and Plus Ultra
The series is currently our most popular with 2,000 downloads per month and more than 200,000 in total since we launched the series in 2016. Kingdom, Empire and Plus Ultra is available via Apple, Spotify and Soundcloud.
Dr. Edward Collins is a historian of early modern Portugal and Spain, and received his doctorate at NUI Galway in 2010 under the supervision of Professor Nicholas Canny. His research focuses on early modern Iberian navigation and nautical science, with particular emphasis on Portuguese and Spanish influences on the development of nautical science in early modern Europe. He has published a number of journal articles and book chapters on these themes, and is currently in the process of completing his manuscript based on his doctoral and postdoctoral research.
Image: Title page for Novum organum scientiarum, 1645, by Francis Bacon (1561-1626) (author) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
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UCD offers a variety of study options and entry pathways, ranging from full-time degrees to short-term courses for pure interest. Lifelong Learning offers all adult learners the opportunity to explore a subject of their choice without the pressure of an examination. Open Learning is a flexible way of studying history part-time at UCD. Explore your UCD History options for the coming year.
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The workshops – History of LGBT Activism in Ireland and Where We’re Going – Backlash, Solidarity, and Mobilising took place in UCD Humanities Institute in April 2025. Podcasts from the workshops are now available on History Hub.
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