History, main idea and reasons of popularity of Extra History

Extra History: Illuminating the Past for Modern Minds

The phrase "knowing your history" has always been relevant, whether you're studying for an exam, figuring out why certain circumstances have come to be, or just casually conversing with someone about current events. But amidst the era of smartphones, social media, and instant gratification, some might argue that historical knowledge has become an afterthought. Or has it?

Enter Extra History, an educational YouTube channel that's been making waves since 2011. With over 2.7 million subscribers and over 917 million views, the channel is anything but a small-time operation. The team members are comprised of entertainment enthusiasts with backgrounds in game design, television production, literature, and academia, bringing a diverse range of perspectives to their videos.

The Extra History Origins: Bring on the Stories

Extra History's name originates from their sister channel, Extra Credits, which produces video essays about the gaming industry and game design. While exploring the world of history on the side, the Extra Credits team found themselves becoming more and more enamored with the stories they uncovered. They also realized that their passion for storytelling and deep dive research led to stories that even non-history buffs could appreciate- and may even pique their interest to learn more.

Thus, Extra History was born. Every Saturday, they explore dramatic adventures in world history, breathing life into events and stories that may otherwise have been lost to time. One of their most popular series is about the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, which spans 20 episodes and delves into the political, social, and military tactics of both empires.

Beyond World History: Extra Mythology and So You Haven't Read

Extra History doesn't restrict itself to just the broader scope of world history- the team also delves into mythology (Extra Mythology) and classic literature (So You Haven't Read). The mythology series brings to life stories from all over the world, from Zulu folklore to medieval English legends. So You Haven't Read focuses on lesser-known books with epic tales, like the Chinese classic "Outlaws of the Marsh"

The channel even has an ongoing series called Extra Politics, which analyzes present-day events through a historical lens. The series doesn't shy away from controversial topics, like the history of immigration in the US and the rise of fascism.

Fun and Professional: Animation for the Theatrics

The videos are not just engaging because of the fascinating content- they're also animated. While the animation is not Disney-level, it is unmistakably high-quality and easy on the eyes. Character designs range from cute stylized chibis to semi-realistic figures, and they lip-sync their narrations with visuals that reinforce the stories.

The format of the videos has evolved over the years as the team finds what works best. For example, past videos had "Ask Questions" segments where they would answer viewer inquiries. It has since been replaced by Q&A live streams, where viewers can ask the team directly through their Twitch channel.

No Bullshit Approach: A Channel with an Identity

Extra History has cemented its place in the educational YouTube world not just because of the high-quality production value, but because of its unique identity. The team is not afraid to tackle controversial or uncomfortable topics, and they make sure to do thorough research before presenting a video. They use humor when appropriate, but never let it mask or trivialize serious events.

The channel also understands the importance of timely events, such as their series about the COVID-19 pandemic, which breaks down the historical precedents of pandemics throughout history. They make it clear that the present is constantly being shaped by the past, and it's up to us to understand what came before in order to make informed decisions going forward.

So, with Extra History as your guide, you can be sure that the saying "history repeats itself" won't be a surprise to you- but it doesn't mean we're doomed to relive the same mistakes.