17th Century

9 stories

Wars of religion, scientific revolution, and the first global economy.

What starts as Catholics vs Protestants in Bohemia ends with most of Central Europe in ruins and 8 million dead. Religion was just the excuse.

Galileo's Trial

He says the Earth orbits the Sun. The Church says recant or die. He recants, mutters 'and yet it moves' on the way out, and gets house arrest forever.

The English Civil War

King Charles I tries to rule without Parliament. Parliament raises an army. Nine years later the king's head rolls off a block in front of his own palace.

The Execution of Charles I

First time in history a European king is publicly tried, convicted, and executed by his own people. Even his enemies are shocked.

Cromwell Rules

An English Puritan general bans Christmas, theatre, and basically having fun. After he dies, the country digs him up just to behead his corpse.

Louis XIV Builds Versailles

The Sun King turns a hunting lodge into a 2,000-room palace and forces every powerful French noble to live there so he can keep an eye on them.

The Great Fire of London

A bakery fire spreads for four days and burns down 13,000 houses and 87 churches. Silver lining: kills off the plague rats too.

Newton's Apple

A young Cambridge student goes home during plague lockdown and basically invents calculus, optics, and gravity in 18 months.

The Salem Witch Trials

Two girls in colonial Massachusetts start having fits and accusing their neighbors. 19 people get hanged before the adults come to their senses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stories does the 17th Century era include?

History Tea covers 9 stories from 17th Century, including The Thirty Years' War, Galileo's Trial, The English Civil War, The Execution of Charles I and 5 more. Each one is retold as immersive audio narration.

Can I listen to 17th Century stories for free?

Yes! All 9 17th Century stories on History Tea are completely free. Download the app on iOS and start listening today.

What is the 17th Century era about?

Wars of religion, scientific revolution, and the first global economy. History Tea retells each 17th Century story as modern, immersive audio you can listen to anywhere.

How long are the 17th Century audio stories?

Each 17th Century story on History Tea runs between 5–15 minutes of immersive audio narration — perfect for a commute, workout, or before bed.