Hitler’s teeth and the Leaning Tower of Pisa

This episode of The History Hour explores a series of remarkable historical moments through firsthand accounts. It begins with the dramatic story of how Adolf Hitler's identity was confirmed after his death using dental records, a secret mission led by Soviet interpreter Yelena Rzhevskaya and her commanding officer Colonel Vasily Gorbushin. The episode then shifts to modern forensic science, featuring Professor Saha Salim from Cairo University, who uses paleoradiology and DNA analysis to uncover ancient mysteries, including the assassination of King Ramses III and the identification of the lost Prince Pantaor. Next, the Leaning Tower of Pisa's stabilization after decades of danger is examined through the eyes of engineer Nunziante Squiglia, who recounts the 11-year effort to extract soil from beneath the tower and prevent its collapse. The episode also covers the 1990 democratic uprising in Nepal, where student activist Durga Thapa recounts the violent crackdown and eventual restoration of multi-party rule. A nostalgic look at the 1942 New York surrealist exhibition led by Marcel Duchamp highlights how children were invited to play among the art, embodying Duchamp’s radical vision of art as experience. The episode closes with the heartbreaking 31-0 defeat of American Samoa by Australia in a World Cup qualifier, and the emotional redemption of goalkeeper Niki Salapu, who later scored a historic win. Finally, the story of Jorge, a loggerhead sea turtle released from captivity after 40 years, symbolizes hope and the enduring connection between humans and nature.