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Rise of the Medici
Episode 346
The House of Medici ruthlessly wielded control of Florence for nearly 300 years. Through financial and political machinations, they transformed the …
2 years, 1 month ago
Magellan: The First Man to Sail the World
Episode 345
Just over 500 years ago, a small band of sailors completed the first ever circumnavigation of the globe, launched by Ferdinand Magellan. From the arm…
2 years, 1 month ago
Henry VII: Rise of the Medieval Tudors
Episode 344
Henry VII was descended from some of the greatest Welsh princes. When word spread that he had a chance of taking the English throne, Welsh prophecie…
2 years, 1 month ago
Vivaldi’s Greatest Protegé
Episode 343
In early 18th century Venice, the Ospedale della Pietà took in abandoned baby girls through a tiny gap in the wall. In addition to ensuring the girl…
2 years, 1 month ago
Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress: Barbara Villiers
Episode 342
The tempestuous and passionate Barbara Villiers captured the hearts of many in Stuart-era Britain, including King Charles II. But she had a dark side…
2 years, 1 month ago
The Mighty Ashanti: Rival to the British Empire
Episode 341
At the end of the 17th century, a small clan - the Akan - in West Africa began growing into what would later become the powerful Ashanti Empire. The…
2 years, 1 month ago
Spycraft: From the Elizabethans to the Restoration
Episode 340
The 16th and 17th centuries were a crucial time for spycraft, full of political intrigue and diplomatic subterfuge. Walsingham was known as a 'Spy Ma…
2 years, 2 months ago
The Death of Henry VIII
Episode 339
On 28 January 1547, King Henry VIII died at the age of 55. Just hours before his passing, his last will and testament had been read, stamped, and sea…
2 years, 2 months ago
The First Japanese Visitor to Elizabethan England
Episode 338
In November 1588, a 21-year-old Japanese man called Christopher met Queen Elizabeth I. On the way, he had already become the first recorded Japanese …
2 years, 2 months ago
Charles II's Lost Queen: Catherine de Braganza
Episode 337
Despite Catherine of Braganza's crucial place in British history, she has always been overshadowed by stories of Charles II’s many mistresses and for…
2 years, 2 months ago