Podcast Episodes

Shakespeare: Past Master | 3. Julius Caesar

Episode 1832

Islam Issa charts what the tragic history play tells us about the ancient world – and the insights it offers into the politics of the playwright’s own era

It may be set in ancient Rome, with a cast of…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Du Fu: China's greatest poet

Episode 1831

Writing during the celebrated Tang dynasty, Du Fu is heralded as China's greatest poet, musing on subjects from how to cook noodles to war and rebellion. Speaking to Spencer Mizen, Michael Wood chart…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Cities that turbocharged art history

Episode 1829

From Renaissance Florence and ancient Babylon to the kingdom of Benin and Heian-era Kyoto, cities across history have served as launchpads for extraordinary outbursts of artistic flowering. Caroline …

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Astronomy history: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1828

When was it established that the Earth is round? Did the Catholic church help or hinder the practice of astronomy? And how transformative was the big bang theory? Speaking to Spencer Mizen, James Han…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

The dark side of Dickens

Episode 1827

Charles Dickens was a master of managing his personal brand. In fact, almost everything we know about him comes from one biography, written by his friend John Forster. But, if you dig a little deeper…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Thanksgiving: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1826

Rachel Herrmann charts the long history of America’s famous holiday – from modern parades and celebrations to the first feast

From the fabled first feast between the Pilgrims and Native Americans to t…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Shakespeare: Past Master | 2. Romeo and Juliet

Episode 1821

Sophie Duncan delves into the playwright’s world-famous tragedy to reveal what it tells us about youth in the Tudor era

The doomed romance of young lovers Romeo and Juliet has captured imaginations ac…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

The dangers of medieval travel

Episode 1824

Why did medieval people hit the road or the high seas? Was it expensive to travel in the Middle Ages, and what were the biggest risks that a medieval traveller faced? Speaking to David Musgrove, Prof…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

The Princes in the Tower: has the mystery been solved?

Episode 1822

In the summer of 1483, two young princes disappeared from the Tower of London – and were never seen again. Had they been killed by their uncle, Richard III, in his bid for the English throne? Had som…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

The Pre-Raphaelites: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1821

How did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood become so famous? Did Elizabeth Siddal really almost die in a bathtub when she modelled for John Everett Millais' Ophelia? And which Rosetti painting shocked th…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago