Ancient

Parchment

M.L. Ryder describes the use of skins for writing material from about 2000 B.C. in Egypt down to recent times.

Book Production in Ancient Rome

F.R. Cowell describes how the Romans were keen book-collectors; and the works they bought were often expensive and beautifully produced.

Arrian’s Array

Anthony Dent describes the battle order of a Roman Governor in Asia Minor during the second century, A.D.

Roman Portrait Busts

Michael Grant describes how, in their portrait-heads, which reveal an extraordinary grasp of the subject’s personality, Roman sculptors ‘created one of the outstanding arts of all time’.

The Hellenistic World

Michael Grant describes how, after the death of Alexander the Great, the classical world was divided into a system of contending super-states of which our twentieth century world is the heir.

Hannibal in Edinburgh

Dennis Proctor describes how a distinguished Scottish soldier in 1775 traced Hannibal’s route across the Alps.

The Mechanics of Nomad Invasions

Bruce Chatwin describes how the dispute between Abel and Cain, the nomadic shepherd and the city-dwelling planter, has continued throughout history.

Rhubarb

William Gardener describes how, since the first century A.D. rhubarb was known to the Romans as a panacea for internal ailments, and imported from China.