History Today

The legendary ruler of Pontus and creator of a formidable Black Sea empire was, until recently, one of the most celebrated figures of the Classical world, a hero of opera, drama and poetry. 

The Emperor divorced his first wife on December 14th, 1809.

Did the first Christian Roman emperor appropriate the pagan festival of Saturnalia to celebrate the birth of Christ? Matt Salusbury weighs the evidence.

As bankers gain pariah status, William D. Rubinstein discusses Britain’s changing attitudes towards the wealthy.

Wallowing in misery over this admittedly awful year betrays a lack of historical perspective, argues Derek Wilson.

The careers of the three Kennedy brothers defined the politics of America in the 1960s, a decade that began amid vigour and optimism and ended in scandal and cynicism. Yet still they fascinate, writes Tim Stanley.

A.J.P. Taylor gives a decidedly mid-20th century view of a mid-19th century war, its aims, and legacy. 

J.K. Elliott describes how many diverse elements are woven into the traditional account of the Nativity; but ‘the inspiration that the story has given to countless believers... speaks for its effectiveness.’

A major new book and BBC television series tell the long, complex and often surprising history of Christianity. Writer and presenter Diarmaid MacCulloch talks about his huge undertaking with Paul Lay

Jeremy Black examines A.J.P. Taylor’s account of the Crimean War, published in February 1951.