Poitiers: High Point of the Hundred Years’ War
The English triumph at Poitiers in September 1356 was the dramatic culmination of Edward III’s visionary approach to waging war, the consequences of which are still with us today.
History Today
Pie in the Sky?
As Battle of Britain Day approaches Brian James has been finding out why some of today’s leading military historians argue that it was not the RAF but the Royal Navy that saved Britain in 1940.
The Cross and the State
Christopher Tyerman explains why he believes the crusades were important in shaping the ideology and fiscal and political structures of the secular state.
How Our Enemy Made Us Better
Federico Guillermo Lorenz looks at Argentinian memories of the Second World War during and after the Malvinas-Falklands War of 1982.
The Bridge of Venice
Charles Freeman visits a city that has been defined by its waterways – and above all, by its bridge.
The Discreet Virtues of the Bourgeoisie
Deirdre McCloskey describes how Europe after 1600 half escaped the ancient condemnation of economic life.
Was Leonardo a Christian?
The beliefs of the man who painted some of the most famous Christian images are shrouded in mystery. Alex Keller coaxes Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts out of some little-known personal writings.
Orchestration... Or Castration?
The controversial decision to uncover the remains of the famous 18th-century castrato Farinelli in Bologna may or may not prove insightful for music historians ... while an exhibition on castrati in London illuminates this exclusive profession for the wider public.
Murray Minted
Ruth Boreham outlines the history of the famous publishing dynasty whose archive has been preserved for the nation and is now accessible to all at the National Library of Scotland.
Universal Projects for the Universal Man
The artist, scientist, botanist, anatomist, engineer, inventor and all-round genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) used paper in a unique way.