Cleopatra’s Make-over
Cultural historian Lucy Hughes-Hallett considers how perceptions of Cleopatra have moved in the last decade and a half.
Middle East
Caliph Uthman Murdered
Richard Cavendish describes how Caliph Uthman was murdered on 17 June 656.
Lawrence in Arabia
Diplomat and traveller Hugh Leach draws on his experience of working with Arab tribes to examine T.E. Lawrence’s strategy in the Arab revolt, in anticipation of a new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum.
The Sea Speaks Arabic
Umej Bhatia discusses Muslim memories of the Crusades and their resonances in Middle Eastern politics today.
From Balfour to Suez: Britain's Zionist Misadventure
Robert Carr traces developments in British policy between 1917 and 1956.
The True Caliph of the Arabian Nights
Hugh Kennedy examines the life of one of the most powerful men in the world in the eighth century.
Ramla: Palestine’s Forgotten Capital
Andrew Petersen uncovers the city that was once the Palestinian capital and suggests reasons for its decline in the 11th century.
Coming to Terms with the Past: Israel
David Cesarani examines the effects of a long history on a new nation state.
Lord Cromer and Gertrude Bell
Roger Owen considers bell’s impact on the much maligned consul-general of Egypt.
The Shrine of Islam’s Tragic Divisions
Corinne Atkins examines the events in Iraq in the 7th century AD, which precipitated the first and only great division of Islam, the ramifications of which are seen today in Iraq and more widely.