History Today

‘History is an illusion, as with everything that changes.’

Nobody owns the past, but many have sought to use it to their own ends. The use, and abuse, of ancient history has been ever-present.

‘I’d like to have met Baranamtara, the Queen of Lagash in the early 24th century BC.’

Founded as the British Broadcasting Company in October 1922, the BBC has sought to ‘inform, educate and entertain’ for a century. Facing an uncertain future, what impact has it had on the past?

From the rare to the extraordinary: maps from across the globe.

Society’s battle against what Richard Nixon called ‘public enemy number one’ is an ancient one. Is there any sense in fighting?

‘It is not the rich and seemingly powerful that make history, but the majority of humans.’

‘Looking at my native country from outside opened completely new ways of thinking.’

Relations between Turkey and the rest of Europe have often been defined by suspicion and mistrust. Do Ottoman-era grievances still hold sway?

‘Being a careful analyst of history can help anticipate trends in the present and future.’