Aspects of History

Rumours whispered in the forum, graffiti scrawled on walls, and scandalous tales passed between senator and citizen - the Roman emperor was as much a manifestation of gossip as of power. But how far can we trust these tales, and what do they reveal about the imperial system itself? Joining Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠, on the podcast today is Caillan Davenport, professor and historian, whose study, Behind Caesar’s Back, offers a bold, fresh approach to imperial Rome. Moving beyond traditional biographies, his sweeping study reconstructs the “oral world” of the Roman Empire, sharing insight into political talk, public opinion and the delicate relationship between ruler and ruled. Episode Links Behind Caesar's Back: Rumor, Gossip, and the Making of the Roman Emperors Caillan Davenport Links Caillan ⁠online⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a warring world of thousands of city-states, where honour, prestige, and survival were constantly at stake, two names would rise above the rest – Athens and Sparta. Though once allied together against the Persians, the powers would end up locked in a rivalry, the Peloponnesian War. In this episode of the podcast, Adrian Goldsworthy joins ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠, to discuss his latest book, ⁠Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece⁠. His stimulating account runs from its mythic origins to the Peloponnesian War, exploring their contrasting identities and ideologies – militaristic Sparta as a conquering elite and democratic Athens as an autochthonous society – and quite how these shaped their politics and ambitions. Our conversation also considers the challenges of sources like Herodotus and Thucydides, the fragile alliances of the Persian Wars, and what descent into this enduring conflict reveals about power, warfare, and strategy. Episode Links Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece Adrian Goldsworthy Links Adrian ⁠⁠online⁠⁠ Adrian on Twitter/X Adrian on YouTube Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry VII was the king the brought the Plantagenets tumbling down and replaced them with the Tudor Dynasty. But his reign was anything but peaceful. Join Nathen Amin to tell us all about the first Tudor monarch's tense, turbulent and uncomfortable reign is Dr Sean Cunningham, author of 'Henry VII: Treason and Trust' and Head of Medieval Records at the National Archives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few scandals have captured the imagination quite like the Cambridge Five - recruited in the 1930s, these infamous names would each penetrate the deepest recesses of the British intelligence system while secretly working for the Soviet Union. Their actions compromised operations, reshaped the nation’s security services and left a legacy that continues to echo in today’s world. Joining ⁠Phil Craig on the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠ podcast is historian, writer and journalist Antonia Senior, whose latest book, Stalin's Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of the Soviet Empire, reexamines the lives and careers of some of the most intriguing figures in 20th century espionage. She sets forth the state of the world that produced these men, how they were recruited, and just how damaging their betrayal of information was. Episode Links ⁠Stalin's Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of the Soviet Empire⁠ Antonia Senior Links Antonia on The History Book Buffs Antonia on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast sees historian ⁠Phil Craig⁠⁠⁠⁠ joined by author Jack El-Hai to explore the disturbing psychological drama behind the Nuremberg Trials. After last year’s adaptation starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, the journalist discusses his book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the uncanny relationship between US Army physician Douglas Kelley and the war criminal Hermann Göring, and what it reveals to us eighty years later about the nature of evil. Drawing on personal archival material, what follows is a gripping conversation about power, personality, and the disconcerting idea that the 20th century’s worst crimes might be rooted in ordinary human behaviour. Episode Links ⁠The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII by Jack El-Hai Jack Links Jack on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter/X Jack on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Jack on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky Jack ⁠online⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, best-selling historian Helen Carr passionately explores the fourteenth century, subject of her vividly-told and immersive new book Sceptred Isle including insightful discussion of John of Gaunt, Katherine Swynford, exploring the voices of women of the past, and writing on the themes of loss and grief. Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Helen Carr Links: Website: https://www.helenhcarr.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sceptred-Isle-history-fourteenth-century/dp/1529151651 Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nuremberg Trials brought the surviving leaders of the Third Reich to justice, but they also posed a deeper question. How could ordinary men commit such extraordinary crimes? Joining Phil Craig on the Aspects of History⁠⁠ podcast is historian Helen Fry discussing Nuremberg: The Translator's Tale published by Yale University Press. Her new book tells the fascinating story of Howard Triest, a young German-Jewish refugee who returned to Germany as a US Army translator and found himself interviewing the very men responsible for the regime that had murdered his parents. His is a story of justice, memory, and the attempt to understand the architects of evil at the heart of the Nazi regime. Episode Links Nuremberg: The Translator's Tale by Helen Fry Helen Links Helen on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Helen online Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, historian, author and novelist David Pilling joins to share his thoughts on Edward I, the Crusader King of England remembered for his uncompromising rule and struggles with the Welsh and Scottish. It's a fascinating discussion about a monarch who has become increasingly misrepresented and perhaps misunderstood. Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ David Pilling Links: Substack: https://medievalrealms.substack.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0086PTSCW Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Themistocles is a name conjures up many adjectives and epithets - a visionary, an outsider, the architect of Athenian maritime success, and, ultimately, an exile who ended his days in among his once-enemies. Alongside ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠, Editor of ⁠Aspects of History⁠, on the podcast today is Professor Michael Scott of the University of Warwick, academic, author and broadcaster. His biography of one of the most compelling and controversial figures of the ancient world observes a city’s political upheaval, Greece’s fight for survival against the invading Persians and that audacious gamble at Salamis. Episode Links Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’s Naval Mastermind Michael Scott Links Michael online Michael on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Michael on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠online⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, renaissance man of culture - comedian, musician, novelist, actor, podcaster and now historian - Charlie Higson joins Nathen Amin for a wide-ranging discussion around his podcast and accompanying book Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee. Find out who Charlie thought were 'stinkers' as monarchs and just why history matters so much. Charlie Higson Links: Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee Podcast Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lover of an emperor-to-be, the subject of scurrilous rumours of incest and a target of Juvenal’s anti-Semitic ranting - but who exactly was Berenice of Judea and why must her life viewed through these prejudiced lenses? Joining Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, on the podcast is Bruce Chilton, scholar and biographer. His fine-tuned account of a 1st-century client queen turns the spotlight onto religious upheaval in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, female agency within the Herodian dynasty, imperial succession and the life and times of an inspiring figure. Episode Links Berenice: Queen in Roman Judea Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠online⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠Twitter /X⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, historians Robert Lyman and Phil Craig move between modern Britain and the interwar years to ask a disturbingly familiar question: why do we keep repeating the same mistakes when it comes to military preparedness?   Drawing on Robert Lyman’s recent book Victory to Defeat (written with General Lord Dannatt), the discussion explores how Britain’s formidable military machine of 1918 was allowed to waste away, even as other powers - most notably Germany - absorbed and applied the lessons of British success. The failure to prepare for war, or to apply credible deterrence in the 1930s, would have grave consequences.   Are we witnessing a similar pattern today? And should we rethink the balance between being ‘good global citizens’ and exercising hard national power? Episode Links ⁠Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918-40 Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠online⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠ Robert Links Robert on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Robert on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠Twitter /X⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We think we know about gladiators, toned biceps on show during a deadly bout in the arena. But is that Hollywood depiction less interesting than the actual truth? We’d venture so… Joining Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, on the podcast is Harry Sidebottom, whose day-at-the-games account shines light on the life of a gladiator and the realities behind Rome’s most enduring spectacle in his book, Those Who Are About To Die. Episode Links Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind Aspects of History Links AoH online AoH on ⁠Twitter /X⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on Twitter /X Zeb on ⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A round-up of the best 2025 Tudor books - Joining host Nathen Amin are guest contributors, and authors extraordinaire, Sarah Gristwood and Steve Veerapen. Sarah Gristwood Links: Website: https://sarahgristwood.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00IVN1JM6 Steven Veerapen Links Website: https://www.stevenveerapen.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B07PBBLPRL Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When his queen Eleanor of Castile died in 1290, how did Edward I demonstrate his love for the woman 'whom in life we dearly cherished, and whom in death we cannot cease to love'. Joining Aspects of History today for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, history titan Alice Loxton adeptly explains how she followed, quite literally, in Edward's grief-stricken footsteps not just to commemorate his grief but to celebrate love. Alice Loxton Links: Website: https://aliceloxton.com/ Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello and welcome to the Aspects of History 2025 books of the year podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IWM Live on Saturday 1st November, Ollie spoke with Tessa Dunlop in front of a live audience discussing how we memorialise war. Thanks to the Imperial War Museum Tessa Dunlop Links ⁠Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 British Monuments⁠ ⁠Alfred the Great - The Telegraph (£)⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, ⁠Wolfpack⁠, and it's Das Boot, the Wolfgang Petersen masterpiece. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠ ⁠Das Boot on Wikipedia⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the West’s dominant golden age at an end? What can the past tell us about the future? Joining today is Johan Norberg who poses these and many more questions in his fascinating book Peak Human. Episode Links ⁠Peak Human⁠ Ollie Links ⁠⁠Ollie on Twitter / X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 9th February 1981 a novel was published that would reinigerate historical fiction, begin a series that would sell millions of copies, and inspire a certain Shefflield born actor to take on a role that would lead him to Hollywood as a Bond villain and the star of Lord of the Rings. Sharpe’s Eagle was that novel, and Sean Bean the actor. There is a new Sharpe out, Sharpe's Storm, set in late 1813 during the British invasion of southwest France. Today I have the great pleasure of speaking with Bernard Cornwell in a wide-ranging chat which starts off with my mention of his publisher, Susan Watt who very sadly died recently. Episode Links Sharpe's Storm Ollie Links Email me: [email protected] Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the build up to World Cup 98 in France, Glenn Hoddle pondered the selection of England’s greatest and most skilful player. A mercurial genius capable of turning a game with one drop of the shoulder or defence splitting pass. His free kick ability was legendary. A scorer of great goals as well as a great goalscorer. I am of course talking about Matthew Le Tissier, and England went out on penalties, a skill Le God had perfected having scored 48 from 49. But we’re not here to talk about the Channel Islands’ greatest export, but instead the World Cup Finals that he sadly never graced, as Jonathan Wilson, football writer for the Guardian and author of The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup, joins to discuss his new book. Episode Links The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup Ollie Links Get in touch:: [email protected] Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 27th September 1943, in German occupied Naples, an uprising began that lasted four days. By the 29th the Germans had lost the city and so made the decision to leave, heading north for safety as the victorious Neapolitans and Partisans celebrated in the streets. On 1st October the Allies arrived, and the city was secure. Or was it? Within months starvation descended on Naples, and with it disease, prostitution and misery. Joining today is Keith Lowe, author of⁠ Naples 1944⁠ as we delve a little bit deeper into this piece of Italian and WW2 history, including the notorious Camorra. I’ll be at the ⁠Imperial War Museum on Saturday 1st November⁠, so it would be great to see you there. Episode Links Links ⁠Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ Ollie Links Email me: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, ⁠Wolfpack⁠, and it's great sub movie ⁠Hunt For Red October⁠, starring Sean Connery & Alec Baldwin. We talk crazy Ivans, safety measures on torpedoes and an egregious example of mansplaining. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠ ⁠Hunt For Red October on Wikipedia⁠ ⁠Caterpillar Drive⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1562 the Witchcraft Act was passed in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Act stated that anyone who should "use, practise, or exercise any Witchcraft, Enchantment, Charm, or Sorcery, whereby any person shall happen to be killed or destroyed", was guilty of a felony without benefit of clergy, and was to be put to death. The Scottish Witchcraft Act followed a year later. Joining today is Steven Veerapen, author of⁠ Witches: A King’s Obsession⁠ as we explore the reign of James VI of Scotland and I of England and its attitude to so called witches. James wrote a book on witchcraft and oversaw a huge uptick in legal proceedings against women who made up 85% of those accused. Links ⁠Witches: A King's Obsession⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ Ollie Links Get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries there was huge demand among medical practitioners for corpses on which to practices and perform. With the demand so came the suppliers in the form of body snatchers. These were highly motivated and well organised groups who solved the supply problem by taking the freshly buried dead and selling them to desperate surgeons. Joining today is Paul Bavill from the ⁠History Rage podcast⁠ as discusses the practice, the economic rewards and the quantities. Paul joins me as part of the ⁠Podcast Show Live preparations at the Imperial War Museum⁠ on Saturday 1st November. Do get your tickets and I’ll see you there. Links ⁠History Rage Podcast⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ Ollie Links Email me: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October 1939 U-47 approached Scapa Flow in silence, as its crew prepared to attack. Their target were British warships at port in the deepwater natural harbour. The U Boat’s tubes were filled with water, and three torpedoes were fired, heading for HMS Royal Oak. This mission, so early in the war, was a huge success for the Kriegsmarine and was commented on by Winston Churchill in the House of Commons. So began the U-Boat war that would strike fear into both Churchill and the Allied High Command. Joining today is Roger Moorhouse, great friend of the show and the author of ⁠Wolfpack: Hitler’s U Boat War⁠ as we discuss the death rate the submariners faced, the threats from above and what life was like underwater. Coming up on 1st November I’ll be hosting a live recording at the ⁠Imperial War Museum’s Live Podcast show⁠ Links ⁠Wolfpack: Inside Hitler's U-Boat War⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ Ollie Links Email me: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the night of 14th August 1943, a Halifax bomber approached the Savoie region of SE France. Coming under fire from the ground, the aircraft was hit and only one airman survived, Squadron Leader Frank Griffiths. Now alone and in German occupied territory, he began the perilous journey to the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Joining me is Adam Hart, Frank’s great grandson as he followed in his footsteps to tell the remarkable story. Announcement: This Thursday, 9th October, I’ll be interviewing Roger Moorhouse on his new U Boat book Wolfpack at the⁠ Tring Book Festival⁠ in Hertfordshire. Then, on Saturday 1st November at the ⁠Imperial War Museum London⁠ at 10am I’m speaking with Tessa Dunlop and Iain MacGregor as part of the Podcast Live Show where I and others will be broadcasting our pods in front of a live audience. Links for both these events are in the show notes, or head to their respective websites, and I hope to see you there. Links ⁠⁠Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather's Great Escape⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IWM Live⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tring⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our four part special on submarine movies for the Film Club – last week began with Crimson Tide, today it’s the British 1943 classic We Dive at Dawn, and towards the end of October we have, appropriately, the Hunt for Red October before culminating with Das Boot. All in honour of Roger Moorhouse’s new book Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U Boat War, so sit back and listen to Roger, director Tim Hewitt as we discuss We Dive at Dawn. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ ⁠Tring⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you think you know Oliver Cromwell and Prince Rupert of the Rhine? I’ve discussed both figures on this podcast, but I don’t think I’ve delved into their wives, daughters, mothers or consorts who all give a more nuanced and view of these two major players of 17tg century Britain and Ireland. Miranda Malins, author of a forthcoming history of the Cromwell dynasty, and Mark Turnbull, author of ⁠Prince Rupert of the Rhine⁠ join to discuss the women of these two men who fought each other during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Links ⁠Puritan Princess⁠ ⁠Rebel Daughter⁠ ⁠Prince Rupert of the Rhine⁠ ⁠⁠Charles I's Private Life⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, ⁠Wolfpack⁠, and it's the Tony Scott classic starring Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 17 November 1942 Allied troops began their campaign against the Germans and Italians in the Tunisian campaign, in the last effort to push the Axis out of North  Africa, and open the way to Sicily and Italy, and,  as you heard from the Winston Churchill quote at the top, meaning Germany would be surrounded in the last 18 months of the war. So why was this campaign so important, and who was involved? Bestselling historian Saul David joins to discuss Tunisgrad, the long running fight to secure Africa. His new book is out, and links are in the shownotes. Saul David Links ⁠Tunisgrad⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 4th August 1265 Henry III’s army led by his son Edward, met rebels of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester at Evesham. Henry himself had earlier been captured by Simon, and so perhaps that motivated Edward and his followers to exact a terrible revenge. In a brutal battle with the majority of the Montfortians wiped out, Edward was victorious and so Simon de Montfort’s rebellion was over. Or was it? His relatives continued their campaign against Henry meaning this particular civil war was a long running one, and was that necessary? Joining today is David Pilling, author of Rebellion Against Henry III as he joins to discuss Henry, his son Edward, Simon de Montfort and this particularly brutal English civil war. David Pilling Links ⁠Rebellion Against Henry III⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest Film Club is the Kubrick 1975 masterpiece, Barry Lyndon starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Leonard Rossiter and Hardy Kruger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the outskirts of North London, near Chipping Barnet and Enfield, stands a marvellous country house, Trent Park that belonged to the Sassoon family. In 1939 it was requisitioned by the British government whereupon it became a luxurious POW camp for German prisoners. Why treat them so kindly? Well senior Wehrmacht and Nazi officers were lulled into a false sense of security, they let their guard down and discussed war plans, and their murderous outlook openly, all of which were recorded and translated by listeners in the cellars of the house. Many of these listeners were Jewish refugees. Today’s guest is Jane Thynne, whose new book Appointment in Paris features Trent Park so we discuss that and plenty more including France during the war. Jane Thynne Links ⁠Appointment in Paris⁠Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the summer of 1940, Britain was on its knees. The British Expeditionary Force had fled from mainland Europe in humiliation, and Nazi Germany eyed the South East of England greedily. All that stood between Hitler and his SS marching up the Mall was a thin strip of English channel. My guest today is Alex Gerlis who has written ⁠The Second Traitor⁠, a novel set in those dark days of the first year of the war. We talk about the Operation Sea Lion, its likelihood, and Nazi sympathisers in both Britain and Ireland. Alex Gerlis Links ⁠The Second Traitor⁠ ⁠Previous episode discussing Every Spy a Traitor⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 22 August 1485 Henry Tudor met Richard III at Bosworth Field. In a strange battle, Henry’s smaller force eventually overcame Richard’s army. The Wars of the Roses were all but over after thirty years of murder, warfare and political machinations. In this final episode of our 6 part special, Derek Birks, author of The Guide to the  Wars of the Roses and David Pilling author of Kingbreaker, join to discuss the battle, the factions involved, Henry Tudor and Richard III. Links ⁠A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks⁠ ⁠Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling⁠ ⁠Kingmaker Board Game⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 1483 a sighting was reported of two young boys playing in the grounds of the Tower of London. Rumours spread that these were the two princes, Edward V and his younger brother Richard Duke of York. It was the last time they were seen again, and ever since, speculation has been rife that their uncle, Richard III had them killed, or, and this is perhaps less likely, they managed to escape abroad. So began the reign of Richard III as Derek Birks, author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker join me to discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to the princes. Links ⁠A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks⁠ ⁠Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling⁠ ⁠Kingmaker Board Game⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 4 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today’s episode sees Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker, make plans which soon fall apart. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You’ll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Henry VI, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links ⁠A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks⁠ ⁠Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling⁠ ⁠Kingmaker Board Game⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 3 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today Edward IV emerges as the great new hope for the Yorkist cause now that his father, Richard Duke of York is dead. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You’ll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links ⁠A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks⁠ ⁠Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling⁠ ⁠Kingmaker Board Game⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 2 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses as today we deal with the fall of Richard Duke of York. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of KingBreaker. You’ll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links ⁠A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks⁠ ⁠Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling⁠ ⁠Kingmaker Board Game⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On Sunday 23 October 1642, at Edgehill during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Parliament and the Royalists met on the field of battle. In an inconclusive engagement, both sides left the field largely intact, but one man’s name would be known throughout England. Prince Rupert of the Rhine led a stunning cavalry charge on the King’s right flank, breaking through the Parliamentarians. But, as with so many cavalry advances, the thrill got the better of him and he pressed his attack too far, thus threatening the infantry. Rupert’s reputation grew however, but who was this foreign prince? Mark Turnbull joins to discuss this brilliant soldier, sailor and renaissance man. Mark has written a new book that has found new material, not easy in a crowded field. Episode Links ⁠Prince Rupert of the Rhine: King Charles I’s Cavalier Commander⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 27th February 2022, three days after the Russians invaded Ukraine, President Zelensky sent out the call for volunteers from abroad to join the Ukrainians in resisting Putin’s so called special military operation. Over 20,000 expressed interest, but for those that made it out onto the front lines, combat proved far more difficult, and less romantic, than it had first appeared. Joining today is Colin Freeman, author of The Mad and the Brave, the thrilling account of life in the Foreign Legion for those volunteers fighting Russia. We discuss the struggles, motivations and courage of these extraordinary men. Episode Links ⁠The Mad & the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion⁠ ⁠Want to join up? Join the Brave⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This month’s film club is the Terrence Malick 1998 masterpiece The Thin Red Line starring Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jim Caviezel, John Cusack, John Travolta and Woody Harrelson, among many others. We talk the Adrien Brody cut, the military elements, comparisons with Saving Private Ryan and much more. It’s me, historian Roger Moorhouse and filmmaker Tim Hewitt talking The Thin Red Line. Links ⁠Adrien Brody on his being cut from The Thin Red Line⁠. ⁠Christopher Plummer & George Clooney on Terrence Malick⁠. ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1795 the Admiralty established the Royal Navy’s Hydrography office, which became the world leader in charting the waters of the globe, as ships of the line sailed the oceans, pursuing their traditional enemy, the French. Treacherous waters were navigated with a skill that is quite breathtaking, and laid the groundwork, along with Trafalgar, for a century of domination of the waves. Joining today is historian and Royal Navy veteran Michael Barritt, author of Nelson’s Pathfinders, himself a hydrographer, as he explains the growth of the discipline, and how it was used to help the great admirals of the navy including Collingwood and Nelson. Episode Links ⁠Nelson's Pathfinders: A Forgotten Story in the Triumph of British Sea Power⁠ ⁠Michael Barritt on The Battle of Trafalgar⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 13 June of this year, one month ago, Israeli forces launched aerial and drone attacks on Iran thus beginning what is now called the Twelve Day War or the Iran-Israel War. The coverage here in the West has focussed on whether the bombing has been successful, but is there a strategic goal in place that takes into account Iran’s strategy? Perhaps, but my guest today is Vali Nasr who has written a new book,⁠ Iran’s Grand Strategy: A Political History⁠, which is both timely, and unusual in that it seeks to examine Iran’s Islamic regime from its own point of view, and so not through our Western lens. We discuss the events that have moulded the Iran at loggerheads with Israel and the US today. Vali Nasr Links ⁠Iran’s Grand Strategy: A Political History⁠ ⁠Vali Nasr - Wikipedia⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week three writers join to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction. Books ⁠The Spy in the Archive⁠ ⁠Sceptred Isle⁠ ⁠Rain of Ruin⁠ ⁠Test Cricket: A History⁠ ⁠The Pretender⁠ ⁠Korea⁠ ⁠The CIA Book Club⁠ ⁠Lest We Forget⁠ ⁠1945 The Reckoning⁠ ⁠On Democracy & Death Cults⁠ ⁠Last Days of Budapest⁠ ⁠The Sorrow & the Loss⁠ ⁠These Wicked Devices⁠ ⁠March Violets - Bernie Gunther⁠ ⁠The Good Soldier Svejk⁠ ⁠A Good Man in Africa⁠  Guests ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] ⁠Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times⁠ ⁠Roger Moorhouse - Historian⁠ ⁠Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 6 August 1945 the Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, approached Hiroshima and opened up its bomb doors. Once its payload dropped, the city was engulfed with blinding light and a huge explosion produced a giant mushroom cloud. When the attack was over and after the Enola Gay had returned to its airbase on the North Mariana islands, around 100,000 Japanese residents of Hiroshima were killed, and humanity had entered a new phase of warfare. Joining today is Iain MacGregor, author of ⁠The Hiroshima Men⁠ as we discuss the people involved and the thinking that led to this moment. Iain MacGregor Links ⁠The Hiroshima Men⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Horace, born Quintus Horatius Flaccus in 65 BC in Venusia, was one of ancient Rome’s most celebrated lyric poets. He lived through the turbulent transition from Republic to Empire and became closely associated with Emperor Augustus’s regime. Though he once fought on the losing side at the Battle of Philippi against Caesar, he later gained favour through the patronage of Maecenas, a key advisor to Augustus. Horace is best known for his Odes, Satires, Epistles, and the Ars Poetica—works that blend wit, philosophical reflection, and poetic elegance, and so naturally he is a perfect subject for Peter Stothard, historian and author. Looking for something to do at the end of June? You could do worse than head to the ⁠Chalke History Festival⁠. Peter Stothard Links ⁠Horace: Poet on a Volcano⁠ Chalke ⁠Chalke History Festival⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is the Maya epic from Mel Gibson. With a cast of unknowns, it put the civilisation overshadowed by the Aztecs back on the map. Links ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices