Discover History

On today's episode Alan is joined by Gerry Kelly as they discuss the Nizari Ismaili and their connection to The Order of Assassins. After the Islamic conquests of the 7th century, we uncover how this small sect of Shia Islam professionalised political assassinations to achieve their aims. They had an impact not only on the Islamic World but Christian Europe too, playing an important part in the crusades for both sides. The immensely popular video game Assassins Creed is based on this legacy.

On today's episode Alan is joined by Kate Loadman as they discuss Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity. This momentous event changed the world as we know it, and we still live with the consequences to this day! From visions and dreams of Christ to meddling in religious affairs, Constantine was a man of action.

This week Alan is joined by Steve Anderson as they chart the career of The Beatles. From the formation of the band they delve into the inner-workings that made the band such a phenomenon. The Beatles set the stage for bands to write their own music, brought new sounds to the mainstream, and helped pioneer new recording techniques, cementing their unique place in music history. Steve discusses some of his favorite tracks and has put a playlist together for listeners to enjoy.Listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3dnhnl5n3h2YuL6YW7TutP?si=b0696f7d89724c42

This week Alan is joined by Safiya Aslam as they unpick Nazi Foreign Policy. Starting in 1933 with the withdrawal from the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference, they uncover a pattern of increasing boldness by the Third Reich. The conversation takes them on a journey to the Arab World and the Japanese Empire and their relationship with Nazi Germany. Safiya shares an incredibly special story about her personal connection to the end of WWII.

On this episode we uncover the first known historian Herodotus. Special guest Sondre Amundsen joins Alan to recount the tales and travels that Herodotus documented over 2000 years ago. They will unpack the Greek - Persian War so famously depicted in the movie 300, as well as life in Ancient Egypt and Persia. Herodotus is known for his outlandish accounts of the ancient world and set the blueprint for recording history. How relevant is his take for modern historians, and is he to be believed?