General ancient history

A stone believed to have magical properties, including the ability to summon rain, from Laraibina village in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. (Photo by Getty Images)

A history of magic

An illustration depicting King Arthur fighting the Saxons, from the Rochefoucauld Grail. The absence of a clear and present origin for King Arthur has created a ‘void’ which many are keen to fill, says Miles Russell. (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

The real King Arthur: why are we so obsessed with trying to solve the mystery?

'Tippoo's Tiger', made for Tipu Sultan. (Photo by Alamy)

General ancient history

Museums and colonialism

Carved Pictish Stone in the Meigle Museum east of Blairgowrie, Scotland. (Photo by Alamy)

General ancient history

The Picts

Illustration from Dante's ‘Inferno', depicting thieves tormented in hell by serpents.

General ancient history

A brief history of the afterlife

Thomas Becket murder

7 controversial saints in history

Original Gutenberg Bible, Beinecke Library, Yale Univeristy. (Photo by Alamy)

General ancient history

The history of the Bible

History Traveller final 1024x768

General ancient history

History Traveller, part 1: Meroë, Sudan

Thousands of Muslims gather in India in 2019 to offer Eid prayers, marking end of holy month of Ramadan

General ancient history

A brief history of Ramadan

Detail of the processional frieze Ara Pacis Augustae, Rome. (Photo by Alamy)

7 podcasts about the Romans to listen to right now

Marble statue of a young Roman girl

Everything you wanted to know about Roman Britain – but were afraid to ask

Spartacus is now associated with political upheaval, as in the 1919 Spartacist uprising.

Who were the gladiators of ancient Rome? Plus Spartacus, Crixus and 8 more fighters you should know

Tomb of Cyrus the Great, Shiraz, Iran

General ancient history

From conqueror to youth icon: who was Cyrus the Great?

Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene: why do people want to believe she was a sinner and prostitute?

'The Landing of St Augustine in Kent', AD 597

General ancient history

Q&A When did Christianity first arrive in Britain?