Drawing of Christopher Columbus

General Early Modern

This 15th-century 'Zodiac Man' illustrates how each sign of the zodiac was thought to govern a different part of the human body. Such images helped shape early modern astrology, which blended medieval medical theory with renewed interest in celestial influence. Astrological medicine guided decisions from diagnosis to bloodletting, reflecting a world in which the heavens were seen as active forces in human health and destiny.

How do you cope with living in a century of chaos? By learning how to predict the future

Crystal balls & contacting angels: predicting the future in early modern England.

This woodcut from 1521 depicts Martin Luther on his way to Worms, laying down his sword and opening the Bible in prayer as Christ descends to comfort him. The scene reflects Protestant legend surrounding Luther’s defiance before the Diet of Worms, where he refused to renounce his writings.

Why did Martin Luther condemn the “hordes of peasants” fighting the war he helped inspire?

The dark side of Samuel Pepys.

Breaking news! How stories spread in early modern Europe.

The Mughal empire: everything you wanted to know.

The tangled legacies of two Americas.

The 300-year battle over free speech.

King vs parliament: the moment that sparked civil war.

An eye looking through a dark keyhole.

Are your neighbours spying on you? In the 17th century they had the power to destroy your life

Taking sides: how the Civil War turned friends into enemies.

A Japanese painting on silk, in a traditional Japanese style, of a Samurai warrior riding a horse.

General Early Modern

The 47 Rōnin: the true story behind the famous Japanese tale of revenge

Women killers of the early modern era.

Women's hidden role in religious reformation.

Cheese-rolling, horse skulls & morris dancers: Britain's strange folk customs.

An illustration of the future King Edward VI of England with his whipping boy (Photo by Chronicle/Alamy Stock Photo)

“Literally whipped”: the boys who took the beatings meant for royal bottoms

Maria Theresa

General Early Modern

The incredible Habsburg empress you’ve never heard of: who was Maria Theresa?

Satan & the sabbath: witchhunting in the Basque Country.

A vessel at sea comes across the mythical ghost ship The Flying Dutchman

General History

Seven of history's most disturbing ghost ship stories that will haunt your dreams

HistoryExtra AcademyWitchcraft, with Marion Gibson.

Week four – Witches in popular culture.

Week threeWitch trials.

Week twoDemonology.

Week oneWhat is a witch?.

A 17th-century scandal & a writer's secret life.

A Painting of The Grand Canal in Venice

General Early Modern

Q&AThe Grand Tour: a rite of passage for Europe’s elite

A surprising history of sex between men.

Video podcastAztec myths.

Tituba of Salem, in a 19th-century illustration (Photo by The Granger Collection/Alamy)

General Early Modern

5 things you (probably) didn’t know about the history of witchcraft.

Death by nostalgia: the curious history of a dangerous emotion.