History TV and radio in the UK: what's on our screens this week?
Can't decide which shows to watch or listen to this week? Here are the latest history radio and TV programmes airing in the UK that you won't want to miss
Bettany Hughes’s Treasures Of The World
Channel 4
Saturday 22nd November, 7pm
In the final episode of the series, the classicist and historian heads north to the Baltic republic of Estonia. Highlights include a visit to a laboratory where a 10,000-year-old chunk of chewed tar is offering insights into a prehistoric teen and an exploration of the pre-Christian beliefs of the Seto people.
Archive On 4: Forbidden Britain – Brief Encounter Revisited
BBC Radio 4
Saturday 22nd November, 8pm
Released 80 years ago, David Lean’s tale of two married strangers and forbidden attraction, remains as potent as ever. But why does Brief Encounter, rooted in the social mores of a different era, still connect? Nina Wadia investigates with the help of, among others, scriptwriter Richard Curtis and star Celia Johnson’s daughters, Kate Grimond and Lucy Fleming.
Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint Of A Dictator
Channel 4
Saturday 22nd November, 9.05pm
The fascinating two-part documentary concludes with an in-depth look at the byways of Adolf Hitler’s DNA. The Nazi leader, we learn, had a rare genetic mutation that can affect the development of the sexual organs, an insight backed up by notes made by Hitler’s prison doctor.
The Serpent Queen
Channel 4
Saturday 22nd November, 10.05pm
First broadcast on Starzplay in 2022, this underrated drama tells the story of Catherine de Medici (1519–89), the Florentine noblewoman who became queen in France following her marriage to King Henry II. Samantha Morton plays Catherine, a woman battling misogyny at every turn, with sardonic wit. Continues at 2am on Monday 24th November.
Hidden Histories
National Geographic
Sunday 23rd November, 6pm
James Holland presents a series in which he looks back at key events from the Second World War. He begins in Italy with the story of the bloody battle to take Monte Cassino in 1944 and the key role played by Polish troops. Featuring the insights of historian Alex Richie.
Materials Of State
BBC Radio 4
Monday 24th November, 1.45pm
Professor Sir David Cannadine presents a series exploring the history of objects and symbols that shape Britain’s constitution. The first of five weekday programmes focuses on the Union Jack, which has its origins in the 17th-century union of the English and Scottish crowns.
Civilisations: Rise And Fall – pick of the week
BBC Two
Monday 24th November, 9pm
Civilisations returns with a series that, in truth, focuses more on the decline of hitherto successful societies than their ascents. First up, the subject is the Roman Empire and the years leading up to the sacking of Rome in 410 AD. Expect a mix of dramatic reconstructions, expert insights and close looks at objects held in the British Museum.
The Forsytes
5
Monday 24th November, 9pm
The family saga based on the novels of John Galsworthy will be back. Meantime, there’s one last episode in the first series to enjoy as Jolyon Sr decrees that Jolyon Jr will give a speech at the jubilee gala and Soames commissions Philip Bosinney to construct a home in the country.
The Reith Lectures
BBC Radio 4
Tuesday 25th November, 9am
The latest public intellectual to follow in the footsteps of, among others, Bertrand Russell and J Robert Oppenheimer is Rutger Bregman. The Dutch historian and writer has written extensively on how we can create a better world, a “realist utopia”, and his lectures consider how moral revolutions can arise even in eras of corruption. Chaired by Anita Anand.
Omid’s Tapes: The Afghan Memory Keeper
BBC Radio 4
Tuesday 25th November, 4pm
With the fundamentalist Taliban in charge, how can Afghan culture be preserved? One answer is through the work of California-based archivist Omid, who gathers material that might otherwise be lost. Journalist and filmmaker Tamana Ayazi follows the work of Omid’s team as they plan to bring two rare collections of cassettes from Afghanistan to the USA.