Accessibility Links

Skip to Main Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Footer

You have successfully linked your account!

Success!

Thank you for subscribing to HistoryExtra, you now have unlimited access. You will shortly receive a receipt for your purchase via email.

Visit My Account to manage your subscription, profile and preferences.

The official website for BBC History Magazine, BBC History Revealed and BBC World Histories Magazine

Roman

Dornier 217 bombers of the Luftwaffe bomb London during the Battle of Britain. "The crucial role of the RAF in denying the Germans control of the air in 1940 and therefore persuading Hitler to abandon his invasion plans is so well known that it might seem almost sacrilegious to question it, " says Sean Lang. "But was it solely responsible for saving Britain from invasion? Not quite." (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

9 of the most overrated battles in history (and one underrated one)

An illustration of the battle of Agincourt. By attacking over unsuitable ground, Charles d’Albret “doomed his army”, says Rupert Matthews. (Photo by Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

The top 10 military blunders in history

King Ludwig II of Bavaria. (Photo by Roger Viollet/Getty Images)

9 eccentric monarchs through history

Master of the New College of the Humanities in London, Professor AC Grayling is a philosopher who has written and edited more than 30 books. (Image by Christian Sinibaldi-Eyevine)

Books interview with AC Grayling: “A great philosophical mind is one that belongs to a childish heart – always curious, always open”

Charlton Hetson races a chariot in Ben-Hur

Wacky races: 10 weird and wonderful contests through history

In his native Como, Pliny the Younger's fame is reflected in his statue on the city cathedral's imposing west front, which was built in the 15th century. (Image by AKG Images)

Pliny’s Rome: Vesuvius, vice and vestal virgins

Great Pyramid of Giza. Egypt. (Photo by Olgakostenko | Dreamstime.com)

10 of the most surprising numbers in history

Wall painting from The House of the Faun, built during the 2nd century BC in the Roman city of Pompeii, depicting an erotic satyr and nymph. (Photo by Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images)

In bed with the Romans: a brief history of sex in Ancient Rome

Boudica and her daughters stand aloft in a bronze chariot in this statue located on the Thames embankment in London.

Boudica: scourge of the Roman empire

The photogenic Trevi Fountain is a highlight of most visits to Rome. (Image by Getty Images)

My favourite place: Rome, Italy

Hardian's Wall, a world heritage site. (Photo by Getty Images)

A tale of two walls: how Hadrian’s Wall inspired Game of Thrones

The food served at the wedding of Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell may be inspired by accounts of ancient Roman excess, says Ayelet Haimson Lushkov. (© Home Box Office, Inc/Sky Atlantic)

Power plays and scheming queens: the ancient history behind Game of Thrones

An ancient Roman relief shows a midwife delivering a baby. Many midwives had other occupations, and undertook the task as a contribution to their community. (Wellcome Images)

Call the (Roman) midwife

(Photo by Alamy)

Brexit lessons from history

The leader of the Luddites, 1812. Found in the collection of British Museum. Anonymous artist. (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

5 of the worst years in British history