Aspects of History

Nov 01 2024 223 ep. 47 mins 301

Aspects of History Podcast artwork

The editor of Aspects of History, Ollie Webb-Carter, interviews historians and authors on the past - from the ancient world right up to the modern day. In each episode, Ollie seeks to get to the bottom of a story or scrutinise a figure from history. There are bonus episodes too, on current events and anniversaries to the Aspects of History Film Club.

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The SAS in Italy with Gavin Mortimer

Nov 01 2024 57 mins

Early on the 10th July 1943, advance units of elite British troops landed on the island of Sicily, and began series of raids against the Germans to allow the larger force to land on the beaches, and so began the invasion of Sicily. The unit tasked with this key job was the SAS, now a ruthless fighting force. joins to discuss. Joining to discuss is Gavin Mortimer author of The SAS i

Film Club: Alexander (2004)

Oct 29 2024 84 mins

This month’s film club is the epic Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer. Links Alexander on IMDB Alexander on Wikipedia Alexander the Great, by Robin Lane Fox Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: hist

Blair 'Paddy' Mayne with Damien Lewis

Oct 25 2024 51 mins

Blair Paddy Mayne was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, and one of the original members of the SAS. After David Stirling was captured he commanded the regiment and carried out incredible acts of heroism, but controversially was never awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry. He also battled demons as his war experiences, including discov

The Battle of Trafalgar with Michael Barritt

Oct 21 2024 50 mins

On the 21st October 1805, 27 ships of the line of the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged the combined fleets of France and Spain. Nelson sent the signal, ‘England Expects every man to do his duty’ and over the next few hours, under terrible fighting conditions, the British fleet overcame their enemy and won a famous victory, but at a cost. Joining t

Horatio Nelson with Dominic Sandbrook

Oct 21 2024 56 mins

On the evening of 21st October 1805 Great Britain won perhaps her finest military victory, defeating the navies of France and Spain in one of the bloodiest naval battles at Trafalgar, not far from Gibraltar. In command was Admiral Horatio Nelson, who had tragically been shot by a cowardly French sharpshooter, though as his life ebbed away, he was consoled that victory was his. When

Christendom vs. the Caliphate with Simon Mayall

Oct 11 2024 60 mins

On the 11th September 1683, at the great city of Vienna, the armies of the Ottoman Empire were preparing to storm the city, but their scouts to the west noticed a vast cavalry force approaching. The next day Christian horsemen (Poles, Lithuanians, Germans of the Holy Roman Empire and Cossacks) swept down upon the troops of the Caliph and swept them away in one of the most stunning

Ovid with Fiona Forsyth

Oct 08 2024 40 mins

Publius Ovidius Naso was a Roman poet much of whose life coincided with the reign of Augustus. He was the most famous poet during this time, a genuine superstar, and his works dealing with sex, violence and mythology have meant he continues to attract study, translations and books today - Metamorphoses being his most famous work. Joining me today is Fiona Forsyth, author of Poetic

Naples 1944 with Keith Lowe

Oct 04 2024 47 mins

Within months of the allies liberation of Naples in October of 1943 the city was plunged into the horrors of disease, starvation, prostitution and racketeering. How did this happen, who was responsible, what about the mafia and what was the impact on a city that is despised by the rest of Italy, and itself views the world very differently from other Mediterranean cities. Joining is

Henry V with Dan Jones

Sep 27 2024 52 mins

On the 25th October 1415 Henry V led the English army onto the field of Agincourt. There he defeated the flower of French chivalry to win perhaps the finest victory of the medieval period, made famous by Shakespeare’s play. But who was Henry V? Brilliant general, skilled politician or simply a warmonger? And is there a figure from the past that he most resembles? Dan Jones, the a

Film Club: A Bridge Too Far (1977)

Sep 26 2024 85 mins

Our Operation Market Garden series concludes with a chat on the 1977 classic directed by Richard Attenborough. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt. Links ChatDMZ - Market Garden A Bridge Too Far on IMDB A Bridge Too Far on Wikipedia Dirk Bogarde Interview Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of His