Aspects of History

by Oliver Webb-Carter

History Editor 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, but in a light-hearted way. There are bonus episodes too, on current events and anniversaries to the Aspects of History Film Club.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • The Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part Two: Poitiers

    The Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part Two: Poitiers

    In Part Two of our Hundred Years War series, we deal with Poitiers, and the lead up, the Black Death, the Black Prince and of course the battle itself. Gordon Corrigan, author of a number of histories of the Hundred Years War joins me to chat all things medieval warfare. And there's the small matter of a financial claim against France that Gordon is keen to pursue.You can listen to Part One here:The Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part One: CrécyFilm Club is out on Tuesday with Steven Spielberg's 2005 thriller Munich, starring Eric Bana and Daniel Craig, and next Saturday we have Part 2 of my Parthenon Marbles series when I deal with the other side.Gordon Corrigan LinksPoitiers: Finest Hours Book 3Crécy: Finest Hours Book 1England Expects:The Battle of SluysA Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundred Years WarOllie LinksOllie on TwitterGordon Corrigan on Poitiers - Aspects of History

  • Homer and the Iliad with Robin Lane Fox

    Homer and the Iliad with Robin Lane Fox

    This week's guest is Robin Lane Fox, Ancient Historian and author of Homer & His Iliad. He joins Ollie to chat about who Homer was, when he was writing, why it's better than the Odyssey and what Alexander the Great thought of the Iliad.Robin was the historical consultant on Oliver Stone's Alexander (2004) so he discusses his experience with Hollywood.Coming up, part 2 of the Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan, and the other side of the argument of the Parthenon Marbles.Robin Lane Fox LinksHomer & His IliadAlexander the GreatRobin on his bookOllie LinksAlexander in the Dock

  • Tom Holland on Ancient Rome

    Tom Holland on Ancient Rome

    This week's guest is the bestselling historian Tom Holland and he talks Ancient Rome - from Nero to Hadrian with our editor. Their discussion goes into Sex and Gender, Hadrian's Wall, Greeks and Rome and then a few light-hearted questions as well as Tom's view of history today.Tom's latest book is Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age.Subscribe for plenty more great history coming up on the pod including Part 2 of the Parthenon Marbles, the Battle of Poitiers, the Film Club returns with Spielberg's Munich and much much more.Tom Holland LinksPax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden AgeRubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman RepublicDominion: The Making of the Western MindTom on XOllie LinksAspects of History home - Aspects of HistoryOllie on XEmail us: history@aspectsofhistory.com

  • Cromwell's Protectorate with Paul Lay

    Cromwell's Protectorate with Paul Lay

    This week's episode sees Paul Lay join to discuss his book, Providence Lost: The Rise and Fall of Cromwell's Protectorate. Ollie and Paul chat about the period between the execution of Charles I and the restoration of Charles II when Britain saw a new ruler, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector.Paul's book is our Non Fiction Book of the Month and is highly recommended.Paul is Senior Editor at Engelsberg Ideas and a friend of the show, he runs his own podcast with Miranda Malins called 1666 and All That.Paul Lay LinksProvidence Lost: The Rise and Fall of Cromwell's ProtectoratePodcast: 1666 and All ThatOllie LinksOllie on Twitter / XContact Ollie: history@aspectsofhistory.com

  • The Dark Ages with Paula de Fougerolles

    The Dark Ages with Paula de Fougerolles

    This week's guest is historian and author Paula de Fougerolles, discussing the Dark Ages. As the Romans departed, Britain and Ireland underwent a hugely tumultuous period as Christianity developed, but also natural phenomena caused mayhem.Paula clears up the murky past, and describes life in the period, and talks about some of the prominent figures from a time when history merges into myth.Paula de Fougerolles LinksThe Chronicles of Iona: ExileSaint Columba & Aedan: To Dunadd, Citadel of Kings - Aspects of HistoryOllie LinksOllie on Twitter/Xhistory@aspectsofhistory.com