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Ancient Greece
Sparta: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Superpower, by Andrew Bayliss
A nuanced reassessment of Sparta that challenges the myths and looks closely at the society behind them.
In this compelling narrative study of the rise and fall of Sparta, Birmingham University professor, Andrew Bayliss, seeks to strip away the myth of the Spartans, peer behind the lens of unreliable ancient historians, and get to the heart of what this extraordinary...
The Battle of Champions, by Andrew Bayliss
The author uses the Battle of the Champions to show how warfare, discipline, and ideas of honour and shame shaped Spartan society.
In the fields of the Peloponnese, the image of a lone survivor stood amid hundreds of dead reveals the brutality of ancient warfare and the military values that shaped Spartan life. As the light faded, his energy ebbing with it, the Spartan soldier Othryadas felt his...
Books of 2025 from Aspects of History
Our authors and contributors recommend the titles they've enjoyed this year
Books of 2025 from Aspects of HistoryZeb Baker-Smith Editor of Aspects of HistorySeven Rivers by Vanessa Taylor explores how humanity and waterways have shaped one another across millennia, offering vivid historical portraits of the Nile, Danube, Ganges, Thames,...
On Medea, Myths and Standing Up for the Classics: Natalie Haynes interviewed
The broadcasting sensation discusses her persisting fascination with one of the Greek myth's most infamous characters, the protagonist of her latest novel, with author Fiona Forsyth.
Welcome, Natalie, and thank you for talking to us today. My first question is – why do you think there is such an appetite nowadays for fiction set in the ancient world? I think it’s just having a moment, isn’t it? And some of that will probably just be a trend, I...
2025 Summer Reads from Aspects of History
Our authors and contributors recommend books to take on summer holidays.
Summer Reads from Aspects of HistoryLucy Ashe Author of The Sleeping BeautiesThe Eights is Joanna Miller’s debut novel that combines fascinating historical research with the creation of four compelling female characters, The Eights is set at St Hugh’s College, Oxford,...
Winding Down at the Chalke Hist Fest
After five days onsite, the weekend is a chance to go easy on the talks and soak up the sun.
Winding Down at the Chalke Hist Fest - Saturday & Sunday This was the day that sapped me, the closeness of the heat unendurable and getting oneself up for another talk tricky as the crowds swarmed to Broad Chalke in their droves. The cool mornings, however, have...
Reinforcements arrive at the Chalke Hist Fest
Zeb meets up with his editor and board members.
Reinforcements arrive at the Chalke Hist Fest 5 - Friday It had been a relatively late one as the campsite dragged itself up and back to it. The antics seemed to be crescendoing into the weekend. Having spent a pleasant evening in the company of Aspects of History’s...
CHF 2025: Day 5
The Pub Landlord ended off a fabulous day at Chalke.
CHF 2025: Day 5 UKRAINE: THE LATEST LIVE – WITH NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER OLEKSANDRA MATVIICHUK, Oleksandra Matviichuk w. Francis Dearnley, Dominic Nicholls and Adelie Pojzman-Pontay The incredible team behind The Telegraph’s award-winning podcast were on stage to...
Camping at the Chalke Hist Fest
Michael Gove is in Zeb's firing line.
Chalke Hist Fest 4 - Thursday It’s all become routine now – more or less six years without having camped and I’ve surprised myself by enjoying it! The warm showers and the Kiwi coffee van twenty metres away lures me out in the morning, a couple of protein ‘crisps’ and...