Essays

essays

What makes a man die for his country?

Dying to defend territory is an ancient human need - but war in the 21st century may not follow the script.

Christopher Coker July 28, 2020

essays

Æthelstan and the forging of a United Kingdom of England 

The story of how, over the course of three generations, the royal dynasty of Wessex went from near oblivion to fashioning a kingdom that still endures today is the most remarkable ..

Tom Holland July 28, 2020

essays

When did sexual decadence lose its association with social decline?

Once, illicit sex was believed to be the ultimate transgression and a danger to society. Since the Enlightenment, attitudes have grown more tolerant.

Faramerz Dabhoiwala July 27, 2020

essays

You are not as clever as you think

The history of man is a story of mimicry and copying rather than innovation and 'light-bulb moments'.

Mark Pagel July 27, 2020

essays

Why the idea of Carthage survived Roman conquest

The Romans burnt Carthage's books and buildings - but 'Punic' identity remained influential throughout Antiquity.

Richard Miles July 24, 2020

essays

Napoleonic Europe: how the Emperor built a continent

Napoleonic geopolitics didn't make much impression on Europe's maps, but its influence was wide-ranging.

Michael Broers July 24, 2020

essays

Is our religion of love doing more harm than good?

Love has become widely seen as a democracy of salvation open to all.

Simon May July 23, 2020

essays

Spoken history: the modern importance of indigenous cultures

Our information-rich civilisation is not superior or inferior to the pre-literate world of Brazil's indigenous peoples, just different.

John Hemming July 23, 2020

essays

Meet the Zoomer generation

This period of turbulence could turn today's twenty-somethings into the leaders of a new liberal revolution.

Matthew Goodwin July 22, 2020