In this episode, we journey to Portugal to uncover the secrets of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrotta, where Portuguese forces and their English allies triumphed against the Castilians and French under the blazing August sun. An ancient ossuary filled with the battle’s fallen could unlock new insights into medieval warfare in Europe.

Cast List:

Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University of York

Manuel Joao Matias: Dryas Octopetala Archaeological Services

Professor Joao Gouveia Monteiro: Universidade De Coimbra

Simon Richardson: Metal Detectorist

Nuno Barraca: Geophysicist, Dryas Octopetala Archaeological Services

Professor Eugenia Cunha: Forensic Anthropologist, Universidade De Coimbra

Eric Meyers:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the ancient biblical story of the Exodus, tracing the Israelites' journey from Egyptian slavery to the Promised Land. Join us as we uncover the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this legendary migration that has inspired countless generations.

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we explore the surprisingly private and complex life of Henry VIII beyond his public image. From his refined tastes and athletic pursuits, this episode reveals a lesser-known side of the Tudor monarch.

Cast List:

Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces 

Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist 

Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’

Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist 

Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’

Dr. Matt Green: Historian 

Lesley Ronaldson: Guide Lecturer, Hampton Court Palace 

Eleri Lynn: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we investigate a medieval skeleton found near Lewes, Sussex, initially suspected to be a casualty of the Battle of Lewes in the 12th century. But with radiocarbon dating revealing an even older origin, possibly the Norman era, the research team delves into whether this could be the first skeletal link to the Battle of Hastings...

Cast List:

Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University Of York

Malin Holst: Osteoarcheologist, University Of York

Chris Whittick: Senior Archivist, East Sussex County Council

Luke Barber: Research Officer, Sussex Archaeology Society

John Bleach: Sussex Archaeological Society

Greg Chuter: Assistant County Archaeologist, East Sussex County Council

Edwina Livesey: Sussex Archaeological Society

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we uncover the true origins of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a story born from scientific curiosity and the eerie promise of reanimation. Over 200 years later, its questions about creation, responsibility, and the limits of human ambition are more prominent than ever in the age of artificial intelligence...

Cast List:

Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the extravagant reign of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King" who ruled France for over 70 years. Discover how his obsession with absolute power and the lavish court life at Versailles transformed the French monarchy and left a lasting legacy on European culture.

Cast List:

Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces 

Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist 

Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’

Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist 

Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’

Dr. Matt Green: Historian 

Emmanuel Frossard: Master Perfumier

Christine Baltay: Historian

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2013, a team of metal detectorists in Janakkala, Finland, stumbled upon something astonishing - a mysterious grave dating back over a thousand years. Buried with two swords, the extraordinary find suggests a link between Christians and Pagans. 

Cast List:

Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist 

Simo Vanhatalo: Archaeological Field Services, Museuivirasto

Paul Macdonald: Sword maker, MacDonald Armouries

Rachel Wood: University of York

Raila Altonen: Landowner

Mikko Mäkelä: Metal Detectorist 

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we journey into one of the most enduring conspiracy theories of the 20th century: Did NASA really land astronauts on the Moon in 1969, or was it an elaborate hoax filmed on a Hollywood soundstage? We explore the origins of the Apollo moon landing conspiracy theory, discuss the most common claims made by skeptics, and examine how science, photography, and cold war politics fuelled both belief and doubt.

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian 

Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we unpack the life of King George III, his battles with mental illness and how they forced his son, the Prince Regent, into power. As the king faded from public life, the prince indulged in grand architectural dreams and lavish tastes, ushering in a new era shaped by crisis, culture, and conflict.

Cast List:

Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces  

Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist 

Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’

Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist 

Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’

Dr. Matt Green: Historian 

Dr Jane Desborough: Curator of Scientific Instruments at the Science Museum, London

Professor Peter Garrard: Professor of Neurology at St George's University of London

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we’re joined by Tony McMahon to explore the life and legacy of James, the so-called “brother” of Jesus. Was James an early leader in the Jerusalem church whose influence shaped the foundation of Christianity, and a truly a devoted follower of Jesus? Or are there hidden texts or Gnostic writings that reveal a different James than the one we’re told about...

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices