Welcome to episode five of Pieces of History. Spies, kidnappings, informants, wiretapping, blackmail, and even murder - the StB was involved in it all.

This week, I’ll be diving into the shadowy world of the Czechoslovak State Security (Státní bezpečnost, or StB) during the Cold War. As the secret police of Communist Czechoslovakia, the StB operated as an extension of Soviet influence, using surveillance, coercion, and fear to maintain control over the population and eliminate dissent.

We’ll explore how the StB was formed, the brutal tactics they employed, their network of informants, and their role in suppressing political opposition. From high-profile espionage operations to notorious cases of persecution, we’ll uncover the chilling history of one of the most feared security agencies behind the Iron Curtain.

Join me as we step into the dark corridors of Cold War espionage and state repression.

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Welcome to episode four of Pieces of History. This week, I’ll be exploring the origins of New Amsterdam and how it evolved into one of the most vital trading hubs of the New World.

To understand its beginnings, we’ll first look at the Dutch Empire of the 16th century, a time of rapid expansion and maritime dominance.

We’ll trace the arrival of the Dutch to America in the early 17th century, the founding of New Amsterdam at the southern tip of Manhattan, and the key players. From its role as a center of commerce and immigration to the conflicts that threatened its existence, we’ll uncover the events that defined New Amsterdam’s rise and ultimately led to its transformation into the city we now know as New York.

Join me as we journey back to the days of Dutch America and explore the fascinating story of New Amsterdam.

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Welcome to episode three of Pieces of History. This week, I’ll be diving into the history of one of the most powerful and secretive criminal organisations in the world - the ‘Ndrangheta.

We’ll start by exploring the origins of the Italian Mafia, the social and economic conditions that gave rise to organised crime in southern Italy, and how the ‘Ndrangheta emerged in the rugged landscapes of Calabria. From their early days as a loose network of rural outlaws in the 19th century to their expansion into international crime syndicates in the 20th century, the ‘Ndrangheta’s rise to power has been both ruthless and calculated.

We’ll also take a closer look at one of their most infamous conflicts - the San Luca Feud - a bloody rivalry that erupted between clans and made headlines around the world. Finally, we’ll examine the organisation’s role in global crime today and how law enforcement continues to struggle against their deep-rooted influence.

Join me as we uncover the dark and complex history of the ‘Ndrangheta.

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Welcome to the second episode of Pieces of History. This week, I’ll be exploring the remarkable rise of Dubai - from its early days as a small fishing and pearl-diving village along the Persian Gulf to its transformation into one of the largest and most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates.

We’ll delve into its early history, the arrival of Islam in the region, and how Dubai evolved under various influences, including the British presence in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, we’ll examine the oil boom of the mid-20th century and how it propelled Dubai into a global economic powerhouse. Join me as we uncover the fascinating journey of this modern metropolis.

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Welcome to the first episode of Pieces of History. In this episode, I’ll be exploring one of the most devastating events in history - the Black Death. We’ll take a look at what Europe was like in the 14th century, where the plague began, and the profound impact it had on society. Let’s dive into this dark but fascinating chapter of the past.

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Hello and welcome to Pieces of History. Join me as I delve into some renowned and lesser-known events throughout history. 

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Episode One coming soon.