Archive - Histories

Not a sex war, 1910

"Some of our best friends are men."

Oct 11 •

A history of… firefighting (Part 1)

If the fire brigade turned up at your house in ancient Rome it was time to move…

Oct 4 •

September 2024

Shadows of our own making, 1820

Plus: dreadful mistakes with salads

Sep 27 •

A history of… deodorant

Would you rather smear yourself in burnt goats' horns or wear a cone of fat on your head?

Sep 20 •

The last pilgrim, 1538

So many capons! And let's hope she liked fish.

Sep 13 •

A history of… making fire

For much of human history it has been a real hassle

Sep 6 •

August 2024

Murder in the cathedral, 1170

Seen from five different angles

Aug 30 •

A history of… the toothbrush

The Roman method of tooth-whitening is unlikely to catch on today…

Aug 23 •

The mystery of mysteries, 1836

'Time! Time! Time!'

Aug 16 •

A history of… the original modern Olympics

Paris 2024 would be much improved by the inclusion of the sport of 'shin-kicking'

Aug 9 •

Sweeper of the heavens, 1786

Yet raised only to sweep the house.

Aug 2 •

July 2024

A history of… chewing gum

Aztec women chewed it "in order not to be detested"

Jul 26 •

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