Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By God's providence he was catch'd With a dark lantern and burning match Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring Holler boys, holler boys God save the King! Joining to discuss is Peter Tonkin, historian and novelist of the period and author of Shadow of Treason. Episode Links Shadow of Treason Richard Hammond blows up Parliament Examples of torture Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early on the 10th July 1943, advance units of elite British troops landed on the island of Sicily, and began series of raids against the Germans to allow the larger force to land on the beaches, and so began the invasion of Sicily. The unit tasked with this key job was the SAS, now a ruthless fighting force.  joins to discuss. Joining to discuss is Gavin Mortimer author of The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy. Episode Links The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month’s film club is the epic Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer. Links Alexander on IMDB Alexander on Wikipedia Alexander the Great, by Robin Lane Fox Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blair Paddy Mayne was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, and one of the original members of the SAS. After David Stirling was captured he commanded the regiment and carried out incredible acts of heroism, but controversially was never awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry. He also battled demons as his war experiences, including discovering concentration camps, had a big effect on his mental health. Joining to discuss Paddy Mayne is Damien Lewis, author of SAS Daggers Drawn as we look at the psychological impact on Mayne and his comrades during the war. Episode Links SAS Daggers Drawn Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 21st October 1805, 27 ships of the line of the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged the combined fleets of France and Spain. Nelson sent the signal, ‘England Expects every man to do his duty’ and over the next few hours, under terrible fighting conditions, the British fleet overcame their enemy and won a famous victory, but at a cost. Joining to discuss the battle of Trafalgar is naval historian and hydrographer Michael Barritt, author of Nelson’s Pathfinders as we discuss the conditions, the seamanship and the hydrography, the  discipline of naval intelligence, the method to chart sea beds – it’s worth remembering the Royal Navy lost twice as many ships to shipwreck as to battle. Episode Links Nelson's Pathfinders: A Forgotten Story in the Triumph of British Sea Power Breaking the Line - Map of the battle Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the evening of 21st October 1805 Great Britain won perhaps her finest military victory, defeating the navies of France and Spain in one of the bloodiest naval battles at Trafalgar, not far from Gibraltar. In command was Admiral Horatio Nelson, who had tragically been shot by a cowardly French sharpshooter, though as his life ebbed away, he was consoled that victory was his. When the news reached England, the country was plunged into grief, despite the result. Joining me to discuss the great man is Dominic Sandbrook. He has written a fantastic new book, Nelson: Hero of the Seas, and is one half of a very well-known podcast. Coming up on Tuesday I have naval historian Michael Barritt talking Trafalgar on the anniversary. Episode Links Nelson: Hero of the Seas Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 11th September 1683, at the great city of Vienna, the armies of the Ottoman Empire were preparing to storm the city, but their scouts to the west noticed a vast cavalry force approaching. The next day Christian horsemen (Poles, Lithuanians, Germans of the Holy Roman Empire and Cossacks)  swept down upon the troops of the Caliph and swept them away in one of the most stunning military victories of all time. But what lay at the heart of this clash between Christendom and the Caliphate, West vs. East, Christianity vs. Islam? Joining to discuss is historian of the Middle East Simon Mayall. We talk about the past’s influence on today’s fanatics, the conquests of Spain and the Levant by the Moors and the Crusaders and much much more. Episode Links The House of War: The Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Publius Ovidius Naso was a Roman poet much of whose life coincided with the reign of Augustus. He was the most famous poet during this time, a genuine superstar, and his works dealing with sex, violence and mythology have meant he continues to attract study, translations and books today - Metamorphoses being his most famous work. Joining me today is Fiona Forsyth, author of Poetic Justice, who discusses the poet’s life, his work and his legacy, as well as a recommended translation. Episode Links Poetic Justice Metamorphoses, transl. Stephanie McCarter Ovid Banished from Rome, JWM Turner Aspects of History Links Get in touch: [email protected] Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Within months of the allies liberation of Naples in October of 1943 the city was plunged into the horrors of disease, starvation, prostitution and racketeering. How did this happen, who was responsible, what about the mafia and what was the impact on a city that is despised by the rest of Italy, and itself views the world very differently from other Mediterranean cities. Joining is Keith Lowe, author of Naples 1944, an account of the chaos that resulted from what was supposed to be a release from the misery of occupation. Episode Links Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos The Skin, by Curzio Malaparte DDT Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 25th October 1415 Henry V led the English army onto the field of Agincourt. There he defeated the flower of French chivalry to win perhaps the finest victory of the medieval period, made famous by Shakespeare’s play. But who was Henry V? Brilliant general, skilled politician or simply a warmonger? And is there a figure from the past that he most resembles? Dan Jones, the author of a new biography of Henry joins to answer these and many more questions as we try to get to the bottom of who Henry V was. Episode Links Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King, Dan Jones YouTube video of young Henry's surgical procedure to remove the arrowhead Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Operation Market Garden series concludes with a chat on the 1977 classic directed by Richard Attenborough. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt. Links ChatDMZ - Market Garden A Bridge Too Far on IMDB A Bridge Too Far on Wikipedia Dirk Bogarde Interview Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 3 o’clock in the afternoon on the 20th September 1944 in Nijmegen, Holland, men of the 504th regiment, US 82nd Airborne embarked in canvas rowing boats and began an amphibious assault that was one of the most heroic in military history. Facing the well defended objective on the north end of the Nijmegen bridge over the river Waal, 134 men were killed or wounded in the crossing, more than half the force, but the attack was a success and the bridge was captured. The road to Arnhem was the final jigsaw in Operation Market Garden. Or was it? Joining me are two historians to discuss the operation as a whole, from the airborne forces tasked with capturing Eindhoven, Nijmegen and Arnhem, to XXX corps and the German troops facing them. Gordon Corrigan takes the allied side, and Philip Blood the German. Episode Links It Never Snows in September, Kershaw Sky Warriors, David A Bridge Too Far, Ryan Airborne Carpet, Farrar-Hockley Arnhem 1944, Middlebrook Arnhem, Beevor Arnhem: Black Tuesday, Murray Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sunday the 17th September 1944 the 1st Airborne Division began dropping into Arnhem to begin a battle that remains iconic to this day. Within 2 days progress was proving difficult and on Tuesday the 19th, Black Tuesday, things had come to a head. The commander, Roy Urquhart had gone missing, his subordinates were squabbling over command, only 1 battalion had made it to the objective, Arnhem Bridge, and the paras had come up against stiff resistance. Continuing our Operation Market Garden special, historian and comedian Al Murray joins to talk about that most heroic of failures, the Battle of Arnhem, and focusing on one day when success or failure was decided. Al Murray Links Arnhem: Black Tuesday Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arnhem was one of the greatest battles fought by the British in World War Two. 10,000 men went in, but only 2,000 came out. We’re at the 80th anniversary and Saul David joins to discuss the plan, the personalities involved and the action itself in this special series on Operation Market Garden. Saul is the author of Sky Warriors, which is an account of British Airborne Forces throughout the war. Today we’ll get Saul’s take on the plan, the intelligence, and whether everyone did their job. This is the first in a series. Next Al Murray joins to talk Black Tuesday, the 19th September, then Gordon and Philip discuss the wider operation as a whole, and finally the Film Club revisits A Bridge Too Far. Saul David Links Sky Warriors Saul on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 12th March 1938 German troops crossed the border into Austria, thus completing the Anschluss, the annexation by Germany. Resistance was non existent, in fact the Wehrmacht was greeted by cheering crowds as Nazi flags were draped over the beautiful city of Vienna. The referendum that followed may have achieved a 99.7% approval, but many in Europe were fearful of a coming war. Jane Thynne, author of Midnight in Vienna, joins to discuss the city during the 1930s and that feeling of foreboding as communists, Nazis and spies mixed in the City of Music as it is known. Jane Thynne Links Midnight in Vienna The Words I Never Wrote Jane on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By the 1960s Richard Burton was the highest paid movie star in the world. He was paid the equivalent today of $10million dollars per picture, but when one looks at his childhood, the mind boggles at his change in fortune. Born the 12th of 13 children, his family lived in poverty, and his chances of success seemed to have peaked when he worked in a haberdashery. But by the age of 18 he had won starring roles on stage and his life was set. Joining me today is historian and social media star Alice Loxton whose new book, 18, intriguingly features 18 significant historical figures at that formative age. Alice Loxton Links Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives Alice on Instagram Alice on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the On 27 May 1942 Czech SOE agents and local resistance fighters attacked Reinhard Heyrdrich's Mercedes as it drove through Prague. Heydrich, number 2 in the SS, died in agony a few days later. This month's delayed Film Club is Anthropoid, the movie depicting the operation starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, directed by Sean Ellis. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt. Links Anthropoid on IMDB Anthropoid on Wikipedia Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hitler and his cronies are often derided as monsters, but that lets them off the hook. Today Richard Evans joins to look at the leading figures of Nazi Germany for who they were as human beings. We also discuss the trial Evans was a key witness for, when holocaust denier Davig Irving attempted to sue Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin Random House for libel, later dramatised in the movie, Denial starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson and John Sessions. Richard Evans Links Hitler's People: The Faces of the Third Reich Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sensitivity readers; fake history; favourite authors and actors, all are discussed in this bonus episode to coincide with the upcoming Buckingham History Festival. Jane Thynne, Paul Lay and Miranda Malins join to talk how best to write about the past. Episode Links Buckingham History Festival Jane Thynne: Midnight in Vienna Paul Lay: Providence Lost Miranda Malins: The Rebel Daughter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

80 years ago on the 25th August 1944, the great city of Paris was liberated as the German garrison surrendered and Allied troops arrived along the Champs Elysée. The Nazi grip on France may have been broken, but things were not all as they seem. The allied leadership was reluctant to divert precious resources, and the soldiers who arrived first were mostly Spanish. Patrick Bishop joins to discuss his new book and we discuss the initial surrender in 1940, the occupation, the impact on France today as well as the liberation. Patrick has lived in Paris for many years as Bureau Chief for The Telegraph and so brings a knowledge of contemporary events too. Patrick Bishop Links Paris '44: The Shame and the Glory Josephine Baker: Paris Paris Paris Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 1st September 1922 the Turkish Parliament in the new capital of Ankara formally abolished the Sultanate, so ending more than 600 years of Ottoman Rule. The Ottoman Empire had ended, but in its place came the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha also known as Ataturk. Today we discuss the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Turkey with historian Murat Siviloglu and journalist and author Alec Marsh. Alec’s new book, After the Flood, is a thriller set in the new state of Turkey in the 1930s and Murat is a historian of the period. Alec Marsh Links After the Flood Alec on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 9th February 1933 the Oxford Union held a debate with the motion “That this House will under no circumstances fight for its King and country." The motion passed and in a time when such debates were big news, the result sent shockwaves through Europe. This was during the rise of the Nazis, the Soviet grip on Russia and throughout the decade there was an increase in the number of spies, and traitors, in England. Joining me is Alex Gerlis, author of Every Spy a Traitor as we delve into the atmosphere of the 1930s. Alex Gerlis Links Every Spy a Traitor Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Armand D'Angour joins to discuss his new pod, but then we go into a really interesting conversation about Socrates and whether he really is the origin of Western Thought? Is there in fact a woman we should be talking about, the beguiling Aspasia. Armand D'Angour Links It's All Greek (& Latin) to Me on Spotify It's All Greek (& Latin) to Me on Apple Socrates in Love Ancient Greek Music on YouTube Armand on X Aspects of History Links Aspects of History on X Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution and the collapse of Poland, all these major events were witnessed by Izabela Czartoryska, a Polish aristocrat who was self-taught and is the subject of Adam Zamoyski's latest book. This episode is a sweeping discussion covering many facets of Europe in the 18th century. Adam Zamoyski is the author of 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow and Napoleon: The Man Behind the Myth. Adam Zamoyski Links Izabela the Valiant: The Story of an Indomitable Polish Princess Izabela Czartoryska - Aspects of History Napoleon: The Man Behind the Myth 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow Rites of Peace: The Fall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon Narodnost: Russia and Nationalism - Aspects of History Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week three writers join to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction. Books Paris '44, Patrick Bishop The King's Mother, Annie Garthwaite Izabela the Valiant, Adam Zamoyski Endgame 1944, Jonathan Dimbleby Sky Warriors, Saul David The Muse of History, Oswyn Murray Bonjour, Sophie, Elizabeth Buchan Iran, Ali Ansari Spy Masters, Various The CIA, Hugh Wilford The Eastern Front, Nick Lloyd The Sleeping Beauties, Lucy Ashe Guests Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times Roger Moorhouse - Historian Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When war in Europe ended on the 8th May 1945, much of continent was in ruins. Cities were destroyed and civilians were at the mercy of occupying powers, partisans, bandits and criminals. There were no police forces, no judicial system and food was scarce. Keith Lowe joins to discuss the chaos from France to Poland and Greece to Germany. Keith Lowe Links Savage Continent: Europe in the Aftermath of World War II Keith on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 20th July 1944 Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg attended a meeting at the Wolf's Lair at which Adolf Hitler was present. He placed a briefcase containing high explosives under the conference table and then departed. A few minutes later the bomb exploded killing four, but crucially not Hitler. This month's film club is Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise, the 2008 depiction of the July Plot. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of Killing Hitler, and film maker Tim Hewitt. Links Valkyrie on IMDB Valkyrie on Wikipedia Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 20th July 1944, a bomb hidden in a briefcase exploded under a large table over which Adolf Hitler was examining maps of  the Eastern Front. The man who had planted the device, Claus von Stauffenberg, had left just before the explosion to initiate the operation that he hoped would lead to the overthrow of the Nazi regime. The plan failed, and Hitler would survive for another 9 months before his suicide on 30th April 1945. Was this the closest Hitler came to death? What about the November 8, 1939 when Georg Elser so very nearly succeeded where Stauffenberg would fail more than four years later. And what about Allied attempts - Operation Foxley by the British, and then the very strange idea from the American OSS? Roger covers all these in the first part of our series on the 80th anniversary of the July plot. Part Two continues on Saturday with Valkyrie, the 2008 film starring Tom Cruise. Roger Moorhouse Links Killing Hitler: The Third Reich and the Plots Against the Fuhrer Roger on X 13 Minutes Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ancient Greeks are the font of all our historical knowledge. Now that's quite a claim, but the historian who joins to discuss makes a strong argument in his book, The Muse of History. Oswyn Murray is one of the country's finest ancient historians and in this chat, beginning with the Peloponnesian War between Athens & Sparta, many subjects are addressed including colonialism, slavery, the wonder of the ancient world, ancient historians fighting in WW1 and WW2 and why we should all learn an ancient language. Oswyn Murray Links The Muse of History: The Ancient Greeks from the Enlightenment to the Present Cover of Thomas Hobbes' translation of Thucydides' The History of the Peloponnesian War Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Emperor Vespasian began construction of the Colosseum and it was completed by his son, Titus. Vespasian is played by Anthony Hopkins in the new show, Those About to Die, and Justin Pollard, historical consultant, joins to discuss gladiators, charioteers and the Circus Maximus under the Flavian Dynasty. Those About to Die hits Prime on the 19th July. Justin Pollard Links Charge! The Interesting Bits of Military History Justin on X Aspects of History Aspects of History Magazine Subscription, only £9.99 / $9.99 Ollie on X Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Alexander crossed the Hellespont to invade the Persian Empire in 334BC, he began a thirst for war that could not be sated. Territory was not his aim, nor was power for its own sake. What of Germany in 1914 and 1939? Competition with the great powers in the former case, and a demand for resources in the second were important motivations. Joining to discuss these and other examples is Richard Overy, historian of the Second World War and the author of many bestselling and award winning books. Richard Overy Links Why War? Aspects of History Links Ollie discusses D-Day on GB News (48mins in) Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between 1763 and 1767 two British surveyors, Charles Mason and Nathaniel Dixon, established the dividing line between the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. For the two hundred years since, the Mason Dixon Line became known as the cultural divide between North and South, Union and Confederate. But is that correct? Jonn Elledge joins to discuss this and other boundaries including Ireland, India & Pakistan, Israel & Palestine, and most controversial of all, Middlesex. Jonn Elledge Links A History of the World in 47 Borders Jonn on Substack Jonn on X Aspects of History Mason & Dixon, by Thomas Pynchon Aspects of History Magazine Subscription, only £9.99 / $9.99 Ollie on X Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 25th October 1415, the English under Henry V met with the French on the field of Agincourt. The resulting victory, and it was a total victory, has gone down in history alongside Blenheim and Waterloo as the finest by an English or British army. Gordon Corrigan joins to discuss the build up, the internal strife in England and France, the battle itself and the aftermath. Part One: Crécy Part Two: Poitiers Gordon Corrigan Links A Great and Glorious Adventure – A History of the Hundred Years War Agincourt Finest Hours: Crecy, Poitiers, Agincourt Aspects of History Links Ollie discusses Agincourt with Jacob Rees Mogg on GB News (50mins in) Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When France fell in June 1940, the country agreed an armistice with Nazi Germany, and a period of collaboration began, both in occupied France, and with the Vichy government. Pirate Irwin joins to discuss deportation of the Jews, score-settling, the personalities involved and the murky moral compromises that were made. Pirate Irwin Links The Tortured Detective Pirate on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a cold and dark night in February 1942, a company of paratroopers dropped on snow covered occupied France - their target: the Würzburg radar. Max Hastings joins to discuss the thrilling raid, the personalities involved and its impact on the British bombing effort. Max Hastings Links Operation Biting: The 1942 Parachute Assault to Capture Hitler’s Radar Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Concluding our 80th Anniversary D-Day celebrations, Tim Hewitt joins Ollie to discuss the 1962 classic starring John Wayne, Mel Ferrer, Robert Wagner, Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Henry Fonda, Richard Todd, Kenneth More, Sean Connery, Curd Jurgens and a host of other Hollywood stars. But is it any good? And should Cornelius Ryan have been allowed to write the screenplay? And, what about the CGI? All these questions, and more, are answered in this month's Film Club. Links The Longest Day on Wikipedia The Longest Day on IMDB Why John Wayne’s Role in the Longest Day Was Hated by Everyone Ollie on X Tim on X Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gurkhas are a highly professional unit within the British Army who hail from the foothills and mountains of the Himalayas, in northern India and Nepal. They have fought in both the British and Indian armies in many wars, but today we discuss their role in the Second World War with the author of a new novel, The Jungle War, Hannah Watson. Robert Lyman, historian of the period, joins too to provide some historical insight. Gurkha and Jungle War Links The Jungle War The Gurkha Museum The Gurkha Welfare Trust Kohima Educational Trust Hari Budha Magar Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 3rd April 1882, Jesse James put aside his guns and noticed a picture on the wall had acquired dust. He stood on a chair and with duster in hand began to clean. Behind him Robert Ford drew his revolver and shot James in the back of the head. This event provides the title for the film directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Sam Rockwell. Filmmaker Tim Hewitt joins to discuss the movie, the story of Jesse James, Brad, Oscars and plenty more. Links The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on Wikipedia The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on IMDB Interview with Brad Pitt Ollie on X Tim on X Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 20th September 1519 Ferdinand Magellan set sail for the Moluccas, the collection of islands containing nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon that promised vast wealth for those who could trade. So began the race between Spain and Portugal, who would soon be joined by the Dutch and English, but the native peoples paid a terrible spice. Roger Crowley joins to discuss his new book, Spice. Roger Crowley Links Spice: The 16th-Century Contest that Shaped the Modern World Roger on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 6th June 1944 the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy in the battle to free occupied Europe from the Nazi jackboot. Nearly 3 million men took part in the operation, on land, sea and in the air. Joining to discuss are two highly respected and distinguished historians, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood. Do get in touch if you have comments. Maps DDay Map Breakout Map Gordon Corrigan Links The Second World War: A Military History Blood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of Churchill's War Gordon on Substack Philip Blood Links Hitler's Bandit Hunters: The SS and the Nazi Occupation of Europe Birds of Prey: Hitler's Luftwaffe, Ordinary Soldiers, and the Holocaust in Poland Philip on Substack Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early hours of 6th June 1944, D-Day, a small squad of SAS troopers parachuted into SE France to begin the Special Forces part of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Nazi occupied Europe. It was the most successful SF operation of the Second World War and set the template that would be followed by Delta, SEALs and other SF for years to come. Joining to discuss is Tom Petch, author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS. Tom Petch Links Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS Tom on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China has eyes on Taiwan, and how can we in the West respond? Should we respond? What about our intelligence services and military capabilities? Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, joins to discuss his new thriller which envisages an invasion of the small island by its larger neighbour. This episode is thanks to the Chalke History Festival, the UK's Number 1 history festival.  Frank Gardner Links Invasion Frank at the Chalke History Festival, sponsored by Aspects of History Frank on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late at night on the 5th June 1944, British paratroopers set off on their flight that would land them in Normandy, with the key objective to capture and hold two bridges of vital strategic importance to the allied landings the next morning. Saul David, author of Sky Warriors, joins to discuss one of the most successful airborne operations of the Second World War. Part One of our D-Day series. Part Two continues with the Allied landings, and the German response to them. Saul David Links Sky Warriors: : British Airborne Forces in the Second World War Map of the operation Saul at the Chalke History Festival Saul on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets and lies have been part of us for as long as we've been around and are found as early as the Book of Genesis. And what of the Stasi and the archives recording how citizens informed on friends, family members and even spouses? Andrew Gold joins to discuss his new book, The Psychology of Secrets, and he takes us on a journey that features the mad founder of a school, Scientology, Lie Detectors, the secret communities and much more. Andrew has a hugely successful podcast and YouTube show, so do check him out. Andrew Gold Links The Psychology of Secrets: My Adventures with Murderers, Cults and Influencers Heretics on YouTube Andrew on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany, the political make up of the Second World War was turned on its head, and Churchill allied with Stalin. So began a short-lived relationship that was both tumultuous, but also warm - though fuelled by alcohol. Giles Milton's new book looks at the US, British and Russian alliance that turned the tables for the Allies and led to the defeat of Hitler. Giles Milton Links The Stalin Affair Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 25th May 1951 Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean defected to Moscow, and so the opening shots were fired in the dismantling of the Cambridge Spy Ring. Alcoholism took care of them, but what about other traitors including William Weisband, George Blake, Anthony Blunt, John Cairncross and the master spy Kim Philby. And what about Edward Snowden - is he a traitor? Espionage author Michael Smith joins to discuss traitors from his book, The Real Special Relationship which is our Non Fiction Book Club. Michael Smith Links The Real Special Relationship: The True Story of How the British and US Secret Services Work AoH Book Club: Michael Smith on the Real Special Relationship - Aspects of History Michael on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bonus episode sees the historical consultant of the new Disney series Shardlake join to discuss disability and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the history behind the new show. Based on the novels written by C.J.Sansom who died on Saturday 27th April. Shardlake Links Shardlake on Disney Dissolution by CJ Sansom Antonia Senior tribute to CJ Sansom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iran & Britain are old friends, they've had ups and downs, and it's probably fair to say we're going through a difficult patch right now, but who better than Ali Ansari to talk about the historical relationship through much of the 20th century. Ali is a child of Iranians, but lives and was brought up here in Britain, where he is Professor of Modern History at St. Andrew's University in Scotland. We talk the Constitutional Revolution of 1906, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, Mossadegh and the Coup of 1953, and the Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979. Those of Iranian descent, and of course any others, please do get in touch: [email protected] Ali Ansari Links Ali's Book: Iran Ali on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices