In Part Two of our Hundred Years War series, we deal with Poitiers, and the lead up, the Black Death, the Black Prince and of course the battle itself. Gordon Corrigan, author of a number of histories of the Hundred Years War joins me to chat all things medieval warfare. And there's the small matter of a financial claim against France that Gordon is keen to pursue. You can listen to Part One here: The Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part One: Crécy Film Club is out on Tuesday with Steven Spielberg's 2005 thriller Munich, starring Eric Bana and Daniel Craig, and next Saturday we have Part 2 of my Parthenon Marbles series when I deal with the other side. Gordon Corrigan Links Poitiers: Finest Hours Book 3 Crécy: Finest Hours Book 1 England Expects:The Battle of Sluys A Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundred Years War Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Gordon Corrigan on Poitiers - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Robin Lane Fox, Ancient Historian and author of Homer & His Iliad. He joins Ollie to chat about who Homer was, when he was writing, why it's better than the Odyssey and what Alexander the Great thought of the Iliad. Robin was the historical consultant on Oliver Stone's Alexander (2004) so he discusses his experience with Hollywood.Coming up, part 2 of the Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan, and the other side of the argument of the Parthenon Marbles. Robin Lane Fox Links Homer & His Iliad Alexander the Great Robin on his book Ollie Links Alexander in the Dock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is the bestselling historian Tom Holland and he talks Ancient Rome - from Nero to Hadrian with our editor. Their discussion goes into Sex and Gender, Hadrian's Wall, Greeks and Rome and then a few light-hearted questions as well as Tom's view of history today. Tom's latest book is Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age. Subscribe for plenty more great history coming up on the pod including Part 2 of the Parthenon Marbles, the Battle of Poitiers, the Film Club returns with Spielberg's Munich and much much more. Tom Holland Links Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind Tom on X Ollie Links Aspects of History home - Aspects of History Ollie on X Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode sees Paul Lay join to discuss his book, Providence Lost: The Rise and Fall of Cromwell's Protectorate. Ollie and Paul chat about the period between the execution of Charles I and the restoration of Charles II when Britain saw a new ruler, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector.Paul's book is our Non Fiction Book of the Month and is highly recommended. Paul is Senior Editor at Engelsberg Ideas and a friend of the show, he runs his own podcast with Miranda Malins called 1666 and All That. Paul Lay Links Providence Lost: The Rise and Fall of Cromwell's Protectorate Podcast: 1666 and All That Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter / X Contact Ollie: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month's Film Club sees Director Tim Hewitt join our editor to discuss the Australian New Wave movie, Gallipoli. Directed by Peter Weir and starring Mark Lee and Mel Gibson. It's the anniversary of the Battle of the Nek which took place in August 1915 and Gallipoli depicts that attack in the Dardanelles, Turkey, when the British Empire attempted to knock the Turks out of the war. Gallipoli Gallipoli on IMDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is historian and author Paula de Fougerolles, discussing the Dark Ages. As the Romans departed, Britain and Ireland underwent a hugely tumultuous period as Christianity developed, but also natural phenomena caused mayhem. Paula clears up the murky past, and describes life in the period, and talks about some of the prominent figures from a time when history merges into myth. Paula de Fougerolles Links The Chronicles of Iona: Exile Saint Columba & Aedan: To Dunadd, Citadel of Kings - Aspects of History Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter/X [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old friend of the show Steven Veerapen joins the pod to discuss Elizabeth I in two parts. First he discusses depictions of the greatest English monarch on screen, including performances from Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie, and then Elizabeth's presentation of herself as monarch. Steven is a historian and author of a number of novels and history books. The Queen's Fire is his latest. Steven Veerapen Links Steven's Blog of Top 10 Depictions Steven on Twitter / X The Queen's Fire Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bonus episode features former cabinet minister Vince Cable as he chats with Ollie about the Coalition, the 2008 Crash and the Coalition's response to it, foreign policy including Russia and China, and of course, Brexit. Vince has written a new book with his wife Rachel Smith which is an interesting glimpse of life as a politician and as the spouse of a government minister. Vince Cable & Rachel Smith Links Partnership & Politics - Aspects of History Partnership and Politics in a Divided Decade Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode, our 100th, sees Roger Moorhouse join to talk about the Holocaust and the extraordinary efforts of Polish diplomats to get victims out using an passport scheme from their embassy in Switzerland. Roger is an old friend of the show and his latest book, The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation, is out now and is an amazing story so well worth settling down and listening. Roger Moorhouse Links The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation Roger on Twitter / X Article from Roger: Alfred Naujocks: The Man Who Started the Second World War - Aspects of History Ollie Links Email me: [email protected] Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode has two guests and friends of the show in Rob Lyman and the Major returning to chat all things Bill Slim - titan of the XIV Army and one of Britain's greatest generals. Rob and Gordon discuss with our editor whether Slim is ahead of Montgomery and Alexander, and then whether he can be considered alongside Henry V, Oliver Cromwell and the Duke of Marlborough and the Duke of Wellington. Do get in touch if you'd like us to cover Henry V, Cromwell, Marlborough and Wellington. Bill Slim Links Tales of Empire, by William Slim, Edited by Robert Lyman Courage and Other Broadcasts, by William Slim, Introduction by Robert Lyman Aspects of History Links Bill Slim: a Master of both War and Words - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's pod features historian and intelligence expert Michael Smith who has written about British and American spy agencies and how they've worked well, and not so well, since the Second World War. We talk the Russian spy Oleg Penkovsky, the Cambridge Spies, the impact of intelligence on the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Falklands and the Iranian Coup of 1953. Michael Smith Links The Real Special Relationship: The True Story of How the British and US Secret Services Work Together The Special Relationship - Aspects of History Michael on Twitter Aspects of History Links Ollie on Twitter Aspects of History home - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month's film club, which has NO SPOILERS, is a review of Christopher Nolan's new masterpiece, Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jnr and Florence Pugh. J. Robert Oppenheimer: the most important man who ever lived? Both acclaimed Director Tim Hewitt and I saw the film on Monday at 70mm Lux Leicester Square with a sell-out audience, and we were impressed. Links - Books on Oppenheimer Short Read: Oppenheimer: A World Destroyed, by David Boyle Book on which the film is based: American Prometheus:The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin Cillian Murphy on BBC Radio 6 Storyville Documentary - The Trials of Oppenheimer Contact us Ollie on Twitter [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's pod is The Parthenon Marbles, and our editor welcomes Paul Cartledge, ancient historian and the author of countless books on ancient Greece. Dr Tessa Dunlop also joins to give her view. Why the case is stronger than ever. Why the British Museum has erred in their display. Who are the people involved? How long will it take to return? Links Plenty of links here are discussed in the chat: The British Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles GB News Discussion with Tessa Dunlop Why return the Marbles? Contact the UK Government Minister Lucy Frazer Contact the UK Opposition Minister Lucy Powell The Acropolis Museum, Athens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bonus episode as I chat with Harry White from the Modern British Political History Podcast and it's the Falklands War. Over the next hour you'll hear us talk about the build up to the invasion, the British response, the controversy and tragedy as the Belgrano, Sheffield and Coventry warships are sunk. We talk about how Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dealt with the conflict domestically, Chile and the US, and the legacy of the war. Links British Political History Podcast There are plenty of cultural references throughout, and you'll find the links here: An Ungentlemanly Act (1992) The Iron Lady (2011) Tumbledown (1988) This is England (2006) The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4, by Sue Townsend The Falklands Play (2002) Who Dares Wins, by Dominic Sandbrook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Charles Spencer talking Charles II - his escape from the clutches of Parliamentarian forces, his early life during the Civil War and his life in exile. Charles goes on to talk about Charles' reign, and Prince Rupert of the Rhine. Charles is also started a podcast with Richard Coles and Cat Jarman, so we chat about that briefly. Plenty more great guests and subjects coming up so please do subscribe. Charles Spencer Links To Catch A King: Charles II's Great Escape Blenheim: Battle for Europe Prince Rupert: The Last Cavalier Killers of the King: The Men Who Dared to Execute Charles I The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream The Rabbit Hole Detectives Ollie Links Sticky Wicket: From Bodyline to Bairstow - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is the Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy who has written a new book on the history of the Russo-Ukrainian War and he chats with me about Putin's misunderstanding of history, Ukrainian identity, whether this is the last kick of a dying empire and plenty more so if you're interested in why the war began and where we are, this is the chat for you. Serhii Plokhy Links The Russo-Ukrainian War Serhii on Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week three writers join me to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction. Books Serhii Plokhy - The Russo Ukrainian War Owen Matthews - Overreach Nigel Biggar - Colonialism Victoria Mackenzie - For Thy Great Pain Roger Moorhouse – The Forgers Tom Holland - Pax Saul David - Devil Dogs John Sayles – Jamie MacGillivray David Carpenter - Henry III pt 2 Martyn Rady – The Middle Kingdoms Wilbur Smith – Nemesis Katie Daysh – Leeward Katja Hoyer – Beyond the Wall Anthony Seldon – The Path of Peace Peter Stothard – Palatine Guests Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times Roger Moorhouse - Historian Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is the veteran BBC journalist Peter Taylor and he talks about the intelligence world during the conflict in Northern Ireland. Officers from MI5 and MI6 worked with a local businessman to persuade the IRA and the British government to talk peace. Peter's new book is Operation Chiffon: The Secret Story of MI5 and MI6 and the Road to Peace in Ireland which completes his series of books, Brits, Provos and Loyalists. Peter Taylor Links Operation Chiffon Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month's film club is Paul Greengrass' 2002 film, Bloody Sunday, starring James Nesbitt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Nicholas Farrell, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Gerard McSorley, Mary Moulds and Simon Mann. The film is realistic depiction of one of the worst atrocities of The Troubles, when 14 unarmed civilians were shot and killed by members of the Parachute Regiment. My next episode is a discussion with legendary BBC journalist Peter Taylor, out this Saturday so subscribe to add to your feed.Email me if you have any questions or comments: [email protected] Bloody Sunday Links Remember Bloody Sunday - Peter Taylor Documentary Excellent YouTube Channel on The Troubles Operation Chiffon by Peter Taylor Equatorial Guinea Coup Douglas Murray - Bloody Sunday:: Truths Lies and the Saville Inquiry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iain MacGregor returns to talk about the fighting on the Eastern Front after Stalingrad. We talk about the Battle of the Kursk, tanks of WW2, the atrocities committed by the Germans and Hitler and Stalin. Iain is the author of the fantastic The Lighthouse of Stalingrad and there is a special Easter Egg in the podcast, so if you listen, you are in the running for a very pleasant surprise. Iain MacGregor Links The Lighthouse of Stalingrad: The Hidden Truth at the Centre of WWII's Greatest Battle Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Major returns to talk the epic battle of Waterloo on the anniversary. It took place 18th June 1815, when Napoleon was beaten once and for all by the allied armies under the command of the Duke of Wellington.We talk the run-up, why the allied armies won, why Napoleon underestimated Wellington and Gordon explodes myths. Gordon Corrigan Links Waterloo: A New History of the Battle and its Armies Gordon on SubstackScotland Forever! Ollie Links Ollie on the Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aspects of History goes out into the field, and we are recording from Vimy Ridge, the site of the Canadian memorial to those killed many of whom no known grave was found.This is a quick bonus - the sound on this recording is not perfect, - we were recording from out in the open. Vimy Links Canadian National Vimy Memorial Commonwealth War Graves Commission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is a three-way interview as Alexander Larman joins to talk about the Duke & Duchess of Windsor and their treasonous activities both leading up to, and during the war. Tessa Dunlop joins me to chat with Alex about their Nazi connections, the rise of George VI from diffident spare to widely admired monarch, as well as plenty more. Alexander Larman Links The Windsors at War: The Nazi Threat to the Crown Tessa Dunlop Links Elizabeth & Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage and Monarchy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Viscardo joins this week - he's the host of the Generals and Napoleon Podcast, which is the place to go to if you want to follow up on your Napoleonic fix.We chat Napoleon, Wellington, Ney, Marmont, Berthier, Davout, Jourdan, Massena and favourite battles including Waterloo, Salamanca, Next week I have a threeway chat with royal historians on the Nazi past of the Royal Family. Generals and Napoleon Podcast John's Article on our website: Napoleon & His Marshals - Aspects of History Apple Spotify Amazon Or wherever you get your podcasts. John on Twitter Ollie Links Twitter Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month's film club is Dunkirk, the Christopher Nolan epic starring Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Jack Lowden, Ffion Whitehead, Barry Keoghan and Harry Styles. I discuss the film with acclaimed director Tim Hewitt, including our categories of Best Scene, Best Performance, Most Unlikely Scene and Legacy. Dunkirk Links IMDB Dunkirk, by Hugh Sebag Montefiore Aspects of History Links Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is James Holland, who bows to no man when it comes to World War Two, the subject of today's chat. Since it's May we focus on the build-up to Dunkirk, the consequences of the evacuation for Germany, and we indulge in a 'What if?' We also look at the moral question of the allied bombing campaign which killed so many civilians - but was there an alternative?James' new book features wonderful illustrations and is a great addition to the many thousands of books out there. You can join our Patreon and get access to many benefits. More to be found here: Aspects of History Patreon James Holland Links The Second World War: An Illustrated History James on Twitter Ollie Links Aspects of History Patreon Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Peter Tonkin joins the pod to talk about the epic struggle between Greece and Troy. A conflict that has fascinated for thousands of years, Peter explains the causes and the build-up to the war, as well as the conflict itself. He talks about the heroes and women involved in the story. Homer is our main source, but Peter also talks about others that influence our understanding of the story. All the heroes feature, and Peter highlights how the Trojan War has impacted the Tudors and the modern day, with Agamemnon playing the part of a modern-day Putin. Coming up next week, James Holland on the Second World War. Peter Tonkin Links The Wine Dark Sea Trilogy Peter on Twitter @petertonkin50 Aspects of History Links The podcast is now on Patreon where you'll get plenty of extra content for a small amount. Ollie on Twitter @olliewcq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PLEASE NOTE THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED MARCH 25TH 2023 This week's guest is Paul Strathern discussing the Renaissance. Or to be exact, the OTHER Renaissance. Paul has written a new book focussing not on the Italian and Renaissance, but on that which took place further north, in the Holy Roman Empire, the Low Countries, France and England. So we talk about Martin Luther and Protestantism, Capernicus and the orbit of the sun, and Gutenberg and the printing press.Paul's Book: The Other Renaissance: From Capernicus to Shakespeare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Peter Stothard who joins me to talk about the Caesars of the 1st century AD. From the stability of Augustus through Caligula, Claudius and Nero and up to the year of the 4 emperors in 68AD.We talk slavery, sex, food, glutton and how to get ahead in ancient Rome. Peter is a former editor of The Times and the Times Literary Supplement and is the author of a number of books on Rome. Peter Stothard Links Palatine: An Alternative History of the Caesars Peter on Twitter Cassius Parmensis, Caesar, Boris and Saddam - Aspects of History Ollie Links Luxury & Power: Persia to Greece at the British Museum - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tessa Dunlop, old friend of the show joins to discuss the Monarchy as it is now, and as it was in 1953, the last time we had a coronation. We talk the Commonwealth, the media's role in the Harry & Meghan Wars, the Coronation, the Crown's wealth and I put a royal quiz question to Tessa. Tessa Dunlop Links Elizabeth & Philip Paperback Cover story in latest issue of Aspects of History Aspects of History Links New Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is the esteemed Cambridge Don Sir Christopher Clark, talking revolution in Europe in 1848. Think you know your history? Clark reveals how important that year was, how it shaped today's world, and whether we're on the precipice of revolution today. Christopher Clark Links Revolutionary Spring: Fighting for a New World 1848-1849 Youtube talk on 1848 Aspects of History Links Our Substack, where you can get free articles sent to your inbox Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second of our film club episodes on the 2008 Financial Crisis, Director Tim Hewitt and our Editor talk Margin Call, J.C.Chandor's directorial debut from 2011. Rather overlooked at the time, it's since gained cult status. With a low budget, it has an all star cast including Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci and Kevin Spacey. Categories discussed including the AoH Best Performance, Most Unlikely Scene and Legacy. Coming up in May, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Links Ollie on Twitter Tim on Twitter Films discussed Margin Call All Is Lost Spotlight Conspiracy Big Night LA Confidential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year its' the 750th birthday of Berlin, and to commemorate it historian Barney White-Spunner, author of a book on the city, joins to discuss its foundation, history throughout that period, which is tied up with German history, and wider European history. He discusses Berlin's suffering during the 30 Years War, the Napoleonic occupation, the Nazis and the Cold War. Coming up on Tuesday, our Film Club continues with Margin Call, the 2011 movie that deals with the Financial Crisis of 2008. Barney White-Spunner Links Berlin: Story of a City The Story of Berlin - Aspects of History Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Film Club moves on to mark the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Financial Crash, with The Big Short, directed by Adam McKay and starring Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Steve Carrell. This is a comedy, but with a clear moral undercurrent. It's a smart script, great performances, and a great ensemble cast. The crash had massive, global ramifications, but it's great to see this film address such a subject, and make it easy to understand - obviously down to the great book by Michael Lewis.As ever, we'll look at our categories: Best Performance, Least Likely Scene, Legacy. Next up on Tuesday is Margin Call, starring Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci and Kevin Spacey. Links Ollie on Twitter Tim on Twitter Films discussedT oo Big to Fail Killing Them Softly 99 Homes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Tudors this week and my guest Steven Veerapen gives his Top 10 Greatest Tudor Myths. Among them Mary Queen of Scots and marmalade, Warrior Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn's physical deformity and plenty more.Steven is a historian and author and his novels feature Anthony Blanke, the son of Henry's black trumpeter, John Blanke. Don't forget to listen on Tuesday for the Film Club which continues with the 2008 Financial Crash movie The Big Short. Steven Veerapen Links Article on Myths Of Blood Descended Of Judgement Descended Aspects of History Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Easter Bonus Episode, Adam Zamoyski returns to chat about Russia and how its history shapes what we see in Ukraine today.I recommend listening to Saturday's episode on Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. Adam Zamoyski Links 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon No Fool Like an Old Fool: Kissinger on Ukraine - Aspects of History Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Aspects of History's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is acclaimed historian Adam Zamoyski, biographer of Napoleon and the author of 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow He chats with our editor about the build up to the invasion, Napoleon and his opponent, Alexander I of Russia. The state of the French army on the advance and retreat, and the horrors the troops on both sides went through.On Monday, in a bonus episode, Adam talks about Russia's relationship with its neighbours, and the army both now and in 1812 and in the Soviet era. Adam Zamoyski Links 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon Narodnost: Russia and Nationalism - Aspects of History Charles Minard's Graphical Depiction Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Aspects of History's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's chat is the 1st of 3 on the Hundred Years War, and we start with the Battles of Sluys, and the big one, Crécy. Gordon Corrigan (The Major) and distinguished historian talks through the early years of the war, with discussion on Joan of Arc - Heretic or witch? The Black Prince, Edward III and of course, the Longbow.Gordon's book is out now, and is an amusing read that gets you up to speed on the rivalry between England and France. No mindless French bashing here, just a fun chat on the English fight for the French throne. Gordon Corrigan Links Crécy: Finest Hours Book 1 England Expects:The Battle of Sluys A Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundred Years War Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Finest Hours: The Battle of Crécy - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second episode of the Film Club is on Argo, directed by Ben Affleck and released in 2012. Starring Affleck, as well as a host of Hollywood greats including Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Kyle Chandler, this movie is rare in that it deals with America's relationship with Iran. Set during the Hostage Crisis of 1979/80, the Iranian Revolution has seen the US Embassy in Tehran stormed, and many hostages taken. Six Embassy staff escape and gain refuge in the Canadian Embassy, and the CIA has to get them out. Sounds serious? Well this film has plenty of humour too, and that's where Goodman and Arkin come to the fore.Ollie and distinguished director Tim Hewitt discuss the film, best performance, unlikeliest scene and legacy. We also chat Iranian cinema, disagree about Marisa Tomei, and indulge in a Kyle Chandler lovathon. Next up in the film club: Financial Crash double bill The Big Short and Margin Call. Links Ollie on Twitter Tim on Twitter Films discussed A Separation The Past The Salesman Persepolis Taxi Tehran The Night Under the Shadow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is James Romm, author of Demetrius: Sacker of Cities. James is an Ancient Historian and an expert in the period after the death of Alexander, when 5 families fought for control of his empire. Demetrius was one of them, and was a hugely attractive figure. Oliver and James chat about whether Alexander was murdered, Pyrrhus of Epirus and what would the ancient world would have looked like had Alexander had survived. We'd all be speaking Greek, no doubt. Coming up, the Film Club continues with Argo, directed by Ben Affleck. Please subscribe and rate and review if you can. James Romm Links Demetrius: Sacker of Cities Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the Bloody Fight for his Empire James on Twitter Aspects of History Links Alexander the Great in the Dock - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is the author Anthony Seldon, author of a number of bestselling books on British Prime Ministers. His latest book is a departure, though, and is an account of his walk along the Western Front Way, tracing the trenches from Switzerland to the Belgian coast. We talk about why the Great War has that emotional pull, his inspiration in setting the walk up, and we talk about British Prime Ministers whose sons were killed in the war, or who were affected by the conflict. This episode makes a good companion piece to my talk with Gary Sheffield on the history of the First World War, although with Anthony the discussion is more about the emotions the war prompts. There's also short trailer at the end for another podcast from friend and author Giles Milton, so do listen to that. Anthony Seldon Links Path of Peace: Walking the Western Front Way The Western Front Way Aspects of History Links The Great War: Was it a Waste? - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Giles Milton's New Podcast Ministry of Secrets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is the legendary filmmaker John Sayles, who has just written an epic novel, Jamie MacGillivray, set during the French & Indian War. We talk about the history, Native American tribes and Scotland at the time of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. The French & Indian War was part of the wider Seven Years War conflict, which Winston Churchill described as the first world war. John's films have a strong historical theme, so we discuss his career, and go on to talk about filmmaking today, and the new challenges posed by streaming services. John Sayles Links Jamie MacGillivray: The Renegade's Journey Lone Star (1996) John on Twitter Aspects of History Links Aspects of History's Top 10 War Films - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is the bestselling author of the Medieval period Ian Mortimer. We get to grips with the issues of the era, including when it starts and ends; the introduction of time; slavery, serfdom and inequality; the Black Death; the Middle Ages on film, Edward III and Richard III, and plenty more. Ian is a fascinating historian who makes you think about a period that is often dismissed by certain historians and Tarantino crime lords as simply being about torture and brutality, but the truth is far more interesting. Ian Mortimer's Links Medieval Horizons: Why the Middle Ages Matter The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Latest article: Top 10 War Films Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of a new series of bonus episodes, the Aspects of History Film Club discusses Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg with friend of the show Director Tim Hewitt. Released more than ten years ago, it won Daniel Day Lewis his third Oscar for Best Actor. With a host of acting talent including Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Jared Harris and Gloria Reuben, the film covers the political machinations that led to the 13th Amendment, to the Constitution of the United States to abolish slavery. We discuss Most Unlikely Scene, Best Performance and Legacy, as well as veering off on a few tangents involving Jared Harris, other Civil War films, The West Wing and a small homage to John Sayles' Lone Star (1996). Next film in the club: Argo (2012) Links IMDB Lincoln Book on which the film is based: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin Tim Hewitt on Twitter Ollie on Twitter Email Ollie - [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Nigel Biggar, the author of a new book, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning, which deals with the British Empire. Nigel asks the question, is it all bad, or is there a more nuanced interpretation of around 300 years of history? We discuss slavery, famine, the Second World War and whether pride or shame are the right responses to the people and events of empire. Nigel Biggar is Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford and he gives a balanced view of empire and colonialism which makes for an interesting chat. Coming up on Tuesday, the Aspects of History Film Club with Director Tim Hewitt starts with Lincoln (2012). Nigel Biggar Links Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning Nigel on Twitter Aspects of History Links Ollie on Twitter Ollie's recent piece: The Great War: Was it a Waste? You can email me [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is the writer and filmmaker Tom Petch, author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS. It's predominantly the story of Dudley Clarke, played by Dominic West in SAS Rogue Heroes. Clarke was the brains behind so many Special Forces units that sprung up in the War - necessity being the mother of invention. We talk about him, Eric Dorman Smith, T.E. Lawrence and the modern day SAS. Tom is also a filmmaker, and directed The Patrol, a psychological drama about a platoon of British troops up against the Taliban, so we talk a bit about that and the West's withdrawal from Afghanistan. Tom Petch Links Book: Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS Tom's film: The Patrol Article: Were the SAS Rogue Heroes? - Aspects of History by Tom Petch Tom on Twitter Aspects of History Links Article: Aspects of History The Birth of the SAS in WW2 by Gavin Mortimer Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is the distinguished historian Gary Sheffield, author of Forgotten Victory: First World War Myths & Realities, and we explode some of those myths that have developed over the years. Thanks to the great TV show Blackadder, and it is great, a view developed that the generals, and in particular British generals, were callous upper class twits who drank fine wines as their . Why did the war start, and who was to blame? Was it lions led by donkeys? What was Haig like as a general? All this and much more is answered. Gary Sheffield Links Forgotten Victory: First World War Myths & Realities Gary on Twitter Aspects of History Links Website Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's pod is a real treat - it's the 144th anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 which began in January. My guest is Saul David, author of Zulu: The Heroism & Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879. The arrogance of the British Empire resulted in a humiliating defeat at Isandlwana, before recovering with the morale boosting defence at Rorke's Drift, made famous by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine in the 1964 movie, Zulu. Saul and I discuss the build up to the invasion, the Zulu nation itself and its ancient antecedents, the personalities involved, the Zulu victories before their eventual defeat and what the conflict means for empire and colonialism today. Saul David Links Zulu: The Heroism & Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire Military Blunders Saul on Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices