HistoryExtra Long Reads

When an ambitious Seleucid king marched his vast army into Europe to challenge the Roman Republic for control of the Mediterranean world, it looked set to spark a violent clash of the ancient titans. Instead, as this Long Read written by Michael Economou reveals, the cunning Romans deployed another potent weapon: diplomacy.

Today's feature originally appeared in the November 2026 issue of HistoryExtra Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.

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GO BEYOND THE PODCAST

Want to know more about the vicious civil wars, gruelling sieges and bloody battles fought by the Roman empire? Tune in to our first series of History's Greatest Battles, as Emily Briffett and historian Adrian Goldsworthy to look back at five of the most fascinating clashes of this ancient civilisation: https://bit.ly/3VK4twv
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In 1066 the last Anglo-Saxon king was ousted. But how, asks this Long Read written by historian Tom Licence, had Harold, an earl without royal blood, managed to take the English crown in the first place?

Today's feature originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of HistoryExtra Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.
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If Lucy Worsley has learned one thing in her 30 years as a historian, it’s that what we think we know about Britain’s kings and queens is often wrong. In today's Long Read, the historian, writer and broadcaster looks again at five royals whose reputations have been transformed – or are long overdue a makeover.

Today's feature originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of HistoryExtra Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.
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Recent film Pressure dramatises the attempts of meteorologists to predict the weather on D-Day – and in this Long Read written by Catherine Ross, we chart five moments when weather forecasts (or the lack of them) changed the course of history.

Today's feature originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of HistoryExtra Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.
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David Musgrove and Michael Lewis offer the essential spotter's guide to the iconic medieval embroidery

Heading to the British Museum to see the Bayeux Tapestry for yourself? This Long Read, written by David Musgrove and Michael Lewis, reveals the 10 things you simply must do when experiencing the world’s most famous embroidery in all its glory.

Today's feature originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of HistoryExtra Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.
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