Jerry Brotton

Professor Jerry Brotton, a Renaissance Studies expert at Queen Mary, University of London, dives into England's unexpected connections with the Islamic world during the Elizabethan era. He discusses how Elizabeth I's excommunication spurred diplomatic ties with Muslim powers against Catholic Spain. Fascinating exchanges with figures like Moroccan ambassadors and the impact of commerce are revealed. Brotton highlights hidden histories of women, the cultural exchanges reflected in Shakespeare's Othello, and the intricate dance of trade and diplomacy that reshaped national identity.