Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Amazons, a tribe of formidable female warriors first described in Greek literature. They appear in the Homeric epics and were described by Herodotus, and featured prominently in the decoration of Greek vases and public buildings. In later centuries, particularly in the Renaissance, the Amazons became a popular theme of literature and art. After the discovery of the New World, the largest river in South America was named the Amazon, since the warlike tribes inhabiting the river's margins reminded Spanish pioneers of the warriors of classical myth.With:Paul Cartledge A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture at Cambridge UniversityChiara Franceschini Teaching Fellow at University College London and an Academic Assistant at the Warburg InstituteCaroline Vout University Senior Lecturer in Classics and Fellow and Director of Studies at Christ's College, Cambridge.Producer: Thomas Morris.

Discover Japan's Sakoku period, an era of isolation from the Western world for two centuries. Learn about the restrictions on Japanese citizens, expulsion of Europeans, and Dutch traders' unique status. Explore Japan's interaction with European ideas, the end of isolation due to American Commodore Perry, and Japan's historical transformation.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss one of the simplest and most remarkable of all molecules: water. Water is among the most abundant substances on Earth, covering more than two-thirds of the planet. Consisting of just three atoms, the water molecule is superficially simple in its structure but extraordinary in its properties. It is a rare example of a substance that can be found on Earth in gaseous, liquid and solid forms, and thanks to its unique chemical behaviour is the basis of all known life. Scientists are still discovering new things about it, such as the fact that there are at least fifteen different forms of ice.Hasok Chang Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of CambridgeAndrea Sella Professor of Chemistry at University College LondonPatricia Hunt Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Imperial College London.Producer: Thomas Morris.

Explore the life and impact of Alfred Russel Wallace, a pioneer of evolutionary theory who formulated the theory of evolution through natural selection. Delve into his adventurous journeys to the Amazon and Malay Archipelago, his literary merit, and challenges to theological arguments. Learn about his parallel paths with Darwin in developing the theory of natural selection and his significant contributions to evolutionary biology.

Join Melvyn Bragg and guests as they delve into Anton Chekhov's life and literary works with Professor Catriona Kelly. Explore Chekhov's unique storytelling style, societal influences, and his portrayal of characters amidst changing Russian society. Discover the intricacies of Chekhov's 'The Lady with the Little Dog' and his impact on the world of theater. Uncover Chekhov's deep connection to medicine, estates, and his profound reflections on life's fleeting beauty.

Explore the quest to reach absolute zero temperature, from ancient Greek views to modern research. Discover Guillem Amonton's contributions, Michael Faraday's experiments, and the rivalry in the race to absolute zero. Learn about superfluids, quantum mechanics, and achieving temperatures below absolute zero in recent research.

Discover the fascinating life and work of Augustus Pitt-Rivers, a Victorian anthropologist and archaeologist who believed in the evolution of human technology. Explore his meticulous excavation records, the unique artifacts at the Pitt Rivers Museum, and his lasting impact on archaeology and anthropology.

Literature experts David Bradshaw, John Bowen, and Ann Pasternak Slater discuss Evelyn Waugh's Decline and Fall, exploring themes of modernity, religion, and society. They delve into the novel's dark humor, satire, and influences, highlighting character development, societal critiques, and the author's unique writing style. The podcast provides insights into Waugh's early works, influences from literary giants, and the satirical targets in the novel, offering a fascinating analysis of Decline and Fall's enduring impact.

Geologists Jane Francis, Richard Corfield, and Carrie Lear discuss ice ages, the cyclical nature dating back billions of years, the significance of oxygen isotopes in paleoclimatology, sea level changes tracked through coral reef evidence, Antarctica's role in forming ice sheets, the influence of ice ages on human evolution, and reflections on Earth's climate history and future challenges.

Angie Hobbs, David Sedley, and James Warren delve into Epicureanism, focusing on pleasure as life's goal, atom theory, friendship, and Lucretius's influence. The discussion includes Epicurean beliefs on free will, mental tranquility, therapeutic remedies for the soul, the impact on Roman culture, and the contrast with Christianity.