Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the mysteries and history of Hadrian's Wall, discussing its construction by Emperor Hadrian, its defensive purpose, and the economic impact on Roman Britain. The podcast explores the life of Hadrian, the transformation of tribal settlements into Roman towns, and the decision to build the Antonine Wall. Discover the significance and legacy of this iconic World Heritage Site.

Discover the roots of skepticism from ancient Greece, its influence on Renaissance thinkers, and its impact on Enlightenment debates. Explore the evolution of skepticism from antiquity to modernity, including insights on David Hume's philosophical contributions. Delve into Hume's struggles with induction and skepticism, and examine skepticism's influence on scientific and political thought in the 17th century.

Explore the intellectual and cultural advancements of Al-Kindi in 9th Century Baghdad, his translation work from Greek philosophy, his impact on Arabic numerals, and the bridging of philosophy and theology. Discover his noble lineage, struggles with rivals, and legacy in shaping philosophical discourse.

Annie Besant, a 19th-century social reformer, advocated for women's rights, workers' conditions, birth control, and Indian self-rule. The podcast discusses her pivotal role in the Bryant and May match girls' strike, her transition to Theosophy, and her leadership in the Indian National Congress.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss James Joyce's Ulysses, a groundbreaking novel banned for its sexual content. They explore Joyce's early years, influences, and the evolution of Ulysses. The podcast delves into the characters, narrative styles, and chaos in modernist literature inspired by Joyce's innovative work.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the biblical king Solomon, celebrated for his wisdom and as the architect of the First Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Old Testament account of his life, Solomon was chosen as his father David's successor as Israelite king, and instead of praying for long life or wealth asked God for wisdom. In the words of the Authorised Version, "And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom." Solomon is an important figure in Judaism, Islam and Christianity alike, and is also credited with the authorship of several scriptural texts. His name is associated with the tradition of wisdom literature and with a large number of myths and legends. For many centuries Solomon was seen as the archetypal enlightened monarch, and his example influenced notions of kingship from the Middle Ages onwards.With:Martin PalmerDirector of the International Consultancy on Religion, Education, and CulturePhilip AlexanderEmeritus Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of ManchesterKatharine DellSenior Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow of St Catherine's College, CambridgeProducer: Thomas Morris.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Trojan War, one of the best known events of Greek mythology. According to the traditional version of the story, the war began when a Trojan prince, Paris, eloped with the Spartan queen Helen. A Greek army besieged Troy for ten years before the city was finally overrun and destroyed. Some of the most familiar names of Greek mythology are associated with the war, including Achilles and Hector, Odysseus and Helen of Troy - and it has also given us the story of the Trojan Horse.The war is the backdrop for Homer's epic poem The Iliad, and features in many other works from classical antiquity. For centuries it was assumed to be a mythical event. But in the nineteenth century a series of archaeological discoveries provided startling evidence that Troy might really have existed, leading some scholars to conclude that there could even be some truth behind the myth. So does the Trojan War story have any basis in fact? And why has it proved such an enduring legend?With:Edith HallProfessor of Classics at King's College LondonEllen AdamsLecturer in Classical Art and Archaeology at King's College LondonSusan SherrattLecturer in Archaeology at the University of SheffieldProducer: Thomas Morris.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the celebrated Venetian explorer Marco Polo. In 1271 Polo set off on an epic journey through Asia. He was away for more than twenty years, and when he returned to Venice he told extraordinary tales of his adventures. He had visited the court of the Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan, and acted as his emissary, travelling through many of the remote territories of the Far East. An account of Marco Polo's travels was written down by his contemporary Rustichello da Pisa, a romance writer he met after being imprisoned during a war against the neighbouring Genoese.The Travels of Marco Polo was one of the most popular books produced in the age before printing. It was widely translated, and many beautifully illustrated editions made their way to the collections of the rich and educated. It was much read by later travellers, and Polo's devotees included Christopher Columbus and Henry the Navigator. For centuries it was seen as the first and best account of life in the mysterious East; but today the accuracy and even truth of Marco Polo's work is often disputed.With:Frances WoodLead Curator of Chinese Collections at the British LibraryJoan Pau RubiesReader in International History at the London School of Economics and Political ScienceDebra Higgs StricklandSenior Lecturer in the History of Art at the University of GlasgowProducer: Thomas Morris.

Explore the life and impact of Clausewitz, his fresh perspectives on warfare, role in Napoleon's Russian campaign, and qualities of a military leader. Dive into his Trinity concept and enduring influence on modern military strategies.

Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into game theory, discussing its origins, the Prisoner's Dilemma, coordination in games like 'Battle of the Sexes', the use of mathematics in evolutionary biology, and its applications in economics and society. They explore decision-making strategies, Nash equilibrium, and behavioral patterns in decision-making.