Exploring Poincaré's groundbreaking work in topology and chaos theory, the podcast follows his journey from mathematical prodigy to father of modern geometry. From the challenges of the Three-Body Problem to the revolutionary implications of his Conjecture across dimensions, the discussion sheds light on Poincaré's lasting impact on mathematics and space exploration.

Explore the ambitious French encyclopédie project of the Enlightenment period with D’Alembert, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. Learn about the challenges faced, the collaboration efforts, and the impact on revolutionary ideas in France. Delve into the rebellious and bohemian lifestyles of key figures, the alphabetical organization of the encyclopédie, and the triumphs over censorship and bans. Discover how this comprehensive encyclopaedia embodied the values of the Enlightenment and influenced the French Revolution.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Needham Question; why Europe and not China developed modern technology. What do these things have in common? Fireworks, wood-block printing, canal lock-gates, kites, the wheelbarrow, chain suspension bridges and the magnetic compass. The answer is that they were all invented in China, a country that, right through the Middle Ages, maintained a cultural and technological sophistication that made foreign dignitaries flock to its imperial courts for trade and favour. But then, around 1700, the flow of ingenuity began to dry up and even reverse as Europe bore the fruits of the scientific revolution back across the globe. Why did Modern Science develop in Europe when China seemed so much better placed to achieve it? This is called the Needham Question, after Joseph Needham, the 20th century British Sinologist who did more, perhaps, than anyone else to try and explain it.But did Joseph Needham give a satisfactory answer to the question that bears his name? Why did China’s early technological brilliance not lead to the development of modern science and how did momentous inventions like gunpowder and printing enter Chinese society with barely a ripple and yet revolutionise the warring states of Europe? With Chris Cullen, Director of the Needham Research Institute in Cambridge; Tim Barrett, Professor of East Asian History at SOAS; Frances Wood, Head of Chinese Collections at the British Library.

Learn about the bold actions of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, defying the Catholic Church and sparking the European Reformation. Discover the political and religious turmoil that ensued, as Luther risked it all for his beliefs and changed the course of European history forever.

Explore the fascinating life and works of Averroes, the Islamic scholar who bridged Greek philosophy with Islamic theology, earning both admiration and controversy. Delve into his influence on Dante's Divine Comedy, his essential commentaries on Aristotle, and his journey navigating political and religious conflicts. Discover Averroes' legacy in shaping medieval philosophy and his surprising impact on European thinkers like St Thomas Aquinas.

Explore the life and impact of Alexander von Humboldt, a renowned scientist and explorer of the 18th and 19th centuries, known for his scientific contributions, multilingual abilities, and detailed maps. Discover the rise and fall of his fame, his innovative scientific instruments, and his influence on key historical figures like Darwin. Dive into his journeys to South America, his political complexities, and his lasting legacy in intellectual thought and environmental conservation.

Delving into the world of Ancient Greek comedy, the podcast explores Aristophanes' satirical plays critiquing Athenian democracy. From the competitive nature of Greek theatre to the linguistic brilliance of Aristophanes, the evolution of comedy is traced through political satire and family-oriented themes. The podcast reveals the rich and creative theatrical landscape of Ancient Greek comedy.

Delve into pastoral literature with a focus on nature, innocence, and city versus country life. Explore the significance of key figures like Theocritus, Virgil, Marlowe, and Shakespeare. Unravel the political, social, and religious dimensions of pastoral works and the evolution of the genre in English literature.

Delving into the vast and intricate world of galaxies, the podcast discusses their immense scale, formation, and the dynamics shaping their movements. From the Milky Way's structure to the role of black holes and the constant cycle of star creation and destruction within galaxies, the episode explores the mysteries and beauty of these cosmic islands.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Spanish Inquisition, the defenders of medieval orthodoxy. The word ‘Inquisition’ has its roots in the Latin word 'inquisito' which means inquiry. The Romans used the inquisitorial process as a form of legal procedure employed in the search for evidence. Once Rome's religion changed to Christianity under Constantine, it retained the inquisitorial trial method but also developed brutal means of dealing with heretics who went against the doctrines of the new religion. Efforts to suppress religious freedom were initially ad hoc until the establishment of an Office of Inquisition in the Middle Ages, founded in response to the growing Catharist heresy in South West France. The Spanish Inquisition set up in 1478 surpassed all Inquisitorial activity that had preceded it in terms of its reach and length. For 350 years under Papal Decree, Jews, then Muslims and Protestants were put through the Inquisitional Court and condemned to torture, imprisonment, exile and death. How did the early origins of the Inquisition in Medieval Europe spread to Spain? What were the motivations behind the systematic persecution of Jews, Muslims and Protestants? And what finally brought about an end to the Spanish Inquisition 350 years after it had first been decreed? With John Edwards, Research Fellow in Spanish at the University of Oxford; Alexander Murray, Emeritus Fellow in History at University College, Oxford;Michael Alpert, Emeritus Professor in Modern and Contemporary History of Spain at the University of Westminster