Innholdsfortegnelse for No. 1 i Explore History

Welcome to the very first issue of Explore History, and to a whole new adventure. Making the magazine has been a real pleasure, and we’re so glad we can finally share it with you. We’ve made the magazine for people who, like us, love taking trips to the places where history comes to life. As much as we enjoy learning about the past, nothing really compares to standing in a spot where the course of history changed (like the revolution sites in our 35 World Heritage Wonders list on page 20), or to happening upon a historical hidden gem (the fortified churches of Transylvania, on page 74, are one such find). You’ll also find practical guides to visiting WWII museums, stately homes and Highland castles in the Mini-Guides section (page…

Logitech UE Megaboom Speaker When hiking, camping or enjoying a day out, you need a portable speaker that can keep up. The UE Megaboom is shockproof, waterproof and mud-proof, and operates through a handy wireless Bluetooth connection. Price: £169.99 /$299.99 Ventura PB60 Portable Power Perfect for keeping smartphones and tablets going on long hikes, the shockproof Ventura PB60 power pack is made for the outdoors. With 10,400 mAh battery capacity, it can charge most smartphones eight times, and tablets up to five times. Price: £39.99/$57 Mapping The Airways This book by Paul Jarvis is a beautiful compendium of maps and imagery from the British Airways archives. Full-colour retro posters and 20th-century travel maps make this a comforting nostalgia trip, perfect for poring over on the tray-table during your next flight.…

“That whole area of Victorian London retains the feeling of genuine pride in cultural inheritance” CLIFFORD’S TOWER The last castle I visited was Clifford’s Tower in York. It’s what remains of what was once a very large castle, the keep of the castle so it’s on top of a large mound. Inside it’s pretty much just a shell. It’s a beautiful-looking oddity in York – which is one of my favourite cities in the UK. V&A I took a stroll around the V&A recently, as I live in London, not too far from the V&A. That whole area of Victorian London retains the feeling of genuine pride in cultural inheritance. Three or four years ago, they opened some Medieval Renaissance galleries that I never get tired of wandering around. You…

Beijing, China For almost 500 years, the Forbidden City served as the home of the emperors of China. A complex of 980 buildings, it was a place of secrecy, power and eternal opulence. Today it is hailed as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures on the globe and is surrounded by a ten-metre-high wall with a unique, delicately crafted watchtower at every corner. With almost 10,000 rooms containing countless works of art, beautifully preserved furniture and priceless relics of the past, every inch of the Forbidden City is dripping in rich history and centuries of Chinese heritage.…

Lalibela, Ethiopia In the 12th century, Ethiopian ruler King Lalibela set out to construct a ‘New Jerusalem’ in the heart of Ethiopia. These grand, towering churches were carved from within the earth from the ‘living rock’ of monolithic blocks. The structures of the churches were painstakingly chiselled out and then details like windows, doors and rooms added. An impressive drainage system was implemented, linking all the buildings with water that filled the church wells. Today, ten of these churches stand in two main groups, in the north and east, while the 11th church, the finest example and most preserved, stands isolated in the west. This unique site is said to have been carved by angels at night, but any visitor will be awed by the man-made details, mural paintings, intricate…

Jerusalem, Israel If there was ever a place in the world where visitors can not only observe history but feel fully immersed in it, Jerusalem’s Old City is it. Surrounded by massive 16th-century Ottoman walls, the Old City is the beating heart of Jerusalem. The city is divided into four culturally unique areas – the Muslim Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Armenian Quarter and Christian Quarter. Although it has a history stretching back some 3,000 years, the Old City is not a monument, it is a living, breathing place inhabited to this day. A winding maze of narrow streets, ancient buildings and colourful markets, to walk the cobblestones is to take a journey through a city that has experienced war, loss, destruction but also hope and redemption on a monumental scale.…

Cape Town, South Africa Located in Table Bay just off the coast of Bloubergstand, Cape Town, Robben Island is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela served 18 years of his 27 years’ imprisonment. Current president Jacob Zuma and ex-president Kgalema Motlanthe were also inmates. Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction, with tours led by former prisoners. While exploring, you can glimpse the block where Mandela was held, giving insight into the life of the inmates there during the battle to end apartheid. As well as being a sobering but inspiring trip, the island is also home to a vast array of wildlife.…

Shaanxi, China Found at the foot of the Lishan Mountain, this vast mausoleum is the largest in China, and served as the burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, founder of the first unified empire. Perhaps best known for its army of stone warriors, until 1974 this wonder of the ancient world remained hidden; it was stumbled upon by two local farmers who, while digging a well, discovered a pit housing 6,000 terracotta figures. This fleet of warriors is each carved with a unique face, and equipped with weapons, chariots and horses.…

“The bluestones that make up part of Stonehenge travelled a remarkable 380 kilometres” Wiltshire, England This ancient stone monument has perplexed and inspired humans for generations, and Stonehenge is undoubtedly the most renowned stone circle on the planet. Believed to be an early human burial ground, archaeologists have estimated this prehistoric monument dates back to between 3000 and 2000 BCE, and was constructed over 1,500 years. Built on the axis of the midsummer sunrise, the bluestones that make up part of Stonehenge travelled a remarkable 380 kilometres from the Preseli mountains in Wales to where they stand today. The effects of the strikes of axes and hammers can still be seen on these impressive stones, and the monument truly leaves an impression of the remarkable sophistication of our ancestors. Look…

“The majesty and beauty of these unique antiquities are unmatched anywhere else in the world” Athens, Greece In the latter half of the 5th century BCE, Pericles chose Athens to be the home of his vision of democracy, arts and philosophical thought. This dream took form on a rocky hill overlooking the city beneath, and today the remains of this monumental citadel can still be seen, explored and marvelled at. The buildings of the Acropolis are a testament to a world that birthed democracy, theatre and freedom of expression, and have survived almost 25 centuries of natural disasters, wars and an ever-changing world. After ascending the stone steps of the Acropolis, the monumental gateway, the Propylaea, can be seen. This huge entrance is dedicated to Athena and is crafted from…

New Delhi, India Birla House, or Gandhi Smriti, originally served as the business house of the Indian tycoons, the Birla family. Mahatma Gandhi was a friend and frequent visitor to the family, and it was here during his final stay from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948 that the man who led India to independence was assassinated. Today, the site has been turned into a museum in Gandhi’s memory, which houses a cornucopia of treasures from Gandhi’s last days including photographs, paintings and personal belongings. The room where the freedom fighter stayed has also been lovingly preserved, and visitors can also walk to view the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi was shot, now marked by the unassuming, but sobering, Martyr’s Column.…

Originating from the castle Habsburg (or ‘hawk’s castle’) in modern-day Switzerland, the Habsburgs were a prominent royal dynasty active in Europe for some 500 years. The house that ruled over the Czech people of the 19th century was known as the Habsburg-Lorraine line, to mark the nuptials of Maria Theresa (who would later become empress) and Francis of Lorraine in 1736. Austria, Hungary and Bohemia (which included the modern-day Czech Republic) were all key regions ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. Empress Maria Theresa Reign: 1740-1780 Maria Theresa was the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire and queen towards the end of the 18th century. Her accession was marred by the War of the Austrian Succession, which challenged her claim to the Habsburg throne, as France supported a claim by Bavaria,…

1 Biertan Biertan is one of the largest of Transylvania’s fortified churches. The first known mention of it dates back to 1283, and it has seven towers and three levels of defensive walls, 10m high. It converted from Catholicism to Lutheranism, but kept a Catholic tower for those who did not. 2 Viscri Viscri comes from the German word Weisse Khirche, which translates as white church, and was actually taken over from the Szkélers by the Saxons, rather than built by them. Although much was destroyed in the Tartar invasion and later defensive modifications were made, it remains one of the oldest in the region. 3 Câlnic Built in 1269 by nobleman Chyll de Kelling, it was sold to the village in 1430, and work on a new church and…

1 The National Trust Heritage credentials don’t come much higher than being a founder member of the National Trust. 2 Social housing With the backing of illustrious patrons, Octavia launched a pioneering housing scheme. 3 The Army Cadets Established the Southwark Cadet Company, for “the young lad before he gets in with a gang of loafers”. 4 Green belt In celebration of the green spaces she saved from destruction, a hill in Kent shares her name. 5 The 21st century The Octavia Foundation continues her work to this day, providing support to those in need.…

Musée du Débarquement The first museum built to commemorate the Normandy campaign and D-Day landings, Musée du Débarquement overlooks the remains of a Mulberry harbour and tells the story of Normandy through film, an interactive diorama and extensive original collections. EXPLORER’S ESSENTIALS  www.arromanches-museum.com Mon – Sun: 9am – 6pm (Seasonal times may apply) Adult: €7.90 (£6/$9) Child: €5.80 (£5/$7) Musée des Blindés This Loire Valley landmark contains one of the world’s largest collections of tanks, with more than 800 vehicles, 200 of which are in working order and includes the only working German Tiger II. Visitors are encouraged to be hands-on with the exhibits so this is a must-see for tank enthusiasts. * www.museedesblindes.fr/en Mon – Sun: 10am – 6pm (Seasonal times may apply) Adult: €8 (£6/$9) Child: €5 (£4/$6)…

Malcolm X house finds Excavations at a former home of Malcolm X have discovered artefacts from the 18th century, suggesting that another dwelling on the same site preceded the current 19th century building. Broken pottery, records and jewellery may remain from the house being vandalised in the 1970s. Roman villa in the garden Luke Irwin was startled to find the surprisingly well-preserved remains of a Roman villa while laying wiring out to an old barn at his home in Wiltshire. Historic England archaeologist, Dr David Roberts, has hailed the discovery as “a hugely valuable site in terms of research, with incredible potential.” Be cheerful, enjoy life Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a mosaic from the 3rd century BCE. The ancient Greek design shows a skeleton enjoying a loaf of bread…

Campania, Italy In 79 CE, Pompeii was a prosperous Roman town with 11,000 inhabitants, an advanced water system and a bustling port. However, that year an eruption from Mount Vesuvius buried the city under mountains of ash, where it lay for 1,500 years. When it was rediscovered, archaeologists found a perfectly preserved Roman city. For 250 years tourists have flocked to the ruins to glimpse a snapshot of the past. From the reconstructed gardens and breathtaking piazza to the bath buildings and amphitheatre, Pompeii offers a unique insight into what life was like during Pax Romana.…

Fès-Meknès, Morocco Nestled between Fez and Rabat, the city of Volubilis was the ancient capital of the kingdom of Mauritania. Originally an Amazigh settlement, Volubilis fell under Roman rule and was expanded with many typically Roman features, including a temple, basilica and town houses. Today the ruins are a testament to the Romanisation of rural areas, and the effect on indigenous people. With its carved stonework, mosaic tiles and triumphant archways, Volubilis is one of the finest Roman sites in North Africa.…

“A tribute to the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their life in the World War II atomic bombing of the city” Hiroshima, Japan Also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Atomic Bomb Dome is a ruin that serves as a tribute to the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives in the World War II atomic bombing of the city. Originally created as an exhibition hall, the building was the only one left standing in the area after the attack. It has been carefully preserved in the same condition as immediately after the bombing, and today is a stark reminder of the destruction caused by man, but also of enduring hope for world peace.…

Lantau Island, Hong Kong Once known as the ‘Big Thatched Hut’, Po Lin Monastery began life in 1906 when three monks set up a monastery for practice in the calm, mountain scenery of Mount Muk Yue. Today, this remote site is a tourist hot spot in Hong Kong, with its outstanding Tian Tan Buddha, completed in 1993. This towering masterpiece of craftsmanship is 34 metres high and a glimmering bronze beacon looking out over mainland China. By climbing the 268 steps, visitors can observe this incredible statue up close, and take in the stunning mountain and sea views from the base.…

Paris, France The site of one of the most significant events in European history, in 1789, during the French Revolution, the Bastille Prison was stormed and became an icon of the French republican movement. Due to this destruction, little remains of the original Bastille today, however, some relics do survive. Remaining stones can be seen on Boulevard Henri IV and in the nearby Métro station, while the Carnavalet Museum is home to several precious relics. The square is also occupied by the famous July Column, which marks a more recent revolution - that of 1830.…

Iraklion, Greece Five kilometres south east of the Greek city of Iraklion is the archaeological site of Knossos, hailed as the oldest city in Europe. The true age of the site is in some debate, but there is evidence humans have inhabited Knossos since the Neolithic times in 6000 BCE. A city steeped in myth and legend, the site has been ravaged and rebuilt over the centuries and served as the capital of Minoan Crete until it was abandoned in 1375 BCE. For years it was believed the city-state could be found only in fiction, until 1878 when it was discovered by Minos Kalokairinos. After extensive excavations and restorations, large parts of the palace and an elaborate maze emblazoned with wall paintings can now be explored.…

Pasargadae, Iran The tomb of Cyrus the Great is not the biggest or most opulent of the sites in this guide, but its historical importance has earned it a place on the list. Located in the former Persian capital of Pasargadae, this stone monument was built as the final resting place of the founder of the Achaemenid Empire in the summer of 530 BCE. The monument measures 13 x 12 metres and features a platform of stepped stone. Inside are two chambers: an attic and the tomb itself. Visitors to this famous monument will be keeping good company, as it was visited by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE.…

“This masterpiece of architecture has earned the title of one of the world’s most spectacular wonders” Agra, India An iconic image of enduring love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in dedication to the memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This masterpiece of architecture has earned the title of one of the world’s most spectacular wonders, and is one of the most admired works of art on the planet. An army of masons, painters, stone-cutters and artisans the world over combined their skills to create this feat of symmetrical›beauty. The tomb of Mahal sits in the centre of a 17-hectare complex comprising luscious blooming gardens, a mosque and a guest house. Every square inch of the Taj Mahal has been painstakingly designed, with intricate…

Gozo, Malta Older than the Giza Pyramids and Stonehenge, the temples of Ggantija rank among the earliest free-standing buildings in the world. The two temples are said to have been built in tribute to the Great Earth Mother, a goddess of fertility, and became a place of prayer and pilgrimage for the ancient people of Gozo. These two temples cover an area of 930 square metres and represent the goddess of fertility for which they were built in their round, curved structure. Each temple contains five aspses and are connected by a large forecourt, however, it is the smaller details that are most astonishing – the altars where animals were sacrificed, a stone hearth where fire burned and relief panels depicting trees, plants and animals.…

Mariazell, Austria Hidden in the Austrian mountains, the Mariazell shrine is visited by more than 1 million pilgrims every year. Monks first began to build cells in Mariazell in 1103, and legend has it that a monk was then guided by the Virgin Mary to build a chapel there. Today the church is a culmination of centuries of renovations – from the 14th-century Gothic tower to the 17th-century baroque towers. A visit to this breathtaking basilica with its silver shrine to the Virgin Mary is a must for any lover of beauty.…

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina On 28 June 1914, the archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was shot dead by Gavrilo Princip. This assassination prompted a war that consumed the world – World War I. Today, the site of the shooting is one of the most historically significant locations on the planet. The bridge itself, now named Latin Bridge, is one of the oldest preserved bridges in Sarajevo, and stretches across the Miljacka river on four arches. However, it is the bridge’s historical importance that draws travellers from across the globe. At one point there was a monument to the archduke placed nearby, but this has since been torn down, and now an unassuming plaque at the spot where Princip fired explains the deadly events that occurred on…

Building Machu Picchu on the site that we see it today was possible in part due to the presence of ample amounts of granite, as the Inca built entirely from stone, with only roofs made from other materials. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Inca was their ability to construct beautiful and incredibly stable stone walls without mortar between them. To this day, it is impossible to duplicate their techniques using what we know they had at hand. One of the most striking elements when you visit the site is the sheer size of the blocks used. In Sacsayhuaman, a site just above the city of Cusco, one of the blocks is estimated to weigh more than 100 tons. To further add to the complexity of the job,…

Over the centuries, China’s turbulent history has left its mark on this iconic monument, yet no era had as great an impact as Chairman Mao’s Communist revolution. In the early years of his rule, Mao led the Long March (a year-long trek to evade the Kuomintang) and wrote Mount Liupan, a poem which included the line, “Those who fail to reach the Great Wall are not true men.” However, like many of Mao’s original proclamations and treaties, his view of his nation’s most revered structure soon changed. China was a poor country, and one that had struggled to rebuild its economy from the ravages of war, invasion and civil fragmentation so the wall transcended from historical symbol to economical fuel source. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), the Red Guard began…

MEET THE CURATOR NAME: JOHN GRAY Bio: John L Gray is the director for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where he develops support for outreach education and scholarship. As steward of the museum’s collection of over 3 million artefacts, he is just the person to tell us where to find the highlights. Star-Spangled Banner LOCATION: Second Floor, Centre On 14 September 1814, US soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripes and bright stars” inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that would eventually become the national anthem of the United States of America. John Gray said: “The very idea of our nation’s remarkable birth and…

Highclere Castle (01635 253204) www.highclerecastle.co.uk Opening times and admission price Open : 1-3, 29-31 May, 10 July - 7 September (Sunday to Thursday) and 14 September Grounds 9am – 6pm, castle 10.30am – 5pm Adult: £22 ($32) Child: £13.50 ($19) Look out for Follies in the grounds include an 18th-century pillared temple called Jackdaw’s Castle, which offers great views of the house.…

Stowe After whetting your appetite with the exhibitions celebrating the works of Capability Brown in his classical Temple of Concord and Victory, enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Grecian Valley and deer park, before experiencing the gentle tranquillity of Eleven Acre Lake. EXPLORER’S ESSENTIALS  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe Mon – Sun: 10am – 6pm, (Parkland open dawn to dusk). Adult: £11.20 ($16) Child: £5.60 ($8) Compton Verney Compton Verney was recently awarded a £2.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant to conserve and celebrate Brown’s work on the Warwickshire Estate, including a rare Brown-designed chapel. Take a garden tour, learn about restoration work on the chapel and stroll around 48 hectares of landscaped parkland. * www.comptonverney.org.uk Tues – Sun (Closed Mon except Bank Holidays): 10.30am – 5pm. Adult: £9.50 ($14) Child: £5.60 ($8) Blenheim…

Visiting Cold War Berlin Your guide to the sites that tell the story of a divided Berlin The Story of the Somme Visit a land still raw with war, over 100 years on Fairytale castles Loose your imagination on the world’s most beautiful fortresses PLUS: Petra, Jordan’s rose city, Treasures of the Australian Museum, John Vanbrugh’s stately homes, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Carcassonne, Roman roads, and much more...…

Sanssouci Chris Marsland “I took this picture on a stormy summer day in 2013, visiting Sanssouci, the former palace and grounds of Frederick the Great near Potsdam, Germany. It was a stunning example of faded grandeur and lost times. It is an incredible place to explore and lose yourself in.” Forum of Augustus Lauren Debono-Elliot “Rome is bursting with amazing history. There are beautiful sites and ancient ruins everywhere you look, so get lost (on purpose!) – you’ll find some hidden gems.” Abu Simbel Jemmima Knight “I reached Abu Simbel after an unforgettable sunrise bus-ride through the Sahara desert. In the blazing heat stand four statues of Ramses II that flank the entrance to the magnificent Big Temple.” Avebury Stones Paul Kenney “A sunny view on the largest stone circle…

Jornadas Medievales, 18 – 19 June: The village of Briones in Rioja, Spain, transforms to re-enact 14th-century life for one weekend a year. Luther’s Wedding Festival, 10 – 12 June: Lutherstadt Wittenburg, in Germany, is a three-day celebration of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora’s marriage in 1525. Inti Raymi, 24 June: The Festival of the Sun is a yearly event in Cusco, Peru, with street dances and parades honouring the Sun god, Inti. Hay Festival, 26 May – 5 June: The cultural festival taking place in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, includes talks on history, art and adventure (among many other subjects).…

Shakespeare’s plays were performed at several playhouses in London, though the reconstructed Globe is certainly the one most people associate with the Bard. But the remains of one of the least-documented of these theatres, the Curtain, are being examined anew following the celebrations marking 500 years since Shakespeare’s death in April this year. The Curtain, though sparsely documented, is of great importance, particularly as it was the first theatre to stage Romeo and Juliet and Henry V. Located in Shoreditch, the site is expected to yield well-preserved artefacts and remains. As one of Shakespeare’s earliest theatres (it opened in 1577), this is a rare opportunity for archaeologists to discover more about the physical structure, the cultural profile of the area in the 16th and 17th century, and how performances took…

“Exploring every inch of Petra will take days” Ma’an Governorate, Jordan Half carved into the red-rose rock, Petra is a vast, unique city that served as a key junction for Indian incense, Chinese silk and other trade between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia more than 2,000 years ago. The jewel in Jordan’s crown, Petra is surrounded by sheer mountains, housing a labyrinth of passages and gorges. Petra’s position as one of the ‘New7Wonders’ Seven Wonders of the World is well deserved. It houses hundreds of intricately cut rock tombs with elaborate carvings, a huge 3,000-capacity theatre and Al-Madbah – a high religious place of sacrifice seated on the summit of Jabal Madbah. Above, overlooking it all is Ad-Deir monastery, reached by ascending 800 steps cut into the rock. Exploring every inch…

Derbyshire, England Seated on the bank of the river Derwent, Chatsworth House is a sublime yellow-stoned stately home set among luscious green parkland and expansive hills. The current house was built in 1553 by Bess of Hardwick and was visited several times by Mary, Queen of Scots. In the 17th century, the building underwent further renovation and today houses one of the most impressive art collections in Europe, spanning 4,000 years. From the sculpture gallery to the awe-inspiring painted hall, Chatsworth House is one of the most impressive and historically rich country houses in the United Kingdom.…

Pennsylvania, USA Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, the Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the American Civil War, seeing the Union put a stop to the confederate invasion of the north. You can now tour the site of this historic battle, home to over 1,000 monuments and representing one of the largest collections of outdoor sculpture in the world. First, discover the story of the Civil War at the National Park Service museum, then take a trip to the David Wills House, where Lincoln finished his Gettysburg address. This is the perfect place to learn more about the American Civil War.…

Shetland Islands, Scotland Near the Southern Tip of Mainland Shetland sits an archaeological site far more complete than its years would imply. Jarlshof, named by Sir Walter Scott and meaning ‘earl’s house’, contains more than 4,000 years of human history in one place, and until a violent storm at the end of the 19th century exposed it, it was hidden. While wandering through this settlement, remains of late Neolithic houses can be seen, followed by Bronze Age dwellings with dark underground passages – used as grain and cold stores. Half of an Iron Age broch still remains – the other half lost to the sea, and one of the wheelhouses survives to this day. The ruins from the Viking age with its longhouse are the largest to be seen anywhere…

Buenos Aires, Argentina Any visit to Buenos Aires is incomplete without a visit to this renowned cemetery. Before Buenos Aires even had paved streets or public services, this burial site was created to improve city sanitation. Over time the elite of Argentina adopted it as their own, and today it reads as a who’s who of Argentine history. Hours can be spent wandering through this city of the dead, marvelling at the famous names buried there and appreciating the fading beauty of the elaborate statues and marble mausoleums.…

Kimberley, Australia In 1838, explorer Joseph Bradshaw was searching for suitable land for farming, instead he found ancient works of art tens of thousands years old. The true age of these paintings is still in debate, but more have been discovered across the sandstone regions in West and Central Kimberley. These sketchy paintings typically depict human silhouettes in headdresses and tassels that appear to be running, hunting and dancing. These shadows of ancient civilisation give an insight into the lifestyles of some of the earliest humans. These rock art galleries are likely older than the art found in Egyptian temples, and to tour even a few of the 1,500-plus rock art sites is to take a journey to the furthest reaches of human history.…

Rome, Italy Built by Pompey the Great in an effort to drum up political support, the Theatre of Pompey was Rome’s first permanent theatre. Crafted from concrete and stone, the theatre served as an early prototype for the iconic Roman theatres built across the empire. The enormous stage (which was 100 metres wide) was just the tip of the opulence of the building, which also housed a temple and lavish gardens, all beautifully decorated with statues and embellishments. Opposite the garden during Caesar’s lifetime, there was a curia, famous as the site of his betrayal and assassination. Today, not much remains of the groundbreaking theatre, but the intact sections can still be found at the Palazzo della Cancelleria, and the imprint of the opulence that once stood there can be…

Washington, DC, USA In the 1860s, what was originally a house of worship was transformed into a theatre by John T Ford. Although the original was destroyed by a fire, the rebuilt theatre was declared a “magnificent new thespian temple.” On 14 April 1865, five days after the Confederate surrender, President Lincoln attended the theatre, but his trip was to end in disaster. The actor and staunch Confederate John Wilkes Booth stepped into the box and shot Lincoln at point-blank range. The building was not used as a theatre again until 1968, and it was renovated again in 2009. Although it operates as a theatre today, the historical significance of the building has been preserved in the museum that sits beneath it. Here, a multitude of items related to the…

Why was Machu Picchu Built? The theories of why Machu Picchu was built and abandoned have been pieced together from archaeological evidence, chronicles and cultural understanding of the Inca people. It is widely accepted that it was, at the very least, an estate for Pachacutec (pictured left). Whether this may have included some of the other theories is not known. Given they seem to have been quite a practical people, it seems reasonable to think a place this size would not have been used for one purpose alone. Religious centre When the mummies that Bingham discovered were first analysed, it was believed that they were almost entirely women. This led to the theory that they were Virgins of the Sun and this, combined with the many temples on the site,…

During the summer months, Elizabeth would undertake her famous Royal Progresses around her kingdom. These regal tours served two functions: firstly so that the queen could be seen by, and interact with, her subjects; and also so she could assert her authority in a direct way. To host Elizabeth was considered to be a very great privilege indeed, and many saw the opportunity to strengthen ties with the crown in order to win favours. Elizabeth generally stayed with her courtiers at their country homes, and while it was a great honour, her visit could also test the strength of her hosts’ finances to breaking point. This was because Elizabeth brought hundreds of courtiers and retainers with her and they all needed to be fed and accommodated. Even the government accompanied…