The rewards of ruin

Aug 5, 2025 | History

Societal downfalls loom large in history and popular culture but, for the 99 per cent, collapse often had its upsides. A 99-per-cent view of history is a reminder that a world with less domination and fewer rules may not be a bad thing.

The history and future of societal collapse

Aug 2, 2025 | History

With his analysis of 5,000 years of civilization, Luke Kemp argues that a global collapse is coming unless inequality is vanquished.

How the chestnut traced the rise and fall of the Roman Empire

May 17, 2025 | History

The chestnut trees of Europe tell a hidden story charting the fortunes of ancient Rome and the legacy it left in the continent’s forests.

My VE Day was nothing like our image of it today

May 3, 2025 | History

Our street party tea was a muted celebration, full of uncertainty. Then, as now, we faced a long struggle towards a better world.

‘Spreadsheets of empire’: red tape goes back 4,000 years

Mar 15, 2025 | History

Ancient Mesopotamian stone tablets show extraordinary detail and reach of government in cradle of world civilizations.

The birth of naturalism

Feb 4, 2025 | History, Science

The modern era is often seen as the triumph of science over supernaturalism. But what really happened is far more interesting.