In 500 BC, in a relatively obscure kingdom in Italy, a noblewoman was raped by the son of the king. 2,200 years later, the American Constitution was enshrined into law after the success of the American Revolution. If you believe in the butterfly effect, you may think that the latter might have never happened without the former.
Nearly two thousand years ago, Queen Boudicca of the Iceni tribe led an uprising against the oppressive Roman Empire, fighting for the freedom of her people, the British Celts. Although ultimately unsuccessful, her name is still remembered by many Britons for her might and bravery in facing one of the strongest Empires the world had ever seen. What happened back in 60AD?
The British Museum’s Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition opened to considerable fanfare at the end of March. A number of prime-time TV documentaries heralded its coming and the Mayor of London, no doubt enchanted with the subject he studied at university, waxed lyrical at the press opening. Neil MacGregor, Pontifex Maximus of the cultural establishment, had Continue Reading
Polly Findlay’s production of The Country Wife at the Royal Exchange is a rampantly sexualised farce set in Seventeenth Century London. The play, so scandalised censors that it was not performed for 200 years; William Wycherley rips apart all decent behaviour in the comic romp. Young wits cuckold jealous husbands from start to finish. This Continue Reading
St. George is revered in England, but who was he and why was he cannonised?
