Africa

Saladin, seen in a 12th-century portrait, led Muslim opposition to the crusaders and united much of the Middle East. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

How to lead like Saladin

Cover of the Voyages Extraordinaires series by the French science fiction writer Jules Verne.

The phantom menace: 10 milestones in science fiction

Photo of bees

First World War

Q&A What was the Battle of the Bees?

One of the statues of Ramesses II at Luxor temple, which is

My favourite place: Luxor, Egypt

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Pliny the Elder depicted in a mid-12th century miniature, writing and giving his book to Roman emperor Vespasian. (Photo by Photo12/UIG/Getty Images)

My history hero Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79) . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

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A painting in the cave of Altamira, Spain

The rise of Homo sapiens . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

The step pyramid of Djoser, Saqqara

Q&A How many pyramid tombs are there in Egypt?

Egypt-food-2-e408b6d

What did people eat in Ancient Egypt?

Bust of Emperor Alexander Severus

The Library Ancient Rome in crisis

Archaeologist Howard Carter opens the coffin of Tutankhamun. (Photo by Time Life Pictures/Mansell/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)

How did Tutankhamun die?

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Portrait of Hendrik Witbooi

My history hero: Hendrik Witbooi (born c1830) . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

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Nelson Mandela and wife Winnie Mandela upon his release from prison. (Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)

My history hero Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

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(Illustration: Jonty Clark for BBC History Magazine)

Ye olde travel guide: Goree, 1782 . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Napoleon in exile

Q&A Why was Napoleon exiled to St Helena?

Illustration of the Zodiac Man

General ancient history

Q&A Why did physicians ‘bleed’ their patients?