Feature

As fears over a global pandemic only just begin to fade, Chris Bowlby compares our present situation to flu outbreaks of the past.

This little-known power struggle between competing claimants to the throne had consequences that reverberated through history. We visit eight places associated with the dispute.

As the recession forces many to re-think their spending habits, Chris Bowlby reflects on the monetary lessons our ancestors can teach us.

Richard the Lionheart is held in great regard by historians, commended as a courageous leader and a master of crusading warfare. Thomas Asbridge considers how far this positive reputation has led to an omission of Richard's strategic flaws and the limitations of his achievements.

Thomas Asbridge is senior lecturer in medieval history at Queen Mary University of London, and author of The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land (Simon & Schuster, 2010)

You can read a sample chapter of Thomas Asbridge’s new book here: http://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/giveaways/the-crusades-exclusive-extract