Mesopotamia: the creators of civilisation

It all used to be so simple. The story of how we – that is Homo sapiens, today’s humans – emerged from Africa and spread across what’s become Europe and Asia was a neat, straightforward narrative. It

Islam: A New History from Muhammad to the ...

BETTANY HUGHES on bringing seven magnificent monuments to life

Tens of thousands of international travellers once flocked to see Syria’s ancient wonders. Now, after more than a decade of isolation, there is fresh hope that the visitors will return

A single-volume 2,500-year history

Studying ancient worlds is now more relevant than ever — and state school children are missing out, says Bettany Hughes