History Extra

BBC History Magazine aims to shed new light on the past to help you make more sense of the world today. Fascinating stories from contributors are the leading experts in their fields, so whether they're exploring Ancient Egypt, Tudor England or the Second World War, you'll be reading the latest, most thought-provoking historical research. BBC History Magazine brings history to life with informative, lively and entertaining features written by the world's leading historians and journalists and is a captivating read for anyone who's interested in the past.

WELCOME MARCH 2026

THREE THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

ANNIVERSARIES • DANNY BIRD highlights events that took place in March in history

Latin America’s troubled ties with the US • Following the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by American forces, and suggestions that Washington might also target Cuba or Colombia, Danny Bird spoke to GREG GRANDIN about the history of US engagement with Latin America

“The Archers shows that the village still stands for the idea of community”

THIS MONTH’S TOP PODCAST PICKS

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED THIS MONTH • JAMES OSBORNE highlights four insights shared by experts on our HistoryExtra podcasts

The conquered Aztec civilisation didn’t really ‘collapse’ • The Spanish invasion toppled the Aztec empire with startling speed, but unpicking the causes and aftermath reveals a complex story

The Vikings had a sense of humour about their gods • An early story about the ultra-masculine Thor donning a bridal outfit reveals much about how the Norse peoples viewed deities

Early US presidential candidates didn’t campaign • In an era when candidates were expected to remain silent and appear disinterested, James A Garfield was the first to speak directly to voters

“Jews and Christians in York worked together for the common good”

LETTERS

History Extra

Anne Boleyn’s image problem • Dark or brunette? Fair or swarthy? A paragon of beauty or a refined charmer? Our picture of Henry VIII’s ill-fated second queen has become distorted over five centuries - but new research by Owen Emmerson and others comes closer to revealing her true appearance

UNPICKING LOCKS • What colour was Anne Boleyn’s hair?

Mob rule • The 20th century was a golden age for organised crime groups. Ryan Gingeras reveals how gangs from the Sicilian Mafia to Mexico’s cartels capitalised on political chaos, economic upheaval and mass migration to spread their tentacles around the world

What is the biggest historical misconception? • Our team of historians, broadcasters and authors take aim at the most egregious fallacies about the past

Statutes of liberty • In the 10th century, a Welsh king presided over legislation that recognised women’s rights, offered consumer protection and removed physical punishments. Malcolm Smith tells the story of some of the most progressive laws ever to be enacted

HUNGRY MEN AND FALLEN TREES • Hywel Dda’s laws were ahead of their time — often by many centuries, as these five examples show

WHY CHURCHILL POKED THE RUSSIAN BEAR • It’s 80 years since the war victor delivered his ‘Iron Curtain’ speech, sounding the alarm for a perilous new age. The speech, given as tensions with Stalin soared, is among the most famous in modern history. Yet, asks Richard Toye, has it been misunderstood?

METAL COINAGE • Was Churchill really the first to use the phrase ‘Iron Curtain’?

Q&A • A selection of historical conundrums answered by experts

Eat, drink and be merry • Shakespeare and his peers served up hearty helpings of diverse dishes and ingredients - many of them spiced with forgotten meanings. Sam Bilton reveals how food allusions illustrate key...