Plus Japan’s sword saint, the real Troy, the history of the CIA, medieval battlefield medicine and much more!
It’s often suggested that the great heroes and legends of the ancient world were not dissimilar to the comic book superheroes of today. Just as our modern caped crusaders have seen reboots and retellings, sometimes reflecting the tastes and concerns of our modern world, so these stories were reflections of theirs. So, with that in mind, what can stories of snaked-haired women, bull men and one-eyed giants reveal about ancient Greece and the cultures that created and shared these tales?
That’s what we wanted to find out in the latest issue of All About History, available now at a newsstand near you and available to order from MagazinesDirect. We welcome expert Emily Hauser as our guide to these legends of wrath and ruin. Here’s a closer look at our Greek myths and monsters feature and the other fascinating stories you can explore in All About History 171.
Ancient Greek Myths & Monsters
From the brutal betrayal of Medusa to the hubris of Odysseus as he taunted the cyclops, we take a look at the famous myths and legends of Greek culture to see what they reveal about the society that spawned them. Emily Hauser gives us her insight into stories, their origins and what they can teach us.
History of Hammer Horror
Its gothic images and iconic depictions of horror tales made Hammer Horror one of the gems of the British film industry. How did this innovative film studio come to be, why did it fall into disfavour and how has it been resurrected from the grave? We have the full story (and a fun competition) to share.
Miyamoto Musashi: Sword Saint
Miyamoto Musashi is celebrated as being one of the greatest swordsmen in the history of Japan, given the honorific of kensei, meaning sword saint, for both his fighting prowess and writings. But which of his many legends is actually true and what is his lasting legacy?
The Corpse Queen of portugal
The story of Inês de Castro and her doomed romance with Pedro I of Portugal is both deeply tragic and then suddenly very disturbing. Did the newly crowned king, still grieving his murdered partner, really place her dead remains on the throne? Find out the truth.
History of the CIA
From its earliest days as the OSS during WWII to its transformation into an international espionage network, the CIA has a fascinating and often dark history. We take a look at how it was developed, what it was thought to be necessary in peacetime and how it has had its hand in world events since 1945.
Plus much more
Also in this issue of All About History:
- How much medical care could soldiers on a medieval battlefield expect to get? Once the fighting was done, there were actually a fair few, if not always comfortable, options available.
- What if the Nazis had captured Malta? In the battle for supremacy in the Mediterranean and in North Africa, this island could have made all the difference.
- No longer simply a legend, we now have real archaeological evidence of the existence of Troy, but what else do we know. We delve into the facts to reveal what this legendary city was really like.
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