This “How to:” guide is for those readers wishing to recreate simple yet effective historical costume. It is primarily aimed at teachers wishing to inspire their pupils on “Wow Days” when dressing up is the order of the day. In our experience, in most UK schools, that might be for history topics on the ancient Egyptians, Greeks or Romans.

Dispelling the myth that a Medieval sword's fuller acts as a "blood groove" so the blade does not get stuck in a body.

You often hear it said that people in the past drank beer all day, every day because water was dirty or fouled. Have those who claim this never heard of water wells? Time to dispel another myth.

Just who were the Amazons? Where they a fierce tribe of men-hating women or was this propaganda spread by ancient Greek men?

April 23rd marks the birthday of William Shakespeare. As he is famously thought to have been born and died on the same date, so April 23rd is also the anniversary of his death on St George's Day in 1616. St George's day was once celebrated with feasts, so here are some delicious recipes to recreate and enjoy.

Because spices were expensive there is a persistent idea that Medieval peasants ate bland and tasteless food. It's a myth. Find out why?

Reclining to eat was the preserve of rich Romans so how did ordinary citizens dine? Find out how "fast food" is not a modern idea but has roots in Roman towns and cities.

One of two bodies found in Pompeii in 2020 was assumed to be a "slave", but is this true?

A brief introductory guide to wine and winemaking in the Roman period.

Discovery of "whistling" sling bullets in the Roman siege works at Burnswark, Scotland.

Find out how much the soldiers of Rome were paid and whether they really were paid in salt?

"Kitchenalia" introduces objects from different historical periods, discovers a bit about their history and how each was made. We look at how, through our practical experiments, we have learnt to best use them, and offer some recipes for you to try at home. Today's object is the Roman testum.

"Kitchenalia" introduces objects from different historical periods, discovers a bit about their history and how each was made. We look at how, through our practical experiments, we have learnt to best use them, and offer some recipes for you to try at home. Today's object is the Roman mortarium.

"Kitchenalia" introduces objects from different historical periods, discovers a bit about their history and how each was made. We look at how, through our practical experiments, we have learnt to best use them, and offer some recipes for you to try at home. Today's object is the Roman glirarium.

A brief history of the mysterious plant named silphium famed for its flavour in ancient cuisine.

A brief guide to who was the Roman soldier's god Mithras and the history of this eastern deity.

Part Four of "How to: Build a replica Cannon" explores how to recreate the different projectiles fired from guns in the Age of Sail.

Discover the origins of the tradition of wassailing, typically celebrated on Twelfth Night.

Part Three of "How to: Build a replica Cannon" explores how to make a lightweight, portable gun carriage from the Age of Sail.

A brief history of the use of sweet chestnuts in cooking.