The Suprising Truth About Beauty Standards in the Middle Ages

What were the most popular sports of the Middle Ages? In the third episode History Hit's 'Medieval Pleasures' series, historian Eleanor Janega ventures into the Royal Armouries tiltyard to learn about popular medieval sports. Seasoned jouster Andy Deane and his opponent Andrew Balmforth face off in an adrenaline fuelled jousting tournament - and you're invited! We discover the harsh realities of this sport that's synonymous with the Middle Ages, and learn about its close ties to the art of combat and warfare. Our knights run a gauntlet of tests demonstrating the skill and precision needed to smash lances, spear boars and possibly secure a lucrative deal for your kingdom. And it wasn't just the knights that got in on the action, Eleanor joins the Crossbow Guild and explores how it was not only practical, but would have given people from the humbler classes a chance to tour the country, show off their skills and earn some extra coin along the way. Then, it's the thrill of the chase that gets Eleanor's heart fluttering, as Falconry Expert Emma Rapheal introduces us

Historian Dan Snow answers the most asked questions about the Napoleonic Wars. Did Napoleon start the wars? How many Napoleonic Wars were there? How passionate is Dan about this history? Watch to find out. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Here at History Hit, we love exploring the historic sites managed by the National Trust. In this special film we participate in a major National Trust event, the first Octavia Hill lecture, delivered by renowned art historian and museum director, Neil McGregor. Neil delves into two magnificent houses, Penrhyn Castle in North Wales and Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, to demonstrate how such places can play a critical role in helping everyone to engage with complex histories. Widening the narrative, including all aspects of their history, no matter how challenging, can enrich our understanding of the past and influence our future. Following the lecture, Dan Snow joins a panel discussion alongside Neil MacGregor, Sathnam Sanghera, and Suzannah Lipscomb, all chaired by Times Radio's Aasmah Mir. Made in association with Times Radio

Top Medieval Historian Rates Vikings in Movies' First, Cat reviews Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor and the depiction of Asgard, home of the Norse gods, in the 2011 Marvel movie 'Thor'. She then takes a look at a classic Hollywood film from 1958, 'The Vikings', starring Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, which recreates the death of the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok. Next up, it's 'The 13th Warrior' starring Antonio Banderas and Vladimir Kulich, which shows the interaction between the Viking and Islamic worlds, as well as featuring a Viking prayer which closely resembles the one described by the Muslim traveller Ahmad ibn Fadlan. Then she rates a brief scene from the 2009 film 'Valhalla Rising', which recreates a meeting between the Viking One-Eye and North American tribesmen. The animated movie 'How to Train Your Dragon' is next, which leans into popular tropes about the Viking world - including horned helmets - but does hint at the important societal role played by Viking women. Finally, it's the 2022 Viking blockbuster 'The Northman' starring Alexander Skarsgård. Although the film is rated highly

We love it, but can any historical truths be found in Tarantino's epic Inglourious Basterds?? War historian Jennifer Howe takes us through the real stories of the SS, Nazi occupation and The Richie boys, portrayed in this movie by Christoph Waltz, Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, and Mélanie Laurent. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Hero in war. Villain in peace? Historian Kevin Ruane answers your questions about Winston Churchill, the two-time Prime Minister celebrated for leading Britain through the Second World War, yet still one of the most controversial figures in modern British history. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.