Social

How the Livery companies of London prepare to show they are ready for the millennium

E. Hall looks at the methods used in ancient Greece to court public opinion in the light of the modern media and messages of democratic politics today.

Were the 'barbarians' who shored up Rome's armies and frontiers the empire's salvation or doom?

Eric Evans looks at the industrial and economic backdrop to the developments of Britain's Welfare State. 

Richard Cavendish visits True's Yard folk museum and heritage centre in Norfolk.

We may all know about Nefertiti, but what was life like for the less-famous women of ancient Egypt? Joyce Tyldesley describes the restraints and freedoms operating on daughters of Isis. 

Richard Ollard looks at the rise and fall of Sherborne Castle.

Susan Cole looks at how, though formally excluded from the political process, Athena's sisters nevertheless made their mark.

François Hartog on how urban living has coincided with the advocacy of popular rule from Plato through to Machiavelli, Rousseau and 20th-century sociologists.

John Benson on the lessons of charity from Britain's worst ever mining disaster