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Available Episodes

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Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan
Episode twenty-four of the new series of Pieces of History turns the spotlight on Uzbekistan - a country often overlooked in global discussions yet rich in history, culture, and complexity. From the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to the modern-day shifts reshaping its society, Uzbekistan stands at a fascinating crossroads of past and future.Joining me is journalist and author Joanna Lillis, a long-time observer of Central Asia whose latest book, Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan, offers a vivid and revealing portrait of the country today. Together, we explore Uzbekistan’s geography, political dynamics, economic changes, and social transformations, uncovering the realities behind its evolving image.In this episode, we dive into the forces shaping Uzbekistan’s identity, challenge common assumptions, and shed light on a nation navigating a complex path between tradition and modernity.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypodSilk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan - https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mirage-9781350292468/
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34:48
From Red Hugh to the Grand Fleet - Stories of Rathmullan
Episode twenty-two of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Rathmullan - a coastal village on the shores of Lough Swilly whose story spans centuries of Irish history. My guest is local historian and guide Deirdra Friel, who helps trace Rathmullan’s remarkable past - from the legacy of the McSweeneys and the Abbey to its surprising links with figures like Davy Crockett. We explore the dramatic kidnap of Red Hugh O’Donnell and the Flight of the Earls, events that changed the course of Ireland’s story, before turning to the turbulence of 1798, when Wolfe Tone and the French fleet appeared off the Donegal coast. Moving into the twentieth century, Deirdra also sheds light on Rathmullan’s connection to the First World War, the arrival of the Grand Fleet, and the enduring mystery of the HMS Saldanha.This is more than a tale of one village — it’s a journey through rebellion, resilience, and remembrance on the edge of the Atlantic.Donegal Heritage Trails: donegalheritagetrails.com Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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From Castle to Cathedral - The Story of Lisburn
Episode twenty-one of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Lisburn, a city with a layered past and a living heritage.My guest is local historian and tour guide Aaron McIntyre, who helps trace Lisburn’s story from its earliest settlements to the city we see today. We look at the debate around its pre-Plantation origins, the transformation of the seventeenth century with the Plantation, linen, and Lisburn Castle, and the great fire of 1707 that reshaped its streets and architecture.Moving into the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Aaron explores the dominance of the linen industry, the rise of families like the Barbours, and the town’s political life — from the Volunteer Movement and 1783 election to the ideals of the United Irishmen. Finally, we reflect on modern Lisburn, how heritage balances with city life, and where its past remains most visible today.This is more than just a walk through Lisburn’s streets — it’s a journey into how history, industry, and community shaped one of Ulster’s most significant towns.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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Drawing the Roman Past
Episode twenty of the new season of Pieces of History brings us into the world of Roman Britain through the work of archaeologist and illustrator Dr. David Neal. Over his career, Dr. Neal has recorded and interpreted some of the most important mosaics ever uncovered in Britain.We’ll trace his journey from early influences and training, to the moment he discovered the connection between art and archaeology. Along the way, Dr. Neal explains what mosaics are, why they matter, and what they reveal about Roman society and daily life. He shares how he developed new techniques to document them, the challenges of balancing creativity with accuracy, and the milestones that shaped his career.From the evolution of archaeological recording in the digital age to the enduring role of traditional illustration, we’ll explore how his work has preserved the Roman past for future generations.Join us for a conversation that uncovers not only the beauty of Roman mosaics, but also the craft of bringing them back to life on the page.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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Kilkenny: Where History Walks the Streets
Episode nineteen of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the heart of Ireland’s medieval capital - Kilkenny. I’m joined by John Comerford, a local historian and tour guide, to explore the city’s rich past and enduring legacy.Together, we’ll walk through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, uncovering stories behind its well-preserved cobblestone streets, soaring cathedrals, and, of course, the imposing Kilkenny Castle. John shares how the city’s unique blend of Norman, ecclesiastical, and civic architecture reflects centuries of power, faith, and community life.From medieval guilds to political intrigue, from the Black Abbey to St. Canice’s Cathedral, we’ll reveal how Kilkenny’s monuments are more than stone - they are living markers of Ireland’s turbulent and fascinating history.How has Kilkenny managed to preserve its medieval charm so vividly into the 21st century? And what do its landmarks tell us about Ireland’s wider story of conquest, resilience, and cultural identity?Join us as we journey into the streets and stories of Kilkenny, guided by one of the people who knows them best.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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