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Spin the Globe

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Factual: History

Series 2

Historian Michael Scott takes a global view of familiar historical dates.

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Spin the Globe: Series 2

Spin the Globe: Series 2: Episode 1: 1485

Episode 1

Episode 1: 1485

1485

BBC Radio 4 - Spin the Globe, Series 2, 1485

In the year Richard III of England dies in battle, Ivan the Great seizes the city of Tver.

Michael Scott reveals how in the year that Richard III of England died in battle, the forces of Ivan the Great seized the city of Tver, and in Spain, the Inquisition was underway.

Michael Scott presents the series which takes a look at global events coinciding with famous dates from British history.

This week he explores events in the year 1485 - a famous turning point in British history, with the death of a King and the birth of the Tudor dynasty.

On 22 August 1485, the Battle of Bosworth Field was fought between the armies of King Richard III of England and rival claimant to the throne, Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. Richard died in battle and Henry Tudor became King Henry VII.

Spin the globe to the West and in Mesoamerica at this time, it is said that more than 80,000 prisoners were sacrificed at the behest of Aztec ruler Ahuitzotl over four days. But to what extent is this story of mass ritual killing, circulated by the Spanish conquistadors, borne out by recent archaeological excavations at the site?

And in Russia, in 1485, Ivan the Great accepted the title Grand Prince of All Russia. Sometimes referred to as the "gatherer of the Russian lands", he tripled the territory of his state, and became one of the longest-reigning Russian rulers - but to what extent did he become a model for his successors? 

In 1485 in Spain, the Inquisition was under way. Jews, then Muslims and Protestants were put through the Inquisitional Court and condemned to torture, imprisonment, exile and death - events which have left a legacy in modern Spain. 

Meanwhile, in Italy Leonardo da Vinci turned his mind to flight, and designed a multitude of mechanical devices, including parachutes, and drew detailed plans for a human-powered flying machine. 

Producer Mohini Patel.

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Series 2

Episode 1: 1485

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