The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.

Tom Service reaches the 20th century on his route through Masterworks, with Walton's violin concerto, Sibelius's tone poem The Swan of Tuonela and also his Fifth Symphony. Show more

Simon Schama traces the steps of the empire-makers, asking how a trading enterprise based on the idea of liberty became an empire built on slavery. Show more

Francesco da Mosto travels the length and breadth of Italy. He discovers why Rome is the Eternal City and goes head to head with Mussolini, then on to Naples. Show more

Mark Miodownik shows that some of the everyday objects that are often taken for granted are in fact little pieces of domestic magic - from razor blades to tights. Show more

Michael Wood uncovers the story of Alfred's daughter Aethelflaed, who led armies, campaigned against the Vikings and was a brilliant diplomat. Show more

Dr Sam Willis tells how the Victorians found preventative solutions, from rockets that could fire rescue lines to lifejackets, lifeboats and the Plimsoll Line. Show more

Dr Michael Mosley explores the bizarre and fascinating world of parasites by turning his body into a living laboratory and deliberately infesting himself with them. Show more

Simon Schama traces the steps of the empire-makers, asking how a trading enterprise based on the idea of liberty became an empire built on slavery. Show more