Empire Live

For most of human history, the world has been ruled by empires. From the first in the 24th century BC right up to the present, empires have risen and fallen like the ebbs and flows of the tide, altering history with every wash. Through this they have shaped the very world around us today. To understand that world, you have to understand the empires that made it.

Why does Putin believe Russia should rule Ukraine? What’s the real story behind Iran’s support for Hezbollah and other Shia militias? How did Buddhism spread from a region of Northern India across the entire continent of Asia?

Empire.

In blending deep learning with funny, accessible narratives, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the stories, personalities and events of empire over the course of history.