Making History

In the last of this series Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence look at the stories around another line in history - battle lines. From the fable of the Nazi invasion across one of Britain's oldest battle lines on Suffolk's beaches, through Thucydides and on to cross-dressing soldiers across the ages. Presenters: Iszi Lawrence and Tom Holland Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith Series Editor: Simon Elmes A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence follow history’s story-laden lines and linkages to uncover connections and compelling stories. This week, with food banks and the effects of austerity never far from the headlines, Tom and Iszi examine breadlines and hunger, from the Scottish clearances to the Rowntrees in York. Archaeobotanist Professor Dorian Fuller talks about the significance of the recent discovery of the world’s oldest bread – which dates back 14,500 years to the time of hunter-gatherers before the beginning of farming. Producer: Kim Normanton A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence follow history’s lines and linkages to uncover connections and compelling stories. This week - Supply Lines With supply lines after Brexit so much in the news lately, Tom and Iszi look at historical aspects of getting goods across continents and through barriers, natural and man-made. From Hannibal and his elephants to the surprising origin of just-in-time delivery methods, the programme uncovers the historical origins of modern supply lines. Presenters: Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence explore the stories revealed by history's lines and linkages to uncover connections and compelling stories. This week - power lines. Tom makes a beeline for the Science Museum to find the first ever transatlantic telegraph cable, and discovers a recording of a Paul Robeson concert marking a historic moment in telecommunications. Iszi goes pylon spotting and hears about a pioneer who helped found the Electrical Association for Women. Producer: Craig Templeton-Smith A Pier production for Radio 4

Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence follow history’s lines and linkages to uncover connections and compelling stories. This week, with the imminent arrival of a new Royal baby, Tom and Iszi examine bloodlines - from some of the Queen’s own surprising ancestors, to the vagaries of dog breeding. Adam Rutherford discusses how DNA testing has informed the study of history and the programme asks if race really is a question of genetics, or a cultural construct. Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith A Pier production for BBC Radio 4