History Hit’s latest documentary, Stalingrad: The Last Letters, offers an intimate and harrowing glimpse into one of the most brutal battles of the Second World War. Through newly translated, deeply personal letters, the documentary sheds light on the final moments of the German soldiers trapped in the ruins of Stalingrad during the ferocious winter of 1942-43.
A Soldier Writing a Letter
Image Credit: History Hit
These letters, discovered and translated by renowned German historian Robin Schäfer, provide a raw, unfiltered look at the agony, desperation, and unwavering belief of the men who fought and died in what was one of the most catastrophic confrontations of the war. Schäfer’s painstaking work brings to light the voices of men who, until now, had remained unheard.
The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the war, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost in the ruins of the city. The documentary focuses on the personal experiences of those German soldiers, who, despite facing inevitable defeat, remained resolute in their duty to Hitler, their homeland, and their families.
One such letter, penned by Stabswachtmeister Lindeman, encapsulates the stark reality of their fate:
This is the last letter I will be able to send to you. Seems we have run out of luck this time. When you receive it, your son will be gone, I mean he won’t be in this world anymore. We are all very serious about that and will continue the fight. For our beloved Heimat, my beautiful hometown, for my family and the Führer.
This heart-wrenching letter reveals the personal toll the battle took on soldiers who had resigned themselves to their fates. Even in their final hours, many of these men fought on, driven by a sense of duty to their homeland, their families, and Hitler’s vision for Germany.
In another letter, Sanitätsunteroffizier Werner Eisenhauer’s words convey a soldier’s unshakable faith amidst the devastation:
The merciless fight continues and our good lord is helping the brave! Whatever God’s providence will decide, we only ask him for one thing – the power to persevere! One day people shall say of us, that the German Army has fought in Stalingrad like no soldiers of the world have fought before.
The letters showcased in Stalingrad: The Last Letters offer rare insight into the psyche of the German soldiers, illuminating their thoughts and emotions in the face of overwhelming adversity. These testimonies stand as a haunting reminder of the human cost of war and offer a fresh perspective on the horrors of the Eastern Front.
Stalingrad: The Last Letters is more than just a historical documentary—it is a poignant tribute to the soldiers who fought, suffered, and died in one of history’s most destructive conflicts. Through these newly discovered writings, audiences are able to connect with the human experiences behind the statistics and battle reports, gaining a deeper understanding of the personal tragedies that unfolded on the Eastern Front.
This exclusive documentary is now streaming on History Hit.To watch the whole documentary, you can sign up below:
]]>A Mysterious Design
At first glance, the vessel’s decoration raised questions among archaeologists. Unlike typical Viking treasure containers, this vessel displayed an unusual iconography that included leopards, tigers, and what appeared to be a fire altar topped with a crown emerging from flames. Such imagery was unfamiliar in the context of Christian Europe during the early Middle Ages, prompting further investigation into its origins.
Dr Martin Goldberg explains further
There are leopards and tigers on it. There’s something that looks like a fire altar with a crown emerging from the flames. And these are unusual things to find, especially in Christian Europe at this point.
Connections to the Sasanian Empire
The breakthrough came when scientific analysis of the vessel’s silver and yellow decorations confirmed its connection to the Sasanian Empire, a powerful civilization that flourished in Western Asia during the 6th and 7th centuries. The Sasanians, known for their intricate art and advanced metallurgy, had a far-reaching cultural influence, extending across much of the ancient world.
The Sasanian Empire was a rival to the Byzantine Empire and played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the Middle East. The fire altar imagery, a significant motif in Zoroastrianism—the state religion of the Sasanians—provided further evidence of the vessel’s Persian origins.
Goldberg goes onto explain to Helen
We’ve recently had confirmation through scientific analysis of the silver and the yellow decoration, that this object is, a relic of an the Sasanian Empire, that was based in modern day Iran.
A Remarkable Journey
The discovery of this vessel in a Viking hoard in southwest Scotland raises intriguing questions about how it made its way across such a vast distance. The early medieval period, often referred to as the Dark Ages, has long been portrayed as a time of insularity and decline in Europe. However, discoveries like this vessel challenge that narrative, suggesting instead that the early Middle Ages were characterized by extensive travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
It is remarkable to imagine how a Sasanian artifact could have journeyed halfway around the known world, from the heart of the Persian Empire to the remote shores of Scotland. Perhaps it was traded along the Silk Road, passed through the hands of Byzantine merchants, or captured during Viking raids in Eastern Europe and brought back as plunder. Whatever its exact path, the vessel’s presence in Scotland highlights the far-reaching connections of the Viking Age.
Shedding Light on the Dark Ages
The story of this silver gilt vessel adds to a growing body of scholarship that redefines our understanding of the early Middle Ages. Far from being a time of darkness and isolation, this period saw significant cultural interaction and exchange. The movement of people, goods, and ideas across great distances suggests that early medieval societies were far more interconnected than previously thought.
As research continues, objects like this Sasanian vessel serve as tangible reminders of the global networks that existed long before the modern era. They also underscore the importance of viewing history through a broader lens—one that recognizes the complexity and dynamism of the past.
The silver gilt vessel from the Sasanian Empire not only provides a glimpse into the art and culture of an ancient civilization but also offers new insights into the interconnected world of the early Middle Ages. Its journey from Persia to Viking Age Scotland is a testament to the incredible mobility and exchange that defined this fascinating period in history.
]]>Nestled within the mountains, Petra was strategically located to collect water from rainfall and natural springs. Surrounded by arid desert, the Nabataeans utilized the natural topography to create a sophisticated system for capturing and distributing water throughout the city. The Greek geographer Strabo once recorded that Petra abounded with water sources, and archaeological evidence supports this claim. Remnants of the complex water system can still be found all around Petra, if you know where to look.
One of the most iconic areas of Petra is the Siq, a winding canyon leading to the famous Treasury. Here, you can see a deep channel carved into the rock—a reminder of where water once flowed. Imagine travelers walking through this narrow passage, hearing the trickling of water as it flowed through the channels alongside them. This auditory experience would have been a stark contrast to the harsh silence of the desert, creating a sense of wonder as they approached the city. Archaeologist Matthew Vincent remarks
You’re walking through this canyon and to your side. You would have heard the trickling of water flowing down this channel.
The Water System in Petra allowed them to become a super power.
Image Credit: History Hit
Tristan then explains how the Nabataeans engineered an extensive water system consisting of over 125 miles of channels, pipes, and cisterns. It is estimated that this system could provide up to eight liters of water per person per day. This not only ensured the survival of Petra’s inhabitants but also transformed the city into an oasis of lush gardens, orchards, and ponds. Vincent tells Tristan how a land where water is synonymous with power, the Nabataeans had achieved something extraordinary: they made Petra a fertile paradise in an otherwise unforgiving landscape.
It’s been estimated it could provide up to eight liters of water per inhabitants per day…[and made Petra] a city full of gardens, orchards and ponds.
Visitors to Petra today often think of it as a city of the dead, with its towering tombs and silent monuments. But in its prime, Petra was a city full of life. The sound of water would have filled the air, as it does in other historical cities like the Alhambra in Granada. Petra’s water system wasn’t just functional—it was a symbol of power and prosperity. Walking through the Siq, one would be surrounded by greenery, pools, and baths—a far cry from the desolation of the surrounding desert.
…imagine you’ve just spent two months in the desert on your camels, moving your goods from here. You’re hot, you’re tired, you haven’t showered or bathe for who knows how long….But you get in here and all of a sudden there’s a flex…there’s a power, there’s saying like we are people who not only, control the land control trade routes, we control water.
For travelers who had spent months crossing the desert on camelback, Petra would have been a welcome respite. Hot and exhausted, they would enter this vibrant city, where the Nabataeans’ mastery over water was on full display. It was more than just an oasis; it was a statement of power. The Nabataeans controlled the land, the trade routes, and perhaps most importantly, the water. Their skill in harnessing this life-giving resource is what made Petra a thriving metropolis in the midst of a barren desert, and what continues to captivate visitors to this day.
To find out more about The Nabataeans, you can sign up below:
]]>The Rise of a Performer
Julia Pastrana first emerged on the freak show circuit in the mid-19th century, captivating audiences with her distinct appearance. Often referred to as the “Bearded Lady” or the “Bear Woman” due to her condition, hypertrichosis, which caused excessive hair growth across her body and face, she became a sought-after attraction. Theodore Lent, a showman with an eye for profit, saw an opportunity in Julia and took control of her career, managing her performances across Europe.
By 1855, Lent married Julia, further solidifying his control over her life and finances. Together, they continued to tour, with Lent most likely taking all of the proceeds from her performances. But Julia Pastrana was more than just an object of curiosity. She was a multi-talented woman who defied the limitations society placed on her. John Woolf, a guest on Kate Lister’s Betwixt the Sheets, said
In 1855, he married her and they performed around Europe…he most likely took all the proceeds. She spoke numerous languages, could ride on horse back and was a great singer.
A Tragic End
In 1860, Julia Pastrana gave birth to a baby boy who inherited her condition. Tragically, both mother and child died shortly after the birth, cutting short the life of a woman who had endured so much. For most, the story would have ended there, but for Theodore Lent, Julia’s death marked a different kind of opportunity. Faced with the loss of his primary source of income, Lent made a chilling decision: he had his wife and child embalmed, turning them into a macabre exhibit.
Woolf tells Kate that
She gave birth to a boy who had the same condition as her. Heartbreakingly they both died and Lent saw his opportunity of income slipping away.
For years after their deaths, Theodore Lent continued to display Julia Pastrana and her son to audiences across Europe, refusing to let death be the end of the show. It was a disturbing chapter in an already grim story of exploitation, as Lent paraded their preserved bodies in front of paying crowds, further dehumanizing the woman he had once called his wife.
Poster showcasing Julia Patsrana at the show
Image Credit: wellcomeimages.org
The Legacy of Exploitation
Theodore Lent’s obsession with profiting from those he controlled did not end with Julia Pastrana. In the 1860s, he married another bearded woman named Marie Bartell, whom he presented as Julia’s sister. This was yet another attempt to capitalize on society’s fascination with physical difference, continuing his pattern of exploitation.
Julia Pastrana’s story serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty faced by many who were part of the freak show industry. Reduced to mere spectacles, their humanity was often ignored or dismissed in favor of profit. But in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the injustices they endured.
In a symbolic act of redemption, Julia Pastrana’s remains were finally repatriated to her native Mexico in 2013. After more than 150 years of posthumous exploitation, she was laid to rest with dignity, allowing her story to come to a more peaceful conclusion.
A Life Remembered
Julia Pastrana’s life was one of resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. Despite the cruelty she endured, she was a woman of talent, intelligence, and strength. Her story is a haunting reminder of the ways in which society can fail those who are different, but it also speaks to the enduring human spirit. Today, she is remembered not only as a figure in the history of freak shows but as a woman who deserves to be seen beyond the spectacle.
]]>“The Act of Accord of 1460 was the Yorkist claim to the throne, staking their power and having it enrolled in Parliament’s roll of the time” Roger states.
In the top section Roger shows Matt that they can trace their history right back to Henry III in the 1200s. The document states:
Richard Duke of York shall be entitled, called, and taken from now on as true and rightful heir to the Crown’s royal estate, dignity and lordship. After the death of the said King Henry…
Matt and Dr Euan further discuss that it essentially disinherits Henry’s son and effectively makes Richard, Duke of York, the heir to the throne. Analysing the second part of the document, Dr Euan Roger explians that
“As part of this agreement, Richard wouldn’t immediately become king but would succeed Henry upon his death. The act even went so far as to declare it high treason to conspire against Richard or his heirs, solidifying York’s claim in the strongest legal terms.” Word for word, it reads:
If any person or persons scheme or plots the death of the said Duke, that it shall be deemed an heir, judged High treason.
The Act of Accord from The Real Richard III
Image Credit: History Hit/National Archives
For Margaret of Anjou, Henry V’s wife, this was completely unacceptable, and to her was a personal attack on her family. Dr Euan explains to Matt,
“The Act of Accord comes at a time of real tumultuous back and forth between two powerful houses. After this period of conflict, Richard, Duke of York, is formally placed into the line of royal succession. This is now legally binding, entered into the parliament roll. However, this inheritance of the throne from Henry VI and his dynasty is, unsurprisingly, not without its opponents. Henry’s wife, Margaret of Anjou, would never accept this, as it wipes out all the plans they had as a couple, and with their son. Realistically, she could never accept this document.”
To find out the consequences of the document and the rest of the series, The Real Richard III with Matt Lewis, you can sign up below:
]]>The excavation, part of the National Highways project on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet road along the Cambridgeshire-Bedfordshire border, revealed artifacts such as carpentry off-cuts and an ancient wooden ladder nearly 2,000 years old.
Techniques Adjusted for the Second Well
Simon Markus, Project Manager from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) team, explained that after the first well, dated between AD 43 and 410, collapsed, the settlers adjusted their construction techniques. The archaeologists found evidence of additional reinforcements used in the second well to prevent another collapse.
According to the team, the remarkably well-preserved wooden remains provided valuable insights into the construction methods used for these wells.
“These wells played a key role in the development of a settlement that started as a quiet Middle Iron Age farmstead around 350 BC, but evolved into a bustling hub of industrial activity during the early Roman period, between AD 43 and 150,” the team said.
MOLA’s Team
Image Credit: MOLA
“We’ve all experienced a DIY project gone wrong”
The excavation site displayed signs of metalworking, carpentry, and woodworking, all within a large, fortified enclosure that once stood there.
To support these activities, the settlers dug the first well, which reached about 8.5 meters (28 feet) deep—the height of a modern two-story house. Despite this significant effort, Markus noted that things didn’t go according to plan.
“Even though the well contained the remains of a wooden ladder, it collapsed before it could be put to use,” he said. “As we began our excavations, we saw that the clay would peel away from the more compacted earth and stone.”
Markus added, “We’ve all experienced a DIY project gone wrong, but this was a monumental failure of Roman engineering. A great deal of work went into digging this well, only for it to be abandoned.”
The second well, which was dug to avoid the same fate, was reinforced with wooden boards to prevent a collapse. This well was also slightly shallower, measuring 6.5 meters (19.5 feet) deep.
Markus said, “We can certainly sympathize with the original well diggers, as excavating these wells required careful planning and effort.”
Inside and out – site plan shows one well inside and one well outside
Image Credit: MOLA
Stone Cobbles Used as a Filter
At the base of the second well, the archaeologists found stone cobbles used to filter the water, along with discarded woodchips, branches, and off-cuts from the Romano-British carpenters after the well fell out of use. Specialists will now study these items, including decorative wooden pieces, to learn more about their significance.
The site plan highlights the locations of the two wells, with one inside and one outside the enclosure. Archaeologists have also uncovered evidence suggesting that the carpentry workshop was part of a broader trade network.
In the southern part of the site, the team identified a probable Roman road that may have connected the settlement to major Roman routes, possibly enabling trade with larger settlements such as Godmanchester.
Gareth Moores, the programme manager for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet road improvement project, commented, “The archaeological work has been a fascinating and essential part of the A428 upgrade. Without this project, these invaluable insights into Roman engineering and daily life might have remained hidden forever.”
]]>Out Thursday 8 June
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”XYjGCcz9″ upload-date=”2024-08-06T10:15:03.000Z” name=”Meet the Normans” description=”Meet the Normans trailer” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]
The Normans were coming! And nothing would be the same again.
But who were William and his band of rugged warriors. Who were the Normans, and what made them so good at conquering? How did heathen Viking raiders, Northmen, turn into christian Norman rulers and adventurers – spreading across the globe?
Travelling all around Normandy, including Mont Saint Michel, in this two part series Eleanor Janega exploring how these northmen made roots in Normandy and established a new type of society.
Russia: The Rise of Stalin and Death of the Romanovs
Episode 3 out 15 August | Episode 4 out 22 August
For three hundred years Russia was ruled by one family – the Romanovs.
But in just six short years, from 1916 to 1922 that all came crashing down as the country was transformed by a small band of dedicated Revolutionaries – The Communists – in a series of events that would shock and appall the world and alter the course of history.
Join our team of experts for the last two episodes (Helen Rappaport, Victor Sebeysten, Dr Pablo De Orellana, Josh Levine & Iain MacGregor) of this four part series as we explore the personalities and key moments that lead to the downfall of the Romanovs and rise of the communists.
Mary Beard’s National Trust Lecture
Out 19 August
Join guest speaker Professor Mary Beard (classicist, historian, author and broadcaster) as she examines what the past is for, how we can learn from and challenge it, and how we can bring it alive. Throughout her lecture, Professor Beard considers the issues of authenticity and ownership.
Petra and the Nabataeans
Out 19 August
The desert, an inhospitable land for many, but a way of life for a select few. There was one civilization that didn’t just survive these sands, but thrived here. These ancient lords of the desert who used camels to traverse this unforgiving land. The Nabataean. And they are remembered for creating one of the great wonders of the world.
Join Dan Snow in Jordan to explore the extraordinary history of the Nabataeans and their rock cut marvel Petra. Dan will be finding out how these people created one of the ancient world’s greatest trade centres in the middle of a desert valley.
]]>