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China’s ancient city, where Islam took hold

25 February 2022
Nellie HuangFeatures correspondent
News imageBertrand Gardel/Alamy (Credit: Bertrand Gardel/Alamy)Bertrand Gardel/Alamy
(Credit: Bertrand Gardel/Alamy)

Xi’an’s Silk Road roots continue to fuel one of the city’s most interesting modern-day neighbourhoods.

History
Cultural Activities
Arts & Architecture

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MK-Ultra: The CIA's secret pursuit of 'mind control'

In the early days of the Cold War, the CIA created a secret programme intended to find ways of mind control.

History
News imageWarrior queen Lakshmibai's final battle

The final battle of India's warrior queen, Lakshmibai

The Rani of Jhansi became a cultural heroine after her legendary last stand against British forces.

BBC Select
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The secret WW2 magazine ridiculing Hitler's mother

Curt Bloch found inspiration in hiding by creating an anti-nazi parody magazine in the attic.

History
News imageRoman building

Why ancient Roman buildings last for millennia

Structures like the Pantheon and many others containing a type of concrete made by the Romans still stand today.

History
News imageEngland road

The rare medieval street about to reveal its secrets

In the lush, rural landscape of Somerset, England is the cathedral city of Wells.

History
News imageTutankhamun

Tutankhamun: The first ever view inside the tomb

Photographer Harry Burton joined Howard Carter's team as they uncovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.

History
News imageHotel guest

The woman who checked in and never checked out

To this day, staff and guests at the hotel report strange phenomena.

History
News imageThe first US transcontinental railroad

How the transcontinental railroad changed the US forever

In 1869, two companies connected the east to the west with the United States' first transcontinental railroad.

History
News imageWhy ancient Roman buildings last for millennia

Why ancient Roman buildings last for millennia

The ancient concrete made by the Romans is teaching modern construction some new tricks.

History
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The secret childhood of Princess Diana

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BBC Select
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Rare footage of the WW2 Nazi Hindenburg airship crash

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History
News imageWhat happened at Hiroshima?

What happened at Hiroshima?

Eighty years ago, the US dropped a nuclear bomb on Japan,the only nuclear weapon ever used in warfare.

History
News imagePope Joan: the legend of the only woman pontiff

Pope Joan: the woman who fooled the church

A woman who allegedly was the head of the Catholic Church became one of the most controversial Middle Ages tales.

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News imageThe secret magazine ridiculing Hitler's mother

The secret WW2 magazine ridiculing Hitler's mother

Hiding in an attic, Jewish man Curt Bloch found inspiration through crafting anti-Nazi parody.

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News imageBehind Lady Diana’s 'first' picture

How the first 'sensational' picture of Lady Diana came about

It starts nearly 40 years ago, when a teenage girl is pulled out of obscurity and thrust into the spotlight.

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The insulting 'Vinegar Valentine' of Victorian England

Valentine’s Day is thought to celebrate romance but rude cards soured the holiday for its recipients.

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News imageThe WW2 experiment to make pigeon-guided missiles

The WW2 experiment to make pigeon-guided missiles

An unexpected WW2 experiment by behaviourist B F Skinner proved that pigeons could be used for missile guidance.

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Mary Mallon: 'The most dangerous woman in America'

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World War One relics live on in the fields of Europe

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Holocaust survivor shares story of journey to Auschwitz

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