The lid of the casket opened easily to reveal a skull and other bones which had been partly burned and then washed. Some still bore the remains of a purple cloth in which they had been wrapped, while others supported a head – piece of pure gold. This was discovered to be a golden wreath [...]
Germany’s airship industry was pioneered by Count von Zeppelin, who was committed to the development of rigid airships and, in July 1900, successfully test – flew one of his own design. This flight, over Lake Constance, demonstrated that rigid airships were not only a practical proposition but also the only type of aircraft that offered [...]
Every October, 250 boats gathering in Alaska’s Dutch Harbour, waiting for a radio announcement that can seal their fate. These are crab fishermen, and they’re chasing one of the ocean’s great prizes – the king crab, one of North America’s most popular delicacies. The rewards for a successful season can be immense. One fisherman might [...]
Alaska’s crab fishermen are among the most endangered of their kind. Their fishing season is short – perhaps as short as four days, and rarely more than twelve days. But in those few frantic days, they may have to endure forty-foot (12 metre) waves, 80mph (128kph) winds and the constant risk of being slammed by [...]
In the New Testament, Mary Magdalene is described as a devoted disciple of Jesus. However, her life continues to provoke heated debate. Some see her as a sinner and a prostitute; others portray ‘Mary of Magdala’ as Jesus’ secret wife and the leader of his church. There is no doubt that Mary was one of [...]
Independent, supportive, essential, the role of the midwife is complex. Every midwife has to be prepared to be hated, verbally abused, and then hailed as a saint when the pain of birth subsides. Every birth is unique, every new mum reacts differently and midwives have to be prepared for every eventuality. Desperate Midwives has been [...]
One day, Montezuma’s spies came to him with a tale so terrifying that the whole Aztec kingdom felt threatened. They drew him pictures to show what they had seen and the pictures showed a little band of white-faced men, their bearded leader dressed in black and carrying a strange banner. Though attacked and hopelessly outnumbered [...]
Wherever he went, Biggs was accompanied by at least two guards. The authorities where determined not to let him slip through their fingers. But, on the 8th of July 1965, in broad daylight, he did just that. During an exercise period, he went over the wall by climbing a rope ladder thrown by accomplices on [...]
Shaw has spent over a third of his life behind bars, and done time at Broadmoor Hospital for the criminally insane. A bruiser who liked a scrap, he was steered towards crime by his mates. His longest spell in jail began after his gang stole £87,000 from a bullion van in 1963 – at the [...]
Every day was virtually the same. At 6am we had to get up and run two miles, and if we were two minutes over the time they set, we got no breakfast. Meals were pretty basic. Breakfast was usually porridge, bread and jam. We never got bacon and eggs, nothing like that; they just fed [...]
