The potential of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 cannot be underestimated. Egypt has been the political centre of gravity of the Middle East since the Arab conquests of the 7th century AD. Again and again throughout history, it is Egypt that has led the rest of the Middle East. When Saladin united Egypt and Syria under… [Continue Reading]

Former infantry officer and military historian Mark Corby begs to differ with the result of the poll published in last month’s Military Times. Was Alexander of Macedon the greatest commander of all time? His uncle, Alexander of Epirus, certainly did not think so. When, during his campaign in Italy, news of Alexander’s victories in Persia were brought to him, he remarked… [Continue Reading]

Strange isn’t it? If you want a good historical day out, you can see innumerable abbeys, castles, cathedrals, and charming Medieval towns and villages. The country is littered with stately homes, and there are more museums and galleries than you can shake a stick at. Megaliths, barrows, hillforts, henges, and goodness knows what else lurk… [Continue Reading]

In this current difficult financial climate, less and less money is likely to be made available for the preservation and restoration of the nation’s built heritage. This means that even less will be made available for the Cinderellas of the built heritage world: military structures. Now, more than ever, architects and developers must be encouraged… [Continue Reading]

So now we know. After the months of bickering, interservice infighting, and leaks, the Strategic Defence and Security Review has finally been unveiled. The armed forces will provide Britain with a range of capabilities to meet the future defence challenges of the future. Well that’s what the government’s spin doctors will have us believe. But… [Continue Reading]