I've got a great podcast recommendation for you. As a history fan, I reckon you'll love

Echoes of History, the podcast from Ubisoft, the people behind the famous video game series

Assassin's Creed. Through storytellers and historians, this podcast unravels epic mythologies

and relives the most important times of our history. To celebrate the launch of Assassin's

Creed Mirage, Ubisoft presents a new season of Echoes of History dedicated to the setting

of the new game, 9th century Baghdad. In season 2, figures of Baghdad, you'll discover

the stories of the extraordinary people who held influence over the Abbasid Caliphate.

Whether they were scientists, philosophers, merchants, or artists, they all led rich lives in

the city of peace. So, if you're a fan of the game, or just want to be immersed in the

history of the Islamic Golden Age, I recommend you listen to Echoes of History now, where

ever you get your podcasts. Have you ever wondered why one of Ruan Cathedral's

towers is called the Tower of Butter? Or what animals have faced trials in courts for?

Or even how the Black Country got its name? Well, you can find the answers to questions

like these and hundreds more in our new book The History Hit Misscellanie. It's the perfect

present for any history fan. It's available to buy now from your favourite bookshop

or by visiting historyhit.com forward slash book.

Welcome to this episode of Gone Medieval from History Hit. I'm Matt Lewis. I'm delighted

to be joined today by historian, broadcaster and now author Helen Carr, who's come to

talk to us today about one of medieval England and perhaps Europe's most fascinating characters.

He wasn't a king, though he used the title for a time, and some thought he had his eyes

on the crown of England too. Dynastically, he sits at the heart of royal houses across

Europe, not least in England. Wealthy beyond imagination, powerful beyond belief, as

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