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BBC History Magazine marks 25 years with 25 top historical revelations, chosen by expert historians

Thursday 15 May, 2025

From DNA testing revealing the eye colour of our ancestors, to deciphering letters exposing philandering monarchs, and astonishing archaeological finds – historians’ top 25 discoveries in the last 25 years that have changed our understanding of history.

To mark its 25th anniversary, BBC History Magazine has compiled a list of the most important historical discoveries and revelations over the last quarter of a century since the publication’s launch in May 2000.

Expert contributors, including historians Tracey Borman, Cat Jarman, Bettany Hughes, Olivette Otele, Peter Frankopan and Michael Wood have taken part, and the final list covers thousands of years of history – from who built the Pyramids, to why Shakespeare might have been wrong about Richard III, to changing attitudes to the British empire and returning stolen artefacts.

“Twenty-five years might not seem long against the span of history, but it is vast in terms of our how our knowledge of key events and eras has changed, as our list shows. Reflecting on how science, technology, communications and dedicated research have changed history since the launch of BBC History Magazine in May 2000, makes me excited for the next 25 years and what insights and revelations they will bring.  I’m confident BBC History Magazine, the HistoryExtra website and our HistoryExtra podcast will be around to report and document these new finds and will continue to fuel our passion for the past for many years to come.”

Dr David Musgrove, Content Director of BBC History Magazine

 

Headshot of David Musgrove, Content Director, BBC History Magazine & HistoryExtra, Immediate Media Co.

The new issue of BBC History Magazine is out now in stores or via MagsDirect.co.uk