Jul 14, 2026
The metric system is so familiar today that it is easy to forget how radical it once was. Before metres, litres and kilograms, measurement was a confusing patchwork of local customs, regional habits and awkward conversions.
In this episode of Compact History, we trace the story of the metric system from the disorder of...
Jul 7, 2026
The History of Chess traces the journey of one of the world’s greatest strategy games, from its early roots in India as chaturanga to its transformation in Persia, the Islamic world and medieval Europe. Along the way, the game gained queens, bishops, castles, champions, tournaments, computers and a permanent place in...
Jun 30, 2026
From ancient letters of safe passage to medieval royal permissions, wartime identity checks, refugee documents, machine-readable booklets, biometric chips, and e-gates, the passport has always been more than a travel document. It tells a story of power, movement, suspicion, citizenship, and freedom. In this episode of...
Jun 23, 2026
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in human history, stretching from ancient civilisations and royal courts to modern racecourses watched by millions. In this episode of Compact History, we explore how racing evolved from displays of speed, status, and military skill into a global sporting industry shaped by...
Jun 16, 2026
The Frisbee may look simple, but its story is a wonderfully odd flight through American campuses, pie companies, toy marketing, physics, counterculture, sport, and design. In this episode of Compact History, we trace how a humble flying disc went from casual student fun to a worldwide phenomenon, shaping games like...