Matt Elton

Bristol

Writer and Deputy Editor at BBC History Magazine (UK)

Human and journalist. Deputy editor, BBC History Magazine

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Articles

John Milton: Your Guide To The Life & Work of 'Paradise Lost' Author

1 month ago | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

What is John Milton’s Paradise Lost about? Paradise Lost is an epic poem of more than 10,000 non-rhyming lines that charts humanity’s fall from grace. It is Milton’s version of the biblical story of the temptation of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The poem tapped into debates about free will and disobeying authority, which struck a chord in the period in which Milton was writing – following the Civil War and the Restoration of the monarchy with Charles II.
Aethelred II: Why Was The English King 'Unready'? Rule, Life & Facts

1 month ago | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

But the real story of how Aethelred came to be known as ‘the Unready’ is more complex, and more recent. Centuries after his death, his legacy would be rewritten as he became victim to a piece of medieval wordplay. How did Aethelred become known as ‘the Unready’?
Michelangelo | Life, Works & Legacy Of The Renaissance Artist | HistoryExtra

Feb 13, 2025 | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

So revered was he in his lifetime that he became known as ‘Il Divino’ (The Divine One). What was Michelangelo’s early life like? Michelangelo was born on 6 March 1475 in the small town of Caprese, Italy, not too far from Florence. He had quite a turbulent childhood. “His mother died when he was six,” says Renaissance historian Catherine Fletcher, who was speaking to HistoryExtra on this episode of our Life of the Week podcast series.
Telling the story of modern Jerusalem

Oct 31, 2024 | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

First published in 2011, Simon Sebag Montefiore's book Jerusalem: The Biography charts life in the city across the course of centuries. Now he's returned with an updated version, which extends the story beyond 1967 right up to the present day. Simon speaks to Matt Elton about the importance and challenges of telling such a history, and explains how placing the city's recent history back into the longer context helps reveal continuities and parallels.
How did the US get so many guns?

Sep 29, 2024 | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

Today there are an estimated 450 million guns in civilian hands in the United States – ten times the number than at the end of the Second World War. But how did that conflict spark a weaponry boom? And what are the social and economic currents that have led the US to have more guns than people? Matt Elton speaks to Andrew C McKevitt, whose Cundill History Prize-shortlisted book Gun Country explores these questions.
Are Older Leaders Better? Here’s What History Tells Us

Jul 11, 2024 | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

On the podcast | History Behind the Headlines: ageing politicians & new names for the London Overground“It's relatively recently that we've tended to fetishise youth – the idea that being young, thrusting and vigorous is something that is to be praised,” Mitter said. “The Confucian tradition, which comes from the philosopher Confucius in China 2,500 years ago, always made a great virtue of those in charge being older.
Future of Work Unveiled – Pioneering Insights from The Office 2024 Event - make a difference - workplace culture, mental health, wellbeing

May 12, 2024 | makeadifference.media | Matt Elton

We were thrilled to participate in The Office 2024 Event, where we engaged deeply with thought leaders and attendees on the future of workplace strategy. Our conversations highlighted the vital role of office environments in adapting to the rapid changes defining today’s work dynamics. We discussed strategies that go far beyond traditional office setups, advocating for workspaces that not only meet operational demands but also cultivate motivation, engagement, and retention among diverse teams.
Activating Gen Z’s Potential in the Workplace

Apr 12, 2024 | makeadifference.media | Matt Elton

As we progress further into the 21st century, the workplace landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, predominantly influenced by Generation Z’s integration into the workforce. This generation, making up 30% of the workforce by 2023, brings with it distinct values—digital fluency, ethical commitment, and a strong desire for meaningful work. These traits are not just reshaping work environments but redefining corporate cultures across the board.
LGBTQ People Who Changed The World

Feb 4, 2024 | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

From Christina’s birth in December 1626, her gender identity sparked discussion, as she was mistaken for a son due to her swollen genitals and being born with a caul (the amniotic membrane covering a fetus). Perhaps hoping for a son, Christina’s father ensured that his daughter had an education fit for a prince, which may have impacted Christina’s decision to engage in traditionally masculine hobbies. These two points led to the theory that Christina was intersex.
33 best books for history lovers: BBC History Magazine’s Books of the Year 2023

Nov 29, 2023 | historyextra.com | Matt Elton

Charlotte Lydia Riley: African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History (Penguin) by Hakim Adi is a magisterial work that explores the history of black people in Britain from earliest times – African presence pre-dates the Romans by almost 1,000 years –to the present day. It emphasises struggle, protest and activism not only in the histories themselves, but in the writing of these histories and the attempts to make these stories and these voices heard today.