In episode eight of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Chandrika Kaul as they guide us through the bustling streets, markets, temples, mosques, and forts of Delhi. Together they explore the city's mythical origins, its conquests, as well as rise to cultural and political prominence. They’ll roam the historic sites and monuments that speak of this long and turbulent past, and meet some of the key characters who played important roles in the development of Delhi. Along the way, Chandrika also shares some insider tips to help travelers make the most of their visit to this fascinating city. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode seven of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Emeritus Professor Vivian Bickford-Smith as they explore Cape Town – including its diverse historic neighbourhoods, markets and monuments, bays and beaches, as well as as mountains and islands. Together they introduce the pivotal moments in the making of the city and the characters who played key roles in this story. Along the way, they also suggest places that reveal insights into Cape Town's tumultuous past, as well as sharing top tips for visitors to the modern city. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode six of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Doris Behrens-Abouseif as they journey through the diverse historic quarters of Cairo. Together, they explore its roots in ancient cities planted on the Nile over thousands of years, and look at how various occupations and successive Islamic sultanates and caliphates shaped what's now the Egyptian capital. They also meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the development of the modern city, and discover less known places to visit for insights into its heritage. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode five of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Dr Elizabeth Drayson for a trip to Granada. Together they lead through its various incarnations – as a Jewish settlement, a Roman province, a Visigothic kingdom, and as a Muslim Emirate. Along the way, they also meet some of the figures who play major roles in the city’s lifetime and discover lesser-known places to visit for insights into its heritage. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode four of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by David Mendel as they visit Québec City in Canada. Together they explore its pre-colonial origins, development as a French imperial capital and its incorporation into Britain's North American colonies. They also meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the city’s growth and discover monuments and sites to visit for insights into its heritage. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode three of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Dr Amy Fuller as they search for hints of the past within Mexico City. Together they explore the city's roots in the settlement founded by the people who became known as Aztec, as well as the events and impacts of the invasion by Spanish forces. They will also introduce some of the figures who played a major role in the development of what's now Mexico City, and discover less known places to visit for insights into its heritage. Along the way, they’ll even offer a few tips and tricks for the eager traveller. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode two of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Dr Christopher Harding as they delve into the fascinating, yet often turbulent, story of Tokyo. Together, they’ll visit key sites where major events unfolded – from exploring its medieval origins, and its growth as the base of the ruling shogun, to considering the major social and political upheavals of the 19th and 20th centuries. Along the way, they also meet some of the major figures who played pivotal roles in the development of what's now known as Tokyo. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode one of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Elizabeth Horodowich as they roam along the canals and alleys of Venice. Together they explore its roots in medieval colonies on islands in the lagoon, its blossoming as a powerful trading empire as well as the challenges facing an island city in the modern era. They also meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the development of the Italian city and discover some lesser-known places to visit for insights into its heritage. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How have the world’s great cities responded to centuries of exploration, conquest and increasing globalisation? That’s the question driving series three of History’s Greatest Cities, a podcast from HistoryExtra. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield once again will be joining expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Venturing to the great cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, they'll explore centuries-long stories of foundation and growth, and examine how contact between continents shaped these far-flung places. Along the way, they'll introduce the colourful characters who played pivotal roles in the development of these cities, and lead listeners through the must-visit palaces, temples, bazaars and, of course, bars and restaurants. And, our experts will also share insider tips to help visitors discover hidden facets of each fascinating destination. Episodes of History’s Greatest Cities series three will be released weekly from 1st June. History Extra Plus subscribers can access all episodes ad-free immediately, via Apple podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices