Articles
The long read: why the Greek crisis has revived a pantheon of toiling heroes and reckless immortals
Allusions to Greek mythology and classical history have become as commonplace as bad-tempered negotiations over Greece’s future in the eurozone. Historian Justin Marozzi consults classicists, economists, politicians and Herodotus himself to find out why.
The long read: Forget Lawrence of Arabia, here’s the real history of the Middle East and World War 1
Justin Marozzi speaks to Eugene Rogan whose acclaimed new study of the First World War in the Middle East takes for its vantage point the Ottoman front line.
Book review: The Libyan Revolution and Its Aftermath describes the fragile state of post-Qaddafi Libya
The editors offer a complete picture of the divisive consequences of the revolution, which has minorities, extremists and terrorists all jumping into the fray.
My life in Mogadishu: the view from inside the Villa Somalia
After decades of civil war, Somalia was in a state of virtual anarchy. Justin Marozzi, in Mogadishu for 14 months as a government adviser, saw its tentative steps to a new future.
Transylvania: a half-mythical land in Romania
In Transylvania, Romania has Europe’s last great wilderness, plus complex history and expansive scenery. Just don’t mention Count Dracula to the locals, writes Justin Marozzi.
A new history of Baghdad looks at the culture as well as the blood
It was once the most learned place in the world, the pinnacle of the Golden Age of Islam. Justin Marozzi, author of a new history of the city, reflects on its grandeur.
Cauldron of killing
Zaid al-Ali, an Iraqi lawyer, lays the blame for his country’s failure to build a stable, inclusive state at the feet of its prime minister, Nuri Al Maliki. But, as historian Justin Marozzi argues, Iraq has long been in the grip of self-serving strongmen.
Violence, repression and the perils of black gold
By making oil the keystone of his analysis of the recent history of Algeria, Iraq and Libya, Luis Martinez misses some other factors that are just as pertinent.
Travel in post-revolution Libya
Returning to Tripoli after the fall of the Qaddafi regime, Justin Marozzi finds the city has come back to life, its people welcoming and proud of their homeland.
Miami, Florida: all that glitters
Justin Marozzi, author of Travels with Herodotus, kicks back in Miami.
A journey through Iraq with Herodotus
The temptation to visit Iraq proved overwhelming as the author traced the route of the ancient Greek historian.
