On this day in July 1551 the Maltese island of Gozo was attacked by a huge Ottoman fleet of 145 vessels. The ENTIRE population of around 6,000 Gozitans were taken into slavery and sold at slave markets in North Africa. (1551 Monument, Citadel of Gozo)

Going to Japan 🇯🇵 tomorrow. My mother’s take

Thames Water can issue fines of up to £1,000 from tomorrow

The content creator Byzansimp and I recorded an interview to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Manuel II Palaiologos’ passing on 21 July 1425. If you would like to learn about Manuel & enjoy lovely and humorous cartoons by Byzansimp, here is the link: https://t.co/4lMUOdyuF2

It is very surreal to get echoes of Captain Haddock while realising my husband is now, like Tintin et al, animated as well as underway.

Farage should never be interviewed without being forced to answer for failures of Brexit. That the man whose lies fuelled Brexit vote which has cost UK Billions & who said Liz Truss budget was “best Tory budget since 1986” could be trusted on *anything* is mind-boggling #bbclaura

@Remroum I pray for the hostages, the Druze, the Yezidi, the Kurds - the real victims of genocide. Hamas must release the hostages and their malign grip on the people of Gaza. Their tunnels must be destroyed and their vile human shield tactics exposed.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople continued to function until around 1200 after which it was severely damaged by the Crusaders. However much still survived, allowing for it to become Ottoman Kostantiniyye's main public space. From Onofrio Panvinio (16th c.)

It’s going up to 67 2026-28. Next legislated increase not til 2044. Should be sooner, though people deserve a decade’s notice. Hope review suggests, and govt accepts, increase to 68 in late 2030s. Also need more support for those on low incomes just below pension age.

Yet another overview of Ancient Greek prepositions.

In a truly meritocratic society there would be First, Second and Third Class travel, but which section you were allowed to travel in would depend on your class of degree (2:1s could go at the front of Second Class, I suppose)

Henrik Mouritsen listing Clodius the tribune as 'Clodius Pulcher, P. (aed. 56)' in his new book is proper hardcore index. Having him in triplicate is a proper mess from the publisher, though.

There in box of alabaster, Bearing nard of fragrance pure, She with gift of outpoured sweetness Bids the mystic sign endure: Seeking from anointment healing, Lo, the sick anoints the Cure!

I asked Afghan women and girls to share what their daily life is like now that the Taliban has banned schools and employment. Over 40 responded. Starting tomorrow, their stories will take over my timeline. You will hear directly from them in their own words.

Police attending A34 as vehicle incident causes huge delays leaving Oxford

@Boukellarios Count Belisarius as Robert Graves styled him? @19Averil

Chicory in bright sunshine along the Thames💙 This lovely flower is also known as ragged sailors, blue dandelion and coffeeweed - the latter because roasted chicory-root can be used as a coffee substitute💙☕️💙 #FlowersOnFriday

More than 50 firefighters battle major blaze on medieval Oxfordshire street