This is second episode in our new micro history series – where we take an historic subject and try to demonstrate how it has a history in just 15-20 minutes!! And without just talking at supersonic speed. Think of it as the historical equivalent of speed chess or speed dating. In this second foray into historical brevity the histories of the unexpected duo of James Daybell and Sam Willis tackle the artistic subject of TATTOOS, which is inspired by their book on the Romans. Taking that as their starting place, the boys tackle topics of slavery, imperial power, civilisation and barbarians, before tackling the subjects of John Dee, dreams, alchemy and empire, as well as exploration, Christian missionaries in the nineteenth century, the legal history of skin, cultural sovereignty, imperialism and secret cultural survival. Who knew?