Duels of History

The new ARTE talk format visits exceptional thinkers throughout Europe and invites them for in-depth conversations.

A small community in Brandenburg is torn over how to remember terrible events of World War 2.

Author of Death in Venice and The Magic Mountain. Who was Germany’s most important writer of the twentieth century?

Why is Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI, still viewed as a Machiavellian manipulator? 

Could the Spanish have conquered Mexico without the help of Malinche, a Native American slave who became Hernan Cortés' translator? 

Sculptors Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel had a passionate affair, but things turned sour.

Jiang Qing represented the old ways of the Chinese Communist Party, so she had to go.

How did a simple tennis match between a woman, tennis star Billie Jean King, and a man, ex-player Bobby Riggs, become a television phenomenon and change the face of women's sport?

In her battle against Ronald Reagan, activist Angela Davis became the icon of an entire generation.

Ordinary civilians are now preparing for war by volunteering for the Latvian National Guard in large numbers.

Arguing can be painful, but it can also clear the air, resolve underlying issues, and strengthen relationships. 

Many artists and creative people feel they don't deserve their success. Are we all just faking it until we make it? 

From queer cake sitting to sex positive tasting evenings, Tracks finds out about food and sexuality.

Jean-Michel Jarre sets up his equipment on Seville's Plaza de España for an immersive concert-show.

Each candidate has 40 minutes to practice with the orchestra before performing two pieces. Who will impress the judges?

An old man swims in the sea. As he moves through the water, memories resurface... 

The US has pulled almost all its funding just as Ukraine is entering its fifth year of war. Can the EU plug the gap?

The four finalists must interpret works by Stravinsky and Ravel. Who will win?

In the semi finals , each candidate has 40 minutes to practice with the orchestra before conducting two pieces.