Mars Uncovered: Ancient God of War, BBC4, 9pm
BETTANY Hughes investigates the relationship between warfare and worship by following the trail of the ancient Roman god of war Mars. She begins in Carthage, in what is now Tunisia, the site of one of the most significant and bloodiest victories in the history of the Roman Empire.
She explores the vital role of Mars in Rome’s imperial expansion and also considers how the figure of Mars was used by artists such as Botticelli and Rubens to examine the inevitability of war. Finally Bettany asks one of the eternal questions: do the benefits of war still outweigh the horrors?
New Landlords from Hell: Dispatches, C4, 8pm
FOR years now, Dispatches has offered a series of reports on everything from the gender pay gap to formula milk. The latest offering reveals the shocking conditions that tenants of one of Britain’s biggest landlords are being forced to live in.
A year-long investigation finds that Sanctuary Housing left family homes in disrepair. The programme uncovers evidence that this had a critical impact on the health of some of their most vulnerable tenants. As the housing association has grown, official channels of complaint have failed to force it to act reasonably, leaving residents feeling voiceless. In desperation they’ve turned to social media to share their experiences and offer support.
This Time with Alan Partridge, BBC1, 9.30pm
STEVE Coogan’s most famous creation continues to brighten the schedules, and every week tries to prove that Alan still has a place in 2019 broadcasting. Thankfully for him, Sidekick Simon Denton (Tim Key) has more trouble dealing with social media, making Partridge look like a genius.
While some fans yearn for the halcyon days of the host’s time in that travel tavern, this is still one of the jewels in the beeb’s comedy crown, and the latest offering is a dazzler. It examines the MeToo movement and gives Alan a chance to show off his broadcasting chops. An added bonus is a performance by Partridge’s mixed vocal harmony group, the Quavers. Susannah Fielding, Felicity Montagu and Fleabag veteran Jamie Demetriou also star.
Mary Berry’s Quick Cooking, BBC2, 8.30pm
MARY heads to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh to explore every side of Moroccan cuisine. She rustles up some quick dishes inspired by the aromatic flavours and smells of the medina quarter, from the mounds of olives and heady spices at the markets to the slow-cooked tagines prepared in the heart of a family kitchen and the high-end delights of Moha Fedal, one of the country’s greatest chefs. Mary brings the fragrant flavours home, cooking a speedy lamb tagine, a spicy carrot hummus and a fresh summer salad.
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