Welcome to Your History Hit January Roundup ✉️   Each month we'll be dishing up the latest news from the history world, along with some special anniversaries and a spotlight documentary release from History Hit. An early medieval cemetery was discovered at Fonmon Castle near Barry in Wales, with up to 80 women’s bodies found, some in carefully placed crouched positions. Buried about 1,500 years ago, this is an extremely rare archaeological find from archaeologists at Cardiff University.   📸 Andy Seaman This week Up Helly Aa, the biggest fire festival in Europe, took place in Shetland. It celebrates the islands' Norse history and ends with the burning of a replica Viking galley. In a historic first, women and girls joined the main "squad" at the head of the procession through the town.   📸 Peter Parker History Hit are on the lookout for intrepid explorers to join two of our fascinating history trips, led by our excellent presenters. The first will explore Richard III's life and deathin the UK with Matt Lewis. The second will explore the incredible Pompeii with Tristan Hughes.   🎟 Book your space here Historical anniversaries this month... On 10 January 49 BC, Julius Caesar led his army across the river Rubicon in northern Italy, defying the Senate's order to disband his force and return to Rome.⁠ To this day, “to cross the Rubicon” means to undertake an action so decisive that there can be no turning back.⁠ On 15 January 1559, Queen Elizabeth I was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Breaking tradition, this date wasn't chosen in line with a significant Christian holy day. Instead, it was chosen by with the favourable positions of the stars & planets in mind.⁠