Featuring medieval vocal works themed around Jerusalem, the "Daughter of Zion", this album profits greatly from the beautiful acoustic characteristics of the Dome Church of St Nicholas in Haapsalu, which lends spine-tingling presence to the Estonian vocal ensemble Vox Clamantis, imparting a glowing, halo-like reverb particularly to the monophonic Gregorian chants.

French President Francois Hollande made an unannounced trip to Afghanistan today to visit some of the French troops he wants to pull out later this year, defending his plan for their early exit after meeting his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai.

It all went terribly wrong last time, but technology stocks are soaring again. Emma Dunkley has some words of caution

TV pick of the week

As Hodgson announced his squad for Euro 2012 yesterday, one of 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's greatest childhood fantasies must have come true.

Mladic makes throat-slitting gesture at relatives of ethnic cleansing victims in court

Portrait of a quiet genius who revolutionised our understanding of the ancient world.

Fêted photographer has died aged 79. Adrian Hamilton pays tribute

Whether you want a beach holiday, a bustling city break or a desert adventure, the unique destination of the Sultanate of Oman can provide it all

Archaeologists have discovered evidence for a previously unknown ancient language – buried in the ruins of a 2800 year old Middle Eastern palace.

According to the chairman of the Wolfson History Prize, there is no decent history being written because the younger generation is jazzing up its work with one eye on the best-seller list.

In his last state ceremony as France's president, Nicolas Sarkozy led commemorations today in Paris marking the end of World War II in Europe, standing side-by-side with the man who ousted him from power.

Vladimir Putin took the oath as Russia's president today with a ringing appeal for unity at the start of a six-year term in which he faces growing dissent, economic problems and bitter political rivalries.

History repeats itself as a gripping thriller