Within the complex system of Roman religion and mythology, few figures were as significant as the Vestal Virgins. These were intertwined with the entire creation myth of Rome itself. The legendary founders of the city, Romulus and Remus, were said to have been raised by a she-wolf on the banks of the River Tiber. Still, […]
The Vestal Virgins: Rome’s Most Influential Priestesses Read More »
The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe saw the peak of absolutism. Monarchs such as Frederick II of Prussia, Charles VI of Austria, and Peter the Great of Russia ruled with immense power over their respective kingdoms. But it was in France where absolutism reached its zenith under Louis XIV, the Sun King. And of
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The Romans built arguably the greatest empire of pre-modern times. But, of course, there were bigger empires than it. For example, the Mongol empire was much more extensive. But these other great empires were often short-lived and unstable, and the people who lived in them did not acquire a decent standard of living. By contrast,
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We do not typically associate religious piety with vengeance, though revenge is a common thread throughout the Old Testament. It certainly isn’t usually associated with saints, which makes the life and career of St Olga of Kyiv somewhat peculiar. This member of the royal house of Kievan Rus in the tenth century is honored today
St Olga of Kyiv: The Patron Saint of Vengeance Read More »
Christianity has never been a homogenous religion with clearly defined ideas and beliefs. When it emerged in the late first and second centuries AD, it was essentially a schismatic branch of Judaism. Then it adopted elements of a Hellenic polytheistic religion to become more popular throughout the Roman Empire. By the fourth century AD, it
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The word Cupid is synonymous today with matchmaking and relationships. Type in the word ‘Cupid’ to Google, and you will immediately be confronted with dozens of internet dating sites while OkCupid.com has been one of the world’s largest online dating platforms for the last fifteen years. Anytime we see an image of a small child-like
Cupid: The Oftentimes Evil God of Love and Desire Read More »
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live in the Wild West? It’s easy to think it was fun because of how simple life was on the frontier, riding horses, cooking food at campsites, sleeping under the starry sky, fetching food supplies and items from town, and more. Or maybe having
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The Tower of London Prison is one of the most famous prisons in history, known for the gruesome bloodshed, brutal punishment, and gnarly beheadings within its walls. But, it was also home to many wealthy prisoners who were incarcerated here and those of a lower status. So, how was life as a prisoner in the Tower
What Was it like to be a Prisoner in the Tower of London? Read More »
The powdered wig was one of the most well-known and often lampooned features of 18th-century fashion. But how did this style come to be? And why did people wear them? Men in 16th century England wore the first wigs to cover up baldness. Wigs became increasingly popular in the 17th century, and by the 18th
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Many people think of history as dry facts and dusty old tomes. But in truth, history is a living, breathing entity that can provide us with invaluable insights into our past and present. In the field of medical history, this is particularly true. By studying the past, we can better understand the diseases that affect
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