Journey back in time to the enthralling land of ancient Egypt, and you’ll find a society divided through a complex and rigid social hierarchy, which governed every aspect of its people’s lives. At the top of the social pyramid stood the Pharaoh, followed by the elite nobility, priests, and scribes who held the keys to […]
From Pharaohs to Slaves: Social Classes in Ancient Egypt Read More »
Throwing someone out of a window may seem like a bizarre and archaic form of protest. However, throughout European history, this violent act was used more often than you would expect in hopes of achieving important social and political goals. The word “defenestration” originates from the Latin word “fenestra,” meaning “window,” and “de,” a suffix
Defenestration: How Throwing People out of Windows Changed History Read More »
Imagine a world where the simple act of opening a letter or accepting a drink could be a fatal mistake. In 17th-century Italy, Aqua Tofana became the infamous poison of choice for those looking to kill their enemies discreetly. It gained its reputation as a deadly and, more importantly, virtually undetectable poison. Because of this,
Aqua Tofana: The Notorious Poison that Plagued 17th-Century Europe Read More »
Cuneiform, the world’s first writing system, is a fascinating window into the lives of our ancestors. Developed over 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, cuneiform was used to record everything – including everyday transactions, personal letters, and epic poems, like the Epic of Gilgamesh. Today, it leaves historians and archaeologists with an invaluable source of information
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Hygiene has been a critical aspect of human health since the beginning of time, and it is key to keeping us healthy and ensuring we avoid disease and illness. There are several similarities and differences when looking at the hygiene practices of ancient civilizations compared to the present. Among them all, the hygiene practices of
What was Ancient Egyptian Hygiene like? Read More »
Genghis Khan, the renowned and legendary leader of the Mongol Empire, is easily one of the most fascinating and notorious figures in all of world history. Known for his unmatched conquests and terrible brutality, he united countless tribes, marched them across vast expanses of Asia and Europe, and conquered one of the largest empires ever
The Life of a Mongol Warrior under Genghis Khan Read More »
Often when we think of the American Civil War, images of enormous battlefields and waves of soldiers immediately come to mind. However, there’s another, more gruesome side to the war that tends to go overlooked. Casualties and deaths were many, but of course, not all took place on the battlefield. Wounded soldiers who survived the
The Horrifying History of Civil War Medicine Read More »
Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, has long been heralded as the cradle of civilization. Around 6000 BC, once-nomadic peoples began settling down, farming, and domesticating animals, giving rise to settlements that eventually grew into towns, cities, and even empires. Many great civilizations would call this region home and leave behind enormous
What was education like in ancient Mesopotamia? Read More »
Dragons have captivated our imaginations for millennia, appearing in the myths and legends of cultures scattered worldwide. From the fire-breathing beasts of ancient Greece to the dragon kings of Chinese mythology, dragons have long served as symbols of power, danger, and wisdom. But where did the widespread stories of these fierce, fantastical creatures come from,
The History of Dragons in Myth and Folklore Read More »
Vikings are often depicted as brutal warriors, striking fear into the hearts of all who dare stand in their way. Many impressive figures illuminate the pages of their rich history. Amongst them, Ivar the Boneless, a legendary figure in Viking lore, was a warrior of especially unmatched ferocity and cunning. His name alone conjures images
Ivar the Boneless: The life of the fearsome Viking king Read More »
