In the world of academia, there is a principle called “Occam’s Razor” (also referred to as the “Principle/Law of Parsimony”). It is the philosophy that when presented with competing hypotheses about the same prediction, one should always choose the one that requires the fewest assumptions. (This is not meant to be a method of choosing […]
The Man Behind Occam’s Razor: William of Ockham Read More »
What we know (or think we know) about history is only a minute sliver of what humans have accomplished and experienced over the millennia. Each year, the tireless work of archeologists adds a few more pieces to the puzzle and increases our understanding of human history. Here are some of the most important archaeological discoveries
The Most Important Archaeological Discoveries of 2023 Read More »
It is not uncommon for fires to occur underground. In fact, they are a global phenomenon, from Pennsylvania to Germany to China. The most common form of underground fire is a coal seam fire, where large underground deposits of coal catch flame. With such a large fuel source, endless oxygen, and a massive price tag
The Gates of Hell: The Darvaza Gas Crater Read More »
Those who watched the 1995 epic historical drama ‘Braveheart’ know the story of Sir William Wallace quite well. He was the warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence. However, Hollywood has romanticized many aspects of his life. In this article, we discuss the real story of Sir William Wallace. Who
Sir William Wallace: The Real Story of the ‘Braveheart’ Warrior Read More »
Even the most well-intentioned deed can go awry, but not many go off the rails quite as much as the meeting put together by King Henry VI in July 1184. Henry had organized the meeting, called a Hoftag, to help broker peace between two other leaders, Louis III of Thuringia and Archbishop Conrad of Mainz.
Grossest Disaster in History? The Erfurt Latrine Disaster Read More »
Military history is filled with tales of elite groups of fighters that stand apart from the regular military. Exceptional fighters who have proven themselves in battle. These groups were called on for special missions. They had reputations for being the best of the best and were known worldwide. They struck fear into their enemies. Examples
Janissaries: The Elite Fighters of the Ottoman Empire Read More »
Vandalism–the word has an immediate negative connotation in the minds of most, and for good reason. Vandalism can destroy buildings, personal property, and even art. But in ancient times, the word meant something totally different. The Vandals were a Germanic tribe that rose from obscurity to a power large enough to take over ancient Rome
How did the Vandals Get a Bad Reputation in History? Read More »
She was beautiful and a warrior. Many thought she was too good to be true. Was Lagertha real? Lagertha is one of the most popular characters in Scandinavian legend. She was not a real person and she was thought to be inspired by the Amazons in Greek mythology. However, her story still made a massive
Lagertha: Maiden With the Courage of a Man Read More »
In two different parts of the world, two different types of warriors took up swords. They have cemented themselves in history as some of the most skilled fighters of all time. The legends of knights and samurais are so incredible that they almost seem more like parts of myths instead of reality. But knights and
Who Would Win a Fight Between Knights and Samurais? Read More »
In the long stretch of human history, few instruments can evoke as much dread and revulsion as the breaking wheel. The breaking wheel was a gruesome and torturous device. Also known as the Catherine wheel, it was a macabre invention employed to inflict excruciating pain and death upon its victims. It originated in medieval Europe.
The Breaking Wheel: Horrors of an Ancient Torture Device Read More »
