In America before the Civil War, being part of the Underground Railroad was dangerous. It was especially risky for those running away from slavery in the South and the people helping them, called conductors. They used secret words and signals to talk along the way and avoid getting caught. Cindy Mullock, who runs the Harriet … Read more
Royal scandals have been happening for a long time. Even kings and queens face challenges in love, loss, and infidelity. Sometimes, they could avoid consequences because of their status. Although they claimed to rule by divine right, their human flaws often brought them down from their pedestal, giving people plenty to gossip about. Here are … Read more
The fear of witches caused many people to be treated badly and killed in Europe for hundreds of years. In England, around 500 people were killed for being witches, and in Scotland, between 3,000 and 4,000 people were killed. But in Wales, only five people were hanged for being witches. Wales was different from other … Read more
The night sky has captivated humanity since the dawn of time. For the ancient Egyptians, it wasn’t just a canvas of twinkling stars; it was a cosmic tapestry woven with gods, myths, and profound symbolism. Among these celestial wonders, the Milky Way held a particularly fascinating place, believed to be a bridge between the earthly … Read more
Ah, the history of masculinity. Filled with tales of chivalry, stoicism, and conquering the wilderness. But beneath this veneer of strength often lie hidden anxieties and unspoken struggles. Today, we delve into a topic rarely discussed in history books: the “shameful secrets” of early modern men (1500-1800) and their sexual health. The Burden of Manliness: … Read more
A last will and testament may not seem as valuable as, say, family heirlooms like silver. But it’s crucial for everyone involved: the person making the will and those who inherit, as well as for historians later on. While inventories list possessions in detail soon after someone dies, wills show relationships, friendships, and care among … Read more
For centuries, the Jewish people have faced severe mistreatment. While we often recall the mass killings during Hitler’s time, their persecution dates back much further. To grasp why Hitler targeted Jews as scapegoats, we need to recognize the deep-seated hatred against them across Europe, not just in Germany. Biblical Times The Old Testament tells the … Read more
Since 1873, when Heinrich Schliemann, a German businessman and archaeologist, discovered what is believed to be the city of Troy in modern Turkey, people have generally accepted that Troy was a real place. There’s some evidence that the walls of the city were damaged around the time of the Trojan War, which is thought to … Read more
In this series, we’ve been talking about how some people have used the idea of a “white, racially pure Middle Ages” for their own political reasons, especially by right-wing extremists. But it’s not just extremists who believe in this idea. Many people, maybe most, learn about the Middle Ages from movies, TV shows, and video … Read more