Blog: Interesting facts of the past

When we picture a Viking, this is what probably comes to mind: a tall, burly, unwashed warrior with wild hair... But archaeological finds suggest that the real Vikings were quite far from that stereotype. They were surprisingly clean, well…

Childhood in the Middle Ages was far from carefree. Children were expected to help around the house, learn a trade, or even handle weapons – danger was part of everyday life. Still, like children in every era, they found ways to play and build…

The medieval menu was anything but one-size-fits-all. What you ate (and how well you ate) depended on your social class, your wealth, and sometimes even where you happened to live. A noble’s feast looked nothing like a peasant’s dinner. So, grab…

Born in the turbulent years after the First Crusade, the Order of the Knights Templar grew into one of the most powerful and wealthiest organizations of the Middle Ages. Their story became the stuff of legends – a blend of history, mystery, and…

For the common folk – the broad peasant masses – medieval life was anything but easy. It meant long days of back-breaking labour in the fields, often from sunrise to sunset. Higher up the ladder, the nobility, clergy, and later the wealthy…

Every July, the streets of Kyoto come alive with centuries-old tradition and vibrant celebration. As thousands of visitors pour in, you might spot elegant geishas gracefully strolling by, or hear the rhythmic drums that signal the arrival of…

Norse mythology was an integral part of the Viking culture. Many historical sources suggest that the Vikings worshipped as many as sixty gods: some of them played only a marginal role in the ancient Norse mythology, others became a central part…

During the Middle Ages, many parts of Europe were plagued by raids from various warring factions. But very few have inspired such terror among their enemies as the mysterious seafaring Northmen. The Vikings were described by observers as ruthless…

The Scouting movement began to form at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, it had to look for ways to survive during difficult times, such as the world wars and the communist regime in Eastern Europe. Even today, it has to compete for…

In recent years, the Middle (or Near) East region has been ravaged by conflicts. Unfortunately, this region was never exactly peaceful in the course of history. Let's start in the Old Testament ...

“Wild Fields” refers to the wide expanses of the Ukrainian and South Russian steppes between the rivers Don, Dniester and upper Oka, perhaps as far as the Caspian Sea. This region was barren for a long time. Various raid of nomads and other…

The Mongol invasions in 13th and 14th centuries contributed to the divisions among the Eastern Slavs and had a significant impact on events in Europe. However, the fall of Kiev and other important centres in the eastern region helped another city…