Articles: Interesting facts of the past

Interesting Historical Facts

Famous battles that changed the course of history, such as the Thirty Years' War. We have collected interesting stories, legends, and myths for you. Read more about the TemplarsGladiators or Hussite weapons.

Roots of Contemporary Conflicts, Part 2. Divided Slavs and the Mongol Invasion
Roots of Contemporary Conflicts, Part 2. Divided Slavs and the Mongol Invasion
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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…

Roots of Contemporary Conflicts, Part I: Ukraine Conflict
Roots of Contemporary Conflicts, Part I: Ukraine Conflict
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The origin of the early Slavs is unclear. Some historians believe that Slavic populations inhabited vast territories of central and northern Europe as early as the Roman period. In the first part of our historical exploration, we will look at the…

The Mysterious Gandalf: Five (Un)known Facts About the Powerful Wizard of Middle-earth
The Mysterious Gandalf: Five (Un)known Facts About the Powerful Wizard of Middle-earth
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He is often considered the wisest wizard, but he still knew nothing about Durin's Bane. He wielded a ring of power. In Middle-earth, his life and actions were preserved mainly in memories and stories, but in New Zealand, he has an actual life…

Ancient Rome Warfare Under Barbarian Influence
Ancient Rome Warfare Under Barbarian Influence
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After almost a thousand years of existence, the Roman Empire was in decline. The once powerful emperors had become mere statesmen whose position had little importance. Budget deficit started to affect the equipment of the soldiers, who adopted…

Ancient Rome Warfare in Times of Imperial Glory
Ancient Rome Warfare in Times of Imperial Glory
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Our previous article gave us an insight into the arrangement of Roman army during the times of Roman Kingdom and the early Roman Republic.…

Ancient Rome Warfare: From Kingdom to Marius
Ancient Rome Warfare: From Kingdom to Marius
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Some of us today are surprised to learn that Rome, whose borders at one time spread beyond the Mediterranean region, was just one of the many cities of the Apennine Peninsula dependent on agriculture in its early days. And it was ruled by kings.…

Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece
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This article is dedicated to the military history of Ancient Greece between the 8th and the 5th centuries BC. It was the time of flourishing city-states, with well-equipped and well-trained armies to defend them. Ancient Greek armies can be said to…
The Army of Vlad Dracula or Vlad the Impaler
The Army of Vlad Dracula or Vlad the Impaler
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Everyone has heard of Count Dracula, popularized by Bram Stoker's brilliant novel about Dracula, the quintessential vampire. The Count Dracula in this article was not (at least we hope so) the blood-thirsty vampire we know from stories and legends.…
Dungeons and Prisons: A Glimpse into the History of Prison
Dungeons and Prisons: A Glimpse into the History of Prison
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The Tower of London, the French Bastille or the American Alcatraz. Prisons and torture have been a common practice across the entire human history. Do you know what it was like to be a prisoner in the Middle Ages? Have you ever heard of shame masks,…
Outdoor Cooking - History
Outdoor Cooking - History
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Cooking is an art. Today's chefs as well as their predecessors would certainly confirm that. What cooking methods, utensils or ingredients did cooks use in centuries before us? And can we benefit from their knowledge today? Take a look into the past!
Who Were the Fearless Varangians?
Who Were the Fearless Varangians?
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Did you know that some Viking groups formed alliances and friendships with Slavic nations? Viking expeditions were not only headed to the West. They travelled down the many waterways of the eastern Baltic Sea, into modern Eastern Europe and Russia.…
The Life of the Vikings: From Settlements to Sea Journeys
The Life of the Vikings: From Settlements to Sea Journeys
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The harsh Nordic lands were too overpopulated, pushing the Vikings out into the open sea in search for new lands, where they founded new settlements - the British Isles, north-western France and many other places. The descendants of the Vikings…
Viking Weapons and Armour
Viking Weapons and Armour
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The first states began to emerge on European territory in uneasy and difficult times. The Iberian Peninsula was dominated by Muslims, and various nomadic tribes poured in from the eastern steppes. As if it weren't enough, the Vikings began invading…
Pirates - Merciless Criminals of the Sea
Pirates - Merciless Criminals of the Sea
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Pirates were the sailors’ nightmare. The vision of getting rich quickly has often driven pirates to unprecedented cruelty. Some people today may see pirates as heroes fighting against the rich members of the society, but this was not really the case…
Gurkhas and Kukri
Gurkhas and Kukri
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Gurkhas are soldiers of the Indian Subcontinent, famous for their bravery and the Kukri combat knives. They fought in both world wars alongside Britain and were known for their military prowess. Brave Gurkhas were unstoppable. Their closest…
William Tell - The Hero of the Oppressed Who Stood up to Tyranny
William Tell - The Hero of the Oppressed Who Stood up to Tyranny
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Did William Tell really shoot an apple off his son's head, like the Swiss legend says? We have looked into the facts to see what really happened. Find out which adaptation of the famous tale caused a big stir among viewers and why.
Robin Hood - Myths and Facts
Robin Hood - Myths and Facts
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A hero for some, a thief for others. Robin Hood is a fascinating character, but it is not easy to answer all the unclear questions surrounding him. Where did he come from, and did he really steal from the rich and give to the poor? Read the article…
The History of Crusades - Part 3: King Sigismund's Unsuccessful Campaigns
The History of Crusades - Part 3: King Sigismund's Unsuccessful Campaigns
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In the last part of our story, we return to 14th and 15th century Europe, when armies of knights under the banner of the cross marched against the Turks and the "heretics". The son of the Father of the Homeland (Charles IV), Sigismund of Luxembourg,…
The History of Crusades - Part 2: The Rise and Fall of the Crusaders
The History of Crusades - Part 2: The Rise and Fall of the Crusaders
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In the 12th century, the Crusaders lost Jerusalem Before that happened, they established several states in the Holy Land. And just like in Europe, the rulers of these feudal states built magnificent castles that adopted European court culture,…
The History of Crusades - Part 1: The Conquest of Jerusalem and The Rise of Knightly Orders
The History of Crusades - Part 1: The Conquest of Jerusalem and The Rise of Knightly Orders
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The Crusades were one of the most important events of the medieval period. The Crusades were a series of religious wars against Muslims, pagans, and heretics. The Crusading movement prepared ground for the creation of various knightly orders –…
Three Musketeers vs. Real Musketeers
Three Musketeers vs. Real Musketeers
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Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d'Artagnan. In most people, those names invoke the image of brave swordsmen with ostrich feathers in their hats, rather than the image of infantrymen with several bottles of gunpowder at their waist. But the latter image…
Czech Illuminated Manuscripts
Czech Illuminated Manuscripts
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If the words medieval history make you feel curious and excited, you will most definitely love our article on Czech illuminated manuscripts. They are covered in gold, coloured paint as well as mystery.
Julius Caesar, a Crafty Military Leader and a Prominent Figure of Antiquity
Julius Caesar, a Crafty Military Leader and a Prominent Figure of Antiquity
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Let's travel back to the times of deep Antiquity, the times of Pythagorean theorem, Spartacist uprising and the birth of Cleopatra, the second daughter of the Egyptian king Ptolemy XI. In those times, one of the most powerful leaders in history…
Tyranny as Well as Golden Age.  Who Were the Tudors?
Tyranny as Well as Golden Age. Who Were the Tudors?
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Henry VII of the Tudor dynasty became the king of England in 1485. England at that time was troubled by civil wars, but it began to flourish again after the Tudors came to power. Who restored stability in England as well as its undying glory? Read…
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