For centuries, England was notorious for its brutal and inhumane form of execution known as “hanging, drawing, and quartering”. This gruesome punishment was reserved for the most heinous crimes and involved a series of torturous steps to leave its victims mutilated and dismembered. Intending to be horrific, to be hanged, drawn, and quartered is considered …
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The legendary figure of Merlin has been a part of the Western imagination for centuries. From tales of King Arthur to more modern interpretations, Merlin has been a source of mystery and enchantment. But who was the real Merlin, and where did the stories of this powerful wizard come from? The answer may surprise you. …
Everyone loves a chance to dance. Even mob dance parties that just pop up on the streets are seen as fun and entertaining. But what if you were struck with a disease that left you dancing unwillingly for days? That is what happened in 1518. Let’s dive into the dancing plague of 1518 and what …
History has it that no king was ruling over England after the death of King Uther Pendragon, the legendary king of the Briton and also the father of King Arthur. After Uther’s death, the nobles of Britain disputed the right of succession for their next king. Merlin, the mythical character, orchestrated and foretold the future …
Crime and punishment in the Middle Ages were often harsh and unforgiving. Unlike today’s criminal justice system, there was no legitimate police force and the local community was responsible for establishing law and order. The Christian church also had a large part in determining the punishments for those found guilty. But, they also gave the …
During the thousand years of the Middle Ages, the Church held considerable power all over Medieval Europe. Their influence was so great that they made laws and had a major say in how the monarchs ran their kingdoms. As it was a separate entity from the government at the time, they weren’t taxed even though …
How The Church Regulated Warfare In The Middle Ages Read More »
Queen Mary I was known by many names during her reign as Queen of England by her many critics. She was called Bloody Mary for her harsh treatment of Protestants, which earned her a reputation as a cruel and heartless ruler. But why did she deserve this nickname? Let’s look at the events that led …
There are many tales of people who have lived to be very old, but the story of Old Tom Parr is perhaps one of the most interesting; some claim that he lived to be 152 years old! Obviously, this cannot be confirmed, but some evidence suggests he may have been quite elderly when he died. …
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Marco Polo was one of the most famous explorers of all time; he chronicled his travels to China and other parts of Asia in a book many still read today. What about his wife, Donata Badoer? Who was she, and what role did she play in Marco Polo’s life? Let’s explore the life of Donata Badoer …
Baldwin IV of Jerusalem was one of the most interesting and tragic figures of the 12th century. Born in 1161 and diagnosed with Leprosy at age nine, Baldwin IV became king of Jerusalem at thirteen when his father, Almaric, passed suddenly of dysentery. Although he was a child, Baldwin was a brave and determined ruler …
The Life of Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the Leper King Read More »
