Early Modern | War History

Baltic Crusaders – Pagans Defeat Christian Knights at the Battle of Saule

By 1200 Christianity was the dominant religious force throughout almost all of Europe; however, one group of pagans, in the last stronghold of their beliefs,…

“Flying Artillery” – New Tactics at Palo-Alto in the Mexican-American War

In 1846, The United States of America went to war with Mexico, eager to annex Texas and California to expand the Union from sea to…

War in California – The Battle of San Pasqual

In the days of the Mexican-American war, U.S. forces marched 2000 miles, from New Mexico to California—the longest march in the history of the U.S.…

Sohei: The Warrior Monks of Medieval Japan

The modern view of Buddhism is one of a peaceful, highly spiritual faith, where the devotee sets out upon the path to enlightenment through meditation…

Birth of the Black Plague: The Mongol Siege on Caffa

In 1345, the city of Caffa was razed by a vicious pandemic, in what would, centuries later, be recognized as the first use of biological…

The Last Great Viking Invasion: Battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge

1066 is the most famous year in English history. Led by Duke William, the Normans conquered the country, forever changing its laws and culture. But…

Carrying the Stars and Stripes: James Longstreet in Mexico

Of all the notable Rebel general’s serving the rebellious south during the American Civil War, James Longstreet is one of the more overlooked. One of…

The Tragic Children’s Crusade of 1212 – Tens of Thousands Answered the Call

The Children’s Crusade of 1212 is known to have been a disaster, but much about this curious event in history is still mystery. There is…

From Vikings to Armadas – Evolution of the Royal Navy

Great Britain, the island England shares with Scotland and Wales, is only 88,792 square miles in area — just barely larger than the state of…

A Rising Star: The Daring and Ingenious McClellan Before the Civil War

Many generals of the American Civil War sharpened their teeth in Mexico, even the ones whose performance left President Lincoln bemoaning their posting. In Mexico,…

Clash of the 3 Viking Kingdoms – The Battle of Helgea

With the conquest of England in 1016, and his recognition as the king of Denmark in 1018, Cnute the Great had, with his hand of…

Romans & Vikings: 3 Fantastic Books from Haynes – Review by M. Barnes

Printed books are making a comeback as people get bored with tablets and their lack of the substance only achieved with ink and paper.  I’m…