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…
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…
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…
Holy Roman Empress? – Maria Theresa’s Fight for Her Empire
In October of 1740, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, died. Charles had spent most of his life at war, first over the succession to the…
Crusades – More Peace than War?
Typically, it can be said that the winners get to determine how history is told. In the case of the Crusades, however, that hasn’t been…
Iron Age Fort in Scotland Reveals Origins
For over one hundred years excavation work has been in progress on an ancient fort that was built on a small peninsula jutting out toward…
Global Warming Research Yields Shipwrecks and Ancient City
The intention behind the Black Sea Maritime Archaeological Project (MAP) was not to trawl the Black Sea in search of ancient ships, but that’s exactly…
Battle Of Levounion – Breathing New Life for the Byzantines
In 1091 the Byzantine Empire appeared to be falling apart after a series of weak emperors and military defeats in nearly every corner of its…
Battle of Stamford Bridge – The Victory that Lost England for the Anglo-Saxons
Following the death of King Edward the Confessor, the throne of England became a trophy coveted by several contenders across north-western Europe. This occasion would…