Skip to Content

The Kingdom of Songhai (or the Songhay Empire), the last kingdom of Western Sudan, grew from the Mali Empire’s ashes. Like the earlier kingdoms of this region, Songhai had control over the salt and gold mines. While encouraging trade with Muslims (like the Berbers of North Africa), the thriving marketplaces in most cities had kola …

Read More about What Did the Songhai Empire Trade?

In May 1824, at the premiere of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the audience broke out into rapturous applause. However, since Beethoven was almost totally deaf then, he had to be turned around to see the cheering audience. Undoubtedly, the works of Ludwig Van Beethoven are some of the most performed in the classical music repertoire, spanning …

Read More about Was Beethoven Born Deaf?

The world-renowned violin maker Antonio Stradivari was born in 1644 and lived until 1737. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest makers of violins ever.  It is estimated that he made around 1,100 instruments, including violins, cellos, harps, and guitars – but only about 650 of these are still in existence today. …

Read More about How Many Violins Did Stradivarius Make?

‘Pirate’ and ‘privateer’ sound very similar, but they are two different terms with unique meanings. Knowing the difference between these two terms can make all the difference in understanding maritime law and history. Pirates are criminals who rob ships for their gain, while the government authorizes privateers to attack the ships of their enemies in …

Read More about Pirate vs. Privateer: Know the Difference

Throughout history, pirates have been portrayed as rugged and wild seafarers that pillaged their way through the seas with a black patch on one eye – an iconic element of pirate culture that has often confused people. So why did they wear eye patches? It’s easy to assume it had something to do with hiding …

Read More about Did Pirates Actually Wear Eye Patches?

Even though much of their time was spent raiding ships, searching for buried treasure chests, or exploring new treasure islands, pirate crews still made room for leisure activities and entertainment. Pirates indulged in gambling, pranks, music, dancing, and various board games to pass the time between voyages. Golden-age pirates experienced the thrills of seafaring life …

Read More about What Did Pirates Do for Fun?

Most experts agree that the first company to produce a car (according to the modern understanding of a ‘company’ and a ‘car’) is Mercedes Benz. Karl Benz, the founder, developed the first prototype in 1885 (the Benz patent motorwagen) and had the patent for his design registered in 1886 [1]. However, at the time, Karl …

Read More about What Was the First Car Company?

The time of elections was not the only occasion when people chose to adorn themselves with revolutionary items of clothing to show off their allegiance. Many years before the start of the French Revolution, people were used to wearing colors or dresses to display loyalty toward a ruler.  Since monarchy did not allow for people’s …

Read More about Fashion During the French Revolution (Politics and Clothing)

The 1970s was a wild decade full of fads and trends. Haute Couture was losing its influence and demand while Pret-a-porter brands began their reign. From peasant blouses, style revivals, and platform shoes, seventies fashion was criticized for lacking direction. However, it was a celebration of individuality and taste. Fashion Back in the Hands of …

Read More about French Fashion in the 1970s

Ever wondered what women wore between the atomic and space age in France? The whole world was recovering from an era of pain and brutality. They craved normalcy after all this uncertainty and anguish. French fashion in the 1950s is flamboyant and fun. Here are some features in looks from that period.  Return of Femininity …

Read More about French Fashion in the 1950s

The 1960s was an explosive period with funky to borderline weird space-age trends to brand new androgynous silhouettes. Synthetic fabrics and dyes made fashion more readily available to the common women. Every rule was broken joyfully. It was a period of long-awaited change. Many people were tired of being shaped to the same conventional mold. …

Read More about French Fashion in the 1960s

At some point or another throughout your life, you have likely encountered at least one person named Mary. Mary is one of the oldest and most classical names given to people today, as it is also a name that has been widely popularized throughout The Bible. When you are familiar with the name Mary, its …

Read More about Mary: Name Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning

The name James is quite common, and extremely popular throughout various cultures and regions around the world. So, what’s in a name? Understanding the symbolism behind the name James and what it means today can help you if you are naming a child of your own or if you are simply curious about another James …

Read More about James: Name Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning

The city that bore the infantile fashion industry to become the machine it is today – Paris. Let’s discuss the history of Parisian fashion. The Rise of Paris as the Fashion Capital of the World Louis XIV  The Sun King, France’s longest reigning monarch, Louis Dieudonnéa, laid the foundation for the rise of French fashion. …

Read More about History of Fashion in Paris