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 …
The influence of Johann Sebastian Bach could be seen in the works of many highly regarded composers like Debussy, Chopin, and Mozart. Beethoven even called Bach the ‘father of all harmony,’ and for Debussy, he was ‘the Good Lord of music.’ [2] Bach’s influence can be seen in classical music, pop music, and jazz. It’s …
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 …
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. …
‘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 …
In olden times, while pirates roamed the high seas in search of treasure, they needed a drink that would help them stay alert and in control during battle. But what did these rough and tough pirates drink? Contrary to popular belief, pirates didn’t just drink rum. They drank a variety of different beverages depending on …
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 …
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 …
Early versions of the musket, particularly the smoothbore muskets, were not very accurate at all, even at close range, nor did they have a very long range. Future versions of the smoothbore musket that were used closer to the end of the 18th century were far more accurate and somewhat similar to modern handguns, and …
Historians differ on what they consider ‘the last use.’ Some are of the opinion that only instances where a weapon is used in a real war count as ‘last use,’ while others believe that even if the weapon is kept by an army or a division of the army, and it isn’t part of the …
Pizza originates from Naples, Italy. It has a long and interesting history, and today it is firmly set in American culture as well. Variations of this food can be found in almost every country. Pizza, just one item in the fast food category, is a $30 billion industry per year [1]. It is extremely common …
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 …
Emperor Napoleon, a French military and political leader was exiled because he was seen as a threat to the stability of Europe. After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the victorious powers of Europe (Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia) agreed to exile him to the island of Saint Helena. But before that, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Fashion is vital as it doesn’t only drive the trends experienced in a certain corner of the world but contributes to its economy too! French fashion is a prominent part of French culture. Fashion design was a field that the French had started experimenting with as early as the 13th century. By the 15th century, …
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 …
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 …
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. …