Rome’s Battlefield Surgeons
Contrary to the popular image of brutal ancient medicine, the Roman Empire developed a surprisingly advanced medical system for its military. This dedicated corps of professional surgeons, known as the…
Tag: architecture
The Tang Dynasty’s Golden Age
Step back in time to China's Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), an unparalleled golden age of cultural and economic flourishing. Explore the vibrant, million-strong metropolis of Chang'an, discover the legendary poets…
The Great Hedge of India
Discover the forgotten story of the Great Hedge of India, a 1,500-mile living wall built by the British to enforce a brutal salt tax. This colossal, thorny barrier divided a…
Cahokia: America’s Forgotten Metropolis
Long before Columbus, a sprawling metropolis larger than contemporary London thrived near modern-day St. Louis. Home to the sophisticated Mississippian culture, the city of Cahokia boasted massive earthen pyramids and…
History of the World’s First University
Journey to the heart of Fez, Morocco, where the story of higher education begins not in Oxford or Bologna, but in a mosque founded in 859 AD. Discover the University…
Great Zimbabwe: Africa’s Medieval Metropolis
Discover the magnificent stone city of Great Zimbabwe, a medieval African metropolis built by the ancestors of the Shona people. Far from being the work of a 'lost tribe', this…
The Great Stink of 1858
In the sweltering summer of 1858, London was brought to a standstill by an unbearable stench rising from the River Thames, which had become a vast, open sewer. This public…
Ancient Rome’s Water Police
While Rome's aqueducts stand as monuments to engineering, the true story of the city's hydration lies with the *Curatores Aquarum*. These elite officials were part administrator, part engineer, and part…