Before his more famous war for control of Scotland, Edward I “Longshanks” waged a war for control of Wales. In order to cement English control over the troublesome Welsh, Edward built a series of castles in northern Wales, sometimes referred to as the “Ring of Iron.” In this article, we will examine four of […]

Across centuries and cultures, depictions of Achilles in art have reflected the values and ideals of each age. Ancient Greek vases, vivid Baroque dramas, and minimalist modern abstractions have continually reshaped Achilles’ image, making the mythical hero one of the most enduring figures in art history.   Achilles in Ancient Greek Art   One […]

For the ancient Greeks and Romans, we have innumerable written sources of various types that refer to their gods. For this reason, we have a reasonably comprehensive understanding of many of them. In contrast, the gods of the ancient Celts are far more mysterious to us. True, the Greeks and Romans wrote about them, […]

The Medieval Period, which spanned approximately 1,000 years from the 470s CE to the 1450s CE, was a period of cultural evolution and growing religious influence. Growing populations migrated into major urban centers, which became symbols of power that benefited the ruling class through the feudal system. These ten cities were not necessarily the […]

Suleiman I was one of the most powerful Renaissance monarchs of the 16th century. He had a brilliant political and military mind and an exceptional interest in art and science. His multi-layered persona left a huge mark in world history. Besides enlarging his empire, Suleiman was famous for his love story with his wife, […]