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Historical Artifacts the British Empire Stole and Displayed in Its Museums

Have you ever wondered about the historical artifacts displayed in British museums? Well, there’s much more to their stories than meets the eye. 

The looting of historical artifacts by the British Empire is a controversial topic that has been discussed for years. The debate focuses on whether these artifacts should be kept in colonizers’ museums or returned to their original countries. This article will focus on the histories of these artifacts and the ethical problems surrounding their ownership.

Koh-i-Noor Diamond

The glorious Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Image by: Wikipedia

The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, one of the most oversized jewels in the world, measures 105 carats. It was extracted from an Indian quarry and added to the Mughal Empire’s coffers. The diamond was taken under the authority of the British East India Company in 1851 and gifted to Queen Victoria. It was later added to the Queen Mother’s crown, which is now displayed in the Tower of London.

The Queen of England's Crown which contains the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Image by: BBC

India has frequently claimed the return of diamonds. Although according to the British government, the diamond was acquired lawfully and is now a significant piece of the British cultural legacy.

The Rosetta Stone

A picture of the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum.
Image by: History Hit

The Rosetta Stone is an ancient Egyptian stele that bears an inscription of law from King Ptolemy V’s rule in 196 BCE. It is regarded as the key to comprehending ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and is written in three scripts: Ancient Greek, Demotic script, and hieroglyphics. During Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, French troops found the stone in 1799. It was later taken by the British in 1801.

The Rosetta Stone is now regarded as one of the British Museum’s most prized possessions and has been exhibited there since 1802. Egypt has repeatedly demanded the stone’s return, claiming it should be given to its legitimate owners since it was taken during colonial occupation.

The Maqdala Treasures

Photograph of some of the Maqdala Treasures that were given to Ethiopia.
Image by: The Art Newspaper

The Maqdala Treasures are a collection of Ethiopian religious and cultural artifacts that British soldiers looted during the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia. The artifacts, which include gold and silver crowns, manuscripts, and religious icons, were taken to the UK and are now held by various institutions, including the Victoria and Albert and the British Museum.

Ethiopian administration has repeatedly demanded the return of the Maqdala Treasures. The Victoria and Albert Museum agreed to lend Ethiopia some of the artifacts in 2018, but the bulk of the collection is still in the museum’s custody.

Benin Bronzes 

The Benin Bronze sculptures.
Image by: History

The Benin Bronzes are a fascinating collection of brass sculptures and plaques the British troops stole from the Kingdom of Benin in 1897. These beautiful artworks depict various aspects of the Benin people’s daily lives, religion, and royalty and are a valuable part of African cultural heritage.

Today, there is a movement to return the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and restore them to their rightful owners. The British Museum has discussed the possibility of loaning the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.

Elgin Marbles

A picture of the Elgin Marbles that depict scenes from life in Athens.
Image by: History Extra

The British diplomat Lord Elgin took several antique Greek marble sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural elements from the Parthenon in Athens at the beginning of the 19th century. The statues date back to the 5th century BC and depict various scenes from Greek mythology and everyday life in ancient Athens.

The taking of the Elgin Marbles has been controversial and debated for many years. Greece has long called for their repatriation, arguing that they are vital to the country’s cultural heritage.

The Sultanganj Buddha 

The Sultanganj Buddha kept in the British Museum.
Image by: BBC UK

This Buddha bronze statue dates back to the 6th or 7th century CE. It was discovered in the Sultanganj region of Bihar, India, in the 1860s. The statue was taken by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham and sent to the British Museum in London. The statue, which is over two meters tall and weighs about a ton, is one of the earliest representations of the Buddha in human form.

India has repeatedly requested the return of the Sultanganj Buddha. Still, the British Museum has refused to repatriate it, citing the statue’s cultural significance to British history. 

Final Word

The looting of historical artifacts by the British Empire has had a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of colonized countries. The ongoing movement towards repatriation is an essential step towards addressing this legacy and restoring colonized peoples’ dignity and cultural heritage. It is our collective responsibility to acknowledge the past wrongs of colonialism and take action toward repairing the damage that has been done.

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How Did Ancient Greece Begin: A Historical Exploration

The birthplace of Western civilization, Ancient Greece, has profoundly impacted our modern world. The influence of ancient Greece can be seen in all spheres of life, from politics to philosophy and literature to art. However, how did Ancient Greece begin? What led to the development of this impressive civilization? We will look at the history of ancient Greece and its origins in this article.

The Neolithic Period: Small Communities and Early Trade

Picture showing Greece in the Neolithic Period.
Image by: History

Greece’s earliest recorded civilization dates to the Neolithic era, roughly 7000 BC. At this time, most Greeks were farmers and herders who lived in modest, autonomous communities. They used essential tools of stone and bone to construct their mud-brick and thatch homes.

These communities started trading with one another over time, exchanging goods like food, clothing, and pottery. As a result, larger settlements and specialized occupations were developed along with more complex societies. 

The Emergence of the Minoan Civilization on Crete

A building in the Minoan Civilization in Ancient Greece.
Image by: Local Histories

The Minoan civilization first appeared in Crete around 2000 BC. It grew up to be one of the most significant in the Mediterranean. The Minoans were adept merchants and navigators who developed writing, art, and architecture system.

Like the well-known Palace of Knossos, their palaces were enormous, intricate buildings that housed the ruling class and artisans, farmers, and traders. The Minoans were renowned for their devotion to a goddess known as the “Mistress of Animals,” which included practices like handling snakes and bulls.

Unfortunately, the Minoan civilization was wiped out around 1600 BC by a devastating volcanic eruption on the nearby island of Thera.

The Mycenaean Civilization: Warriors and Artisans

A stone carving depicting warriors in the Mycenaean Civilization.
Image by: World History Encyclopedia

Around 1600 BC, a warrior culture known as the Mycenaeans appeared on the Greek mainland. They were renowned for their solid fortified palaces, including the well-known Lion Gate at Mycenae. The Mycenaeans were expert craftspeople who made elaborate gold jewelry, pottery, and weapons. Their religion was based on worshiping a pantheon of goddesses, such as Zeus, Hera, and Athena. 

The Greek Dark Ages: Collapse and Fragmentation

A picture of the Dorian Wars in Ancient Greece.
Image by: Tales of Times Forgotten

Around 1200 BC, the Mycenaean civilization was on its rise. However, a combination of factors, including invasions by foreign powers and internal unrest, ultimately led to its extinction. The Mycenaean society fell apart during this time, referred to as the Greek Dark Ages, and Greece was divided into many tiny, independent city-states.

The Greeks developed their distinct culture and identity based on shared language, history, and mythology during the Dark Ages. They also created their alphabet, which would eventually serve as the model for the current Western alphabet. They also produced literature, including Homer’s epic poems, which would have a long-lasting impact on Western literature.

The Rise of the City-States: Athens, Sparta, and Corinth

A map showing the major city-states of Ancient Greece.
Image by: Study.com

In the 8th century BC, the Greeks began to emerge from the Dark Ages and develop more complex societies. They established city-states, known as polis, independent political entities with their governments, laws, and customs. The most famous of these city-states were Athens, Sparta, and Corinth.

The Persian Wars: Uniting Against External Threats

A painting of the Battle of Salamis during the Persian Wars.
Image by: Encyclopedia Britannica

Between 492 and 449 BCE, a series of battles known as the Persian Wars took place between Greek city-states and the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. The conflicts started when Darius I, the Persian emperor, sought to extend his realm into Greece. This effort resulted in the invasion of the Greek city of Eretria and the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE.

A coalition of city-states led by Athens and Sparta repelled the Persian forces at the Battle of Plataea in 479 BCE, proving that the Greeks could not be easily defeated. The Persian Wars brought the city-states together to face a common external threat, making them a turning point in ancient Greece’s history.

The Legacy of Ancient Greece

A painting to signify the legacy of Ancient Greece.

Many facets of contemporary Western culture bear traces of ancient Greece. Greeks were innovators in philosophy, science, and math, and their concepts still impact how we view the world today. Greeks were expert sculptors and builders who produced some of history’s most recognizable monuments, including the Parthenon in Athens and the Zeus statue at Olympia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ancient Greece first emerged in the Neolithic era, when tiny, autonomous communities started trading. These groups eventually evolved into the city-states that were the hallmark of ancient Greece and more advanced societies like the Minoans and Mycenaeans. Despite their differences, the city-states shared a common history and culture, and many aspects of contemporary Western culture bear witness to this legacy. The fascinating history of ancient Greece is replete with victories, setbacks, and lasting contributions that still impact the world today.

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Fascinating Facts about Indus Valley Civilization

From roughly 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest and most developed ancient societies. It was mostly in what is now Pakistan and India, northwest of the Indian peninsula. Many interesting facts about the Indus valley civilization, including a rich cultural legacy, are still being studied today.

So, what is unique about the Indus Valley Civilization? The following information sheds light on this intriguing old civilization.

Advanced Urban Planning and Architecture

A picture of the ruins of the Indus Valley civillisation.
Image by: Cultural India

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were two of the Indus Valley Civilization’s largest and most important cities. They were distinguished by their cutting-edge urban design and construction. The buildings were made of baked brick with flat roofs, and the streets were grid-like.  

One of the interesting facts about Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro was that they had sophisticated drainage systems, proving the civilization’s superior engineering abilities. Additionally, there were public restrooms and wells with pure water for drinking and bathing.

Sophisticated Writing System

The writing system used by the Indus Valley Civilization has yet to be understood entirely. The characters are thought to symbolize words or ideas, but their exact meaning is still unknown. “The Indus Script: Texts, Concordance, and Tables” by Asko Parpola and Iravatham Mahadevan provides a comprehensive analysis of the Indus script and includes a catalog of all known inscriptions, as well as tables and concordances for studying the writing.

Thanks to recent technological developments, the script can now be examined more closely. 

Advanced Agriculture

A stone carving showing agriculture in the Indus Valley Civilization.
Image by: Research Gate

One of the first societies in history to engage in extensive agricultural production was the Indus Valley Civilization. The area was perfect for farming due to its rich soil and regular monsoon rainfall. The inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization were expert cultivators and possessed an advanced irrigation system. 

Based on archeological evidence, it is believed that the Indus valley civilization used the crop rotation method. This preserved soil fertility and stopped the spread of pests and illnesses.

Trade and Commerce

A painting depicting the town plan in Indus Valley Civilization.
Image by: Financial Express

Trade in commodities like cotton, gold, and precious stones took place all over the Indus Valley Civilization, which had an intricate system of commerce and business. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were significant commercial hubs, and it has been discovered that they traded with Mesopotamia and other cultures. This demonstrates the highly developed economic capabilities of this civilization’s inhabitants.

Artistic Achievements

A stamp made during the Indus Valley Civilization.
Image by: ClearIAS

The Indus Valley Civilization was renowned for its intricate and beautiful pottery, often featuring geometric patterns and animal motifs. This civilization’s inhabitants also produced a wide range of other works of art, such as sculptures, jewelry, and stamps. 

The Indus Valley Civilization is best known for its seals, made of steatite, a soft stone that was easy to carve. These seals were used for various purposes, including marking property and goods, and were often decorated with intricate designs and inscriptions. This civilization’s artistic accomplishments are proof of its people’s talent and ingenuity.

Peaceful Society

A picture showing the Indus Valley Civilization as seen today.
Image by: Ancient Origins

Archeologists believe the Indus Valley Civilization was peaceful, with few signs of warfare or strife. In comparison, other prehistoric societies, including the Egyptians and the Mesopotamians, were renowned for their military prowess. 

According to archeological evidence, the Indus Valley Civilization constituted a highly organized government with a central authority that supervised the management of cities and towns. This might have lessened conflicts between various communities and organizations.

Decline and Disappearance

The present-day state of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Image by: NewsClick

Around 1900 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilization declined and eventually vanished. According to some hypotheses, ecological factors or climate change may have had an impact. Some believe the Indus Valley Civilization may have been invaded or conquered by outside forces, such as the Aryans, who are believed to have migrated into the region around 1500 BCE. 

Some scholars have suggested that the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization may have resulted from internal factors, such as political instability or economic decline, rather than external factors. 

Conclusion

To sum up, the Indus Valley culture was a remarkable development in human culture. Its sophisticated writing system, advanced agriculture, and artistic accomplishments are examples of its advanced municipal planning, creativity, and skill. The Indus Valley Civilization’s influence is still seen in contemporary Indian society, despite its decline and disappearance. Learning about this prehistoric society and the mysteries that persist about this civilization is incredibly intriguing.

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The Story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, Who Survived Multiple Nuclear Attacks

One of the most unique and sad tales of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings is of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who experienced both bombings and lived to tell the story. His terrifying encounters provide a window into the atrocities of nuclear conflict and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unfathomable suffering.

Early Life and Career

A picture of Tsutomu in his youth.
Image by: India Times

Tsutomu Yamaguchi was born in Nagasaki, Japan, on March 16, 1916. He belonged to a simple, rural Japanese family. Yamaguchi was a gifted student who thrived in the classroom. Later, he pursued his engineering degree at Tokyo’s Waseda University.

One of the pictures of the legendary Tsutomu Yamaguchi.
Image by: Wikipedia

Yamaguchi returned to Nagasaki after receiving his degree and started working for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, one of the country’s most prominent businesses. He was responsible for working at the company’s shipyard in Hiroshima, where he witnessed the detonation of the first atomic weapon.

Hiroshima Bombing

The devastating after-effects in Hiroshima after the nuclear bombing.
Image by: The National WWII Museum

Yamaguchi visited Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, as part of a tour for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. He had just completed a meeting when he noticed a bright flash in the sky while returning to his hotel. In an interview with The Guardian, he subsequently described the incident as follows:

“I saw a light, a bright light, and I heard a noise, a really loud noise, like the sound of a big explosion. I was thrown into the air, and everything went dark.”

Yamaguchi was only three kilometers from the explosion’s core when it occurred. He had extensive burns all over his body, debris in his head, and other serious wounds. Despite his injuries, he returned to his hotel and spent the night in agony.

Yamaguchi found a train the following day and returned to Nagasaki, where he got medical attention for his wounds. 

Nagasaki Bombing

Aftermath of the Nagasaki bombing which left the area in ruins.
Image by: GBH

Despite his injuries, Yamaguchi returned to work at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries just days after the Hiroshima bombing. He was determined to help his country get back on its feet. However, fate had other plans for him.

On August 9, 1945, just three days after the Hiroshima incident, Yamaguchi was at work in Nagasaki when he heard the whistling sound of an incoming bomb. He immediately recognized the sound and realized that a second atomic attack was about to happen.

Yamaguchi narrated the bombardment of Nagasaki in his own words:

“Suddenly, the sky went black, and there was a tremendous noise. I felt myself being thrown into the air again, and when I looked up, I saw a mushroom cloud forming over the city.”

This time, Yamaguchi was just two kilometers from the explosion’s core. Once more, he was severely hurt, his body covered in burns and scars. He spent hours under the debris before being freed and brought to the hospital.

The Aftermath of the Bombing

The destruction caused by the bombing attacks.
Image by: All that’s Interesting

Yamaguchi resisted telling others his story in the years directly following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He battled to cope with the trauma of his experiences and was plagued by survivor’s guilt, like many other bomb survivors.

In Japan, there was a widespread belief that survivors of the bombings carried a greater risk of health problems and genetic defects. Many survivors faced discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas of life as a result.

Anti-Nuclear War Activism

A news article related to Tsutomu Yamaguchi.
Image by: Facebook

Yamaguchi started talking about his encounters publicly decades later, in the 1950s. In 2005, Yamaguchi discussed his initial reluctance to share his tale in an interview with The Guardian. He said:

“At first, I did not want to talk about it, even to my family. I did not want to relive the memories of that terrible day. But as I grew older, I realized that it was my duty to tell my story, to bear witness to what happened.”

To raise awareness of the horrors of nuclear war and the necessity of striving for a peaceful world, he shared his story in several interviews, including those with the New York Times and the BBC. 

In 2006, he gave a speech and spread his message of peace in the United Nations. The Japanese government honored Yamaguchi with the Order of the Rising Sun in 2009 for his anti-nuclear activism. 

Death and Legacy

Old age picture of Yamaguchi.
Image by: Cultural News

Tsutomu Yamaguchi lived a long life after surviving the two atomic bomb attacks, and he passed away on January 4, 2010, at 93 from stomach cancer.

In the years following his death, numerous people and groups have continued Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s legacy. The “Tsutomu Yamaguchi Legacy of Hope Foundation,” founded in 2015 to foster peace, education, and cultural exchange, is among the most well-known.

In addition to the foundation, many other people and organizations worldwide have continued Yamaguchi’s legacy. His life has been the topic of books, documentaries, and other media. His support for disarmament and peace motivates people to work toward a more fair and peaceful world.

Conclusion

Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s survival of both atomic bombings is a powerful reminder of the human cost of nuclear war and the importance of peace. His life serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. He said, “I don’t want anyone else ever to experience what I experienced. I don’t want anyone to suffer the way I suffered.”

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History of Gambling in Ancient Greece

Ancient gambling

People love gambling – it gives them excitement and a chance to test their luck. It’s not hard to believe these games have been around forever. Ancient Greece is the first place we discover traces of gambling games on European land, dating back to the 7th century B.C.

Fascinating History of the Games Played in Ancient Greece

Ancient literature shows records of Greeks playing dice and other luck-based games. They also used to bet on animal fights (dogs, chickens, and other birds).

Let’s find more about the kind of games people in ancient greece used to play! 

Heads and Tails

One of the most famous games of that time is Heads and Tails. Before the introduction of coins, the game was played with shells, and people would bet on the outcome of whichever side came upwards.

Chequers

Although they called it ‘Tilia’ back then, ancient Greeks also played chequers. The game was also known as ‘The Game of 12 lines’ in ancient Rome. 

Pitch and Toss

Another popular game in the era was Pitch and Toss. The players would throw coins to a wall and see whose coin landed the farthest. The winner used to collect all the coins from the loser.

Dice games

Dice games were also widely popular in that time period. Ancient Greeks used objects like animal bones and clay dice. Not unlike modern-day dice games, rolling the same numbers in a single throw was considered a win. They called it ‘the throw of Aphrodite.’

Par Impar Ludere

Perhaps the easiest yet trickiest game was Par Impar Ludere. One person would hold a handful of small objects while the other guessed whether the number was odd or even.

Gambling in Greek Gods

Playing a game with such high risks, people often invoke their Gods or Lucks for help. Ancient Greeks weren’t much different. Prior to participating in a match, Greeks called Hermes, the God of gambling, hazard, earning, and gaming. Being extremely religious, they considered a single throw of dice to be ‘in God’s lap.’ Interestingly, people still call upon Hermes before a game.

Gambling in ancient Greece was also entertainment for the Gods. There is evidence that the Greek Gods gambled themselves. Key figures from Greek mythology, Hermes and Pan, are renowned for participating in gambling. There are myths about Gods Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus playing a game of straws to split the Universe amongst themselves.

In a renowned vase painted by Ezekias, Greek heroes Ajax and Achilles can be seen playing a game of dice during the Trojan War.

The Morality of Gambling Amongst Greeks

There was a split opinion on gambling in the early Greeks. Scholars and philosophers were highly opposed to the idea. Some went to the extent of calling it a plague, corrupting society. 

When it became out of control, the Government had to step in to take measures to discourage the act. The Greeks also had designated places to gamble. However, these places were mainly hidden as they were deemed shameful.

On the other hand, gambling is rampant in Greek literature, artwork, and historical pieces. The famous Greek poet, Homer, is known for supporting gambling. The practice can be seen as the theme in many of his works. Many sources tell that ancient Greeks settled disputes by way of gambling. It was also considered leisure and a common pastime among people.

Modern-day Gambling in Greece

Fast forward to today, gambling is legal in Greece, and casinos can be found close to big cities and popular resorts. Like other casinos around the world, Greek casinos offer gambling with luxurious accommodations and sports facilities. Modern-day casinos are much more refined, where players can bet in comfort and have a good time.

The Greek’s oldest casino, built in 1928, is located at Loutraki, a beach town on the Gulf of Corinth. Greece’s most famous casino, Mont Parnes Regency Casino of Athens, is known for its stylish ways of modern-day gambling and was built in the 1960s.

Though permitted, gambling in Greece is strictly under state control. Online gambling has also been approved since 2012.

Final Word

Whether good or bad, gambling is integral to today’s society. Though people have mixed views on the act, the link between gambling’s origin and ancient Greek civilization can’t be denied.

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Big History

What we know about Monkeypox so far.

Monkeypox virus.

There is not much we know about Monkeypox so far, but the infection is already causing panic worldwide among humans who are still enduring the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic . The infection is sporadic, and you don’t get to hear of it every day, month, or year. Therefore, when the first case was detected in the United Kingdom a few weeks ago, medics, health organizations, and governments issued alerts to the general public urging them to protect themselves.

To some relief, The World Health Organization’s top monkeypox expert said she doesn’t expect the hundreds of cases reported to turn into another pandemic but called for vigilance due to the infection’s many unknowns, including its spreading rate.

Symptoms & Transmission

The viral infection occurs in both humans and animals. It spreads from person to person through close contact such as touching clothing or the bedding of human beings. People can also catch the infection from infected animals by getting bitten or scratched by them, eating them, touching their body fluids, or any object they have contaminated.

The infection manifests a week or two after exposure with fever and a few other nonspecific symptoms. The symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, chills, and feeling tired. Usually, there are swollen lymph nodes around the ears, jaws, and neck. A rash also appears, forming blisters around the mouth, face, and genitals.

History

Monkeypox was first identified in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, and the first human case was not until 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United States recorded an outbreak in 2003 where 47 people were confirmed to have caught monkeypox. WHO team reported 338 confirmed cases and 33 deaths in DRC between 1981 and 1986. Data on monkeypox has often been incomplete and unconfirmed, which has hindered accurate reporting of the number of cases globally.

an image of a money
Monkeypox was first identified in monkeys in a laboratory in 1958.

While currently there is no monkeypox vaccine, vaccination against smallpox which is closely related to monkeypox, has been shown to protect people against infections. According to data from Prevention Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the smallpox vaccine could prevent the onset of monkeypox if administered within four days of exposure.

Prevention

According to CDC, there are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with the monkeypox virus, which include:

  • Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
  • Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick animal.
  • Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
  • Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Monkey Pox

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6 Amazing Video Games About Ancient Japan

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Ancient japan video games

Beyond anime and manga, video games set in ancient Japan are excellent expressions of the rich Japanese culture. They can change the way you learn about the history of Japan, the important figures involved, and its scenic ancient landscapes. You can also relive some of the most popular Japanese folklores while you sit behind a screen with your console!

If you haven’t yet paid this country a visit, playing a video game set in old Japan is a great way to start your first journey! This article puts together 6 video games about ancient Japan that offer you a chance to travel back to the time of feudal samurai and ninjas!  

Total War Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai

Photo by MobyGames

Ever imagined how life would look like as a clan leader in ancient Japan?  Prepare to enter the period of warring Sengoku with the Fall of Samurai! Released in 2012, this PC game is centered around the age of growing clan culture in Japan, so you can expect several clan wars your way. As a clan leader, you will find yourself reclaiming your Japanese clan’s power and taking control of Kyoto. Get ready to intervene in an interesting period of Japan!

Ōkami

Photo by Ninetendo

It is time to become the hero of a story inspired by Japanese mythology! Playing Ōkami promises an incredible experience of classical Japan for the users. Players wander around the streets of ancient Japan as the goddess of the sun – Amaterasu.

The video game has a compelling narrative with a creative folklore twist. If Japanese legends were challenging to memorize in class, this video game would be a turning point for you. More than just a game, it is a learning experience about Japanese spiritual practices, legends, and myths! This action-adventure game was released in 2006 and is available on Play Station 2,3,4, Wii, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Picture by Den of Geek

Ghost of Tsushima

Picture by Den of Geek

Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best games to play if you are interested in some ancient roleplaying. As Jin, you take up the role of the protagonist who is on the mission to save his village. Set during the first Mongol invasion, the game has several one-on-one combats. While you roam around the feudal Japanese countryside, you will also encounter many historical landmarks. This game is highly cinematic, with special attention paid to the setting details. This is your chance to participate in ancient battles happening in ancient Japan! This 2020 release streams on Play Station 4 and 5.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Picture by WCCFtech

If you have heard about ninjas in books, it is time you take up the character of a ninja yourself! Travel back to the years between 1467 and 1615 in Japan with Shadows Die Twice. This game lets you step into the shoes of a Shinobi who is on the quest for revenge. Not only that, but you also get to experience the brutalities and turmoil encapsulating the late 1500’s Sengoku Japan. While the game is mostly centered around head-to-head combats and ninja abilities, the setting and story are also a great chance to get a taste of Japanese Buddhism! Shadows Die Twice was released in 2019 for Win, PS4, and Xbox One, while it started streaming on Stadia by late 2020.

Way of the Samurai

Picture by DFGames

Samurai were some of the key figures in Japanese history. This goes back to their role as exceptional warriors and their impact on Japanese culture and heritage to date. As you play Way of the Samurai, you will be on the frontline of the period between the fall of Tokugawa Shogunate and the rise of Meiji. This game does not only depict the traditional street culture of ancient Japan but also gives a heads up for how the military class evolved. This video game is all about exploration, side-quests, and mini-games where players get to decide how the narrative concludes! This made its way into the market in 2002 and is available on Play Station and Play Station portable.

Tenchu

Picture by The world of news

Experience what it is like to walk around a reimagined 16th century Japan with Tenchu. This video game provides an exciting adventure of directly encountering assassinations. However, this is no ordinary assassination game since you will be handed all the ninja moves and powers on your journey. This stealth game lets you experiment with Japanese weapons and tools to spy for Lord Gohda. Put on your ninja masks because you are about to get teleported to the time of ancient Japanese Ninja clans! The latest Tenchu release was in 2009. You can experience this marvelous game streaming on PlayStation 2, Xbox, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, and Wii.

Conclusion

These video games are not only action-packed but also serve as great lessons about Japan’s historical geography and the fascinating civilizations that inhabited it. By reliving characters of different Samurai, warriors, and ninjas, players learn about the evolution of Japanese heritage. These games also incorporate detailed settings to make the experience of walking around ancient Japan as realistic as possible. Turns out you can travel to ancient Japan from the comfort of your sofa!

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Historical Movies: Best Non-US Patriotic Movies

Outlaw King by History Adventures
Outlaw King - best non-us patriotic movies
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk relives the suspense rescue of joint British and French forces from the Nazis in the last allied pocket in 1940 Dunkirk, France.

Admit it, watching historical movies gives you a realistic depiction of what could have happened in the past. With a taste of drama, action, adventure, or even satire and comedy, films with historical references are extraordinary. In a world of modern cinematographic themes and storylines, why not discover the wonders of historical movies?

As the CoVID-19 Pandemic continues to lock you down at home, you might be running out of movies to watch with your streaming apps. Luckily, we prepared a list of some of the must-watch historical films you should add to your interests.

1.)   BRAVEHEART

Directed by one of the legendary Hollywood actors and directors, Mel Gibson plays the role of Scottish national hero and warrior William Wallace. Whether you are Scottish or not, historical movies like Braveheart sends a highly inspiring feeling that triggers an uncontainable sense of patriotism. The story is set in 14th Century Great Britain during the reign of King Edward I Longshanks (played by Patrick McGoohan) and his rather insane heir, Edward, The Prince of Wales (Peter Hanly).

The elder Edward’s reign succumbs to several major crises against the Scots of the north due to his radical campaign of expanding England’s reaches to Scotland, Wealas (Wales), and Hibernia (Ireland). William Wallace, son of an executed Scottish noble, resorted to rioting after his newly wedded wife, Murron MacClannough, was killed by English soldiers. Such an act will eventually spark the Scottish War for Independence.

From the title itself, Braveheart sends a triggering feed to the hearts of its watchers. The sad reality of the Medieval Age’s gruesome daily life also tells you more about the Scots’ conditions under the tyrannic rule of Edward Longshanks. The Braveheart of Mel Gibson’s William Wallace will witness love, triumph, loss, and death.

2.)   OUTLAW KING

Directed by David MacKenzie, his 2016 film Hell or High Water was nominated for Best Picture Oscar (Mackenzie himself should also be selected for the director). Starring Chris Pine as the Scottish King Robert the Bruce, which is known for his exemplary performance in Hell or High Water. Outlaw King tells the gripping story of persistent rebellion, betrayal and love in adversity.

Outlaw King is one of those historical movies which revolves around the Post-Wallace period —after the brutal execution of Scotland’s Braveheart, who was hanged, drawn, and quartered. One of Wallace’s accomplices, Robert the Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce (and it goes on…)  played by Chris Pine, resumes the Scottish War for Independence after dissenting against the old and imbecile King Edward Longshanks. Bruce and his people faces the struggle of trying to topple the world’s greatest military force and most brutal overlord—England.

You can think of Outlaw King as a sequel to Braveheart, with some overlap between the beginning of the new Mackenzie film and the ending of the 23-year-old best picture winner Mel Gibson. Both films take love as the axis, and historical events and actions revolve around it. The protagonists are unwilling to participate in the war. Still, they are driven by a sense of justice and a higher sense of mission, from King Robert de Brus’ multiple epic battle sequences, mud, blood and internal organs deep in the knees.

3.)   DUNKIRK

One of the renowned award-winning director Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, Dunkirk, sends you back to the height of Germany’s invasion of France and western Europe in 1940. Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” project subtly reversed the family trilogy: land, sea and air. Nolan discussed the week of fighting during World War II from May 26 to June 4, 1940, and the efforts to rescue the British and French forces in these three parts gave the time frame for each piece.

Therefore, the film has leapt in time, and every action clue is advancing irregularly until these three clues form the film’s apparent conclusion. It successfully retreated more than 300,000 soldiers (of which about three-thirds). The second is British, and the other is British soldier). -The third French) from Dunkirk, France, across the English Channel to England. Of course, retaining this fighting force is crucial to preserving Britain and the result of the war; retreat is a failure to help ensure victory.

Nolan’s construction turns a step forward into a mosaic, breaking the sense of unifying the arc of drama in a series of observing anecdotes, isolated events and isolated confrontations. It highlights individual bravery and heroic behaviors, which depend on the infinite details of choices and opportunities, while general historical events depend on these details. By separating the three intermediate lines and the field of action, Nolan hints at the seemingly miraculous synergy of uncertainty, uncertainty, quasi-metaphysical randomness, and the different events that make up the result.

4.)   OPERATION FINALE

In 1960, Mossad agents arrested Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, and Eichmann was extradited to Israel, where he will be tried next year, in the story of Chris Weitz (Chris Weitz) dramatizes the new film “The Finale” in the style of a thriller. The film is cleverly divided into three parts: action, backstory and teaching elements. They are intertwined throughout the film, but each provides a unique emotion and triggers different ideas; they can also be other movies.

The protagonist Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac), is a young agent who first appeared in Austria in 1954. He was wrong: to hunt down another Nazi, he killed an innocent person. His boss Isser Harel (Lior Raz), did not deny this fault, but he still has confidence in Peter and made him a key figure in the team that went to Argentina to search for and kidnap Eichmann. Eichmann’s (Ben Kingsley) arrest asked him not to scream or try to escape, so Dr Hannah Regoff (Melanie Laurent) also appeared to calm him down. But Hannah also turned out to be Peter’s predecessor, and he wanted to restart their relationship.

The backstory includes scenes from the massacre, depicting the murder of Peter’s sister Fruma (Rita Pauls) and her young son, and shows Eichmann as a commander or at least an overseer A scene from the massacre in which Jews were forced to enter a well, were forced to dig and were then shot dead by a group of Nazi troops. Weitz’s cinematic imagination cannot cope with these unbearable, almost inexpressible horrors. The film’s main plot is to get Eichmann (who lives in Argentina under the pseudonym Ricardo Clement) from incarceration in Israel.

5.)   THE RESISTANCE BANKER

Based on a true story, the Dutch Netflix original Resistance Banker is a slow and suffocating tense movie. Driven by gritty realism and an accurate representation of the Nazi-occupied countries, Resistance Banker is an impressive film worth watching, even if its rhythm makes it no longer a fascinating movie. The background of THE RESISTANCE BANKER is the troubled World War II and the Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

The story tells the banker Walraven Van Hall (Barry Azma) at a critical moment of World War II who decided to fund the Dutch resistance to the Nazis. With the help of their brother Gis van Hall (Jacob De Wig), the two began to transfer money from the bank to the hands of the resistance movement to stop the German war machine. Of course, things are not inevitably that simple. What follows is an organized game of cat and mouse because the resistance movement tries to frustrate the Nazis because they find out what they are doing while finding out if there are any discoveries. Try not to find spies in the middle.

“Wally” began working in the French resistance long before the Nazis invaded France and secretly formed an alliance with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, helping to save the lives of thousands of war orphans. Under the guise of a charitable fund, Walraven van Hall helped Dutch sailors stranded abroad due to the war to launder money for their shadow bank. Like many Dutch historical movies, it tells a story worth knowing about the little-known heroes of WWII.

These are just five (5) of the best nationalistic historical movies. Just in case you have exhausted your movie list after watching these remarkable films, watch out for our next blog! Get ready to know about the five (5) highest-grossing historical series!

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Big History History

Congratulations! It’s… Mother’s Day

Anna Jarvis - Founder of Modern Day Mother's Day.

Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated worldwide to celebrate motherhood. In the modern form, it originated in the United States and is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Many other countries also mark this day as the celebration of Mother’s Day while some countries mark its observance at other times of the year. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was established by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official holiday in 1914.  In 2021, Mother’s Day landed on May 9th, the second Sunday of the month.

The Great Greek Goddess, Rhea.

However, the origin of Mother’s Day dates back to ancient times when festivals were held to honor mother goddesses. For example, the Greeks held a festival to honor their great goddess Rhea, while the Phrygians held a ceremony for Cybele, The Great Mother of Gods. Some cultures still continue to host such festivals, for example, Durga-pooja in India is still celebrated to honor the great goddess Durja. Thus the history of Mother’s Day stems from these historic practices from thousands of years ago.

The Indian Goddess, Durja, who is still celebrated through Durja-pooja.
Categories
Big History History

The Real Story Behind Let Them Eat Cake!

Marie Antoinette says let them eat cake
Marie Antoinette, let them eat cake!

“Let them eat cake” is a phrase famously attributed to Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France during the French Revolution. At some point in 1789, after being told that the French population was facing a bread shortage, because of the poor crop harvest and the rodents, and as a result, was starving, Marie Antoinette replied with “let them eat cake!” Cake, obviously being a more expensive item than bread just went on to show how out of touch she was with her subjects. With this callous remark, the Queen became a hated symbol of the monarchy which fueled the French revolution and ultimately led to her (literally) losing her head a few years later.

Let Them Eat Cake
Source: nation.com.pk

However, the question still remains: did the much-beloved French monarch actually occur those words? For starters the literal translation of the phrase from French to English is inaccurate. Marie Antoinette is said to have said “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” which literally translates to let them eat Brioche. While Brioche is a buttery, sweet french breakfast bread much more expensive than a basic Baguette, it is no multi icing layered gateaux one imagines.  However, this still doesn’t change the fact that it showed how arrogant and out-of-touch the French Queen was from her subjects. Now the matter of whether Marie Antoinette actually occurred those words come to question. Well according to historians she did not! Lady Antonia Fraser, the author of a biography of the French queen, believes the quote would have been highly uncharacteristic of Marie-Antoinette. She states Marie Antoinette was a sensible woman who despite her lavish lifestyle showed sensitivity to her subjects. But keeping that aside, this quote has been circulating since before 1789 and was told in a slightly different form about Marie-Thérèse, the Spanish princess who married King Louis XIV in 1660. She allegedly said that the French people eat la croûte de pâté” (or the crust of the pâté). This story first appeared in philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau “Confessions” in 1766, when Marie Antoinette was just 10 years old! Thus, whoever occurred those words was definitely not Marie Antoinette.