Category: History Adventures

History of Gambling in Ancient Greece

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date November 20, 2022

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.

Tags Ancient Greek gambling, Ancient Greek leisure activities, Gambling in ancient civilizations, Gambling in Ancient Greece, Greek mythology and gambling, Sports betting in Ancient Greece

Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

6 Best Games About Ancient Rome

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date October 16, 2022

If a period or setting in history has the most potential to be turned into video games, it’s ancient Rome. Due to the extensive historical documents describing the fantastic people, locations, and traditions of a civilization that lasted over 1,500 years, Rome is one of the most fascinating ancient societies.

The fall of Rome was one of Europe’s most tumultuous periods, and since Roman civilization influenced so many countries, it has captivated people’s interest for ages. There are numerous Rome-inspired books, movies, games, and even fashion!

For now, let’s focus on the best games about Ancient Rome. This best demonstrates how playing and learning may be combined in minutes.

1. Rome: Total War

Game Release Year: 2004

Historical Period: 270 BC to 14 AD

With its outstanding campaign and addicting core gameplay, Rome: Total War is a real treat for any enthusiast of the Roman era. Most people didn’t think it was feasible to combine real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay, but Creative Assembly did it. Rome: Total War was the first of several games that combined many characters on the screen, allowing players to combat the army against a single console.

The game depicts the peak and last centuries of the Republican period and the initial years of Ancient Rome’s imperial era. At first, the user assumes charge of one of three Roman dynasties, with other non-Roman clans becoming available later.

It gives a thorough understanding of the Roman army’s structure and how the Romans controlled the inhabitants of towns and cities. It also requires the player to think clearly and sensibly to become the Roman Empire’s Ruler. This is what makes it one of the best games about Ancient Rome.

2. Ryse: Son of Rome

Game Release Year: 2013

Historical Period: 54-68 AD

Ryse: Son of Rome is based in Ancient Rome during Nero’s reign, a fascinating period in the empire’s history. While the majority of the game takes place far outside Rome, in Britannia, on the outskirts of the empire, we get a fair look at numerous historical facts and personalities along the way.

The personalities are not a hundred percent historically correct but are inspired by actual events. These include Nero: Rome’s emperor, warrior queen Boudica, Commodus and Basillius: children of Nero and Damocles amongst many others! With a surprisingly sophisticated combat system, players will engage in large-scale conflicts and gladiatorial clashes in the field.

3. Age of Decadence

Game Release Year: 2015

Historical Period: 395 AD Fall of the Roman Empire

The game is set in a world based on the collapse of the Roman Empire. Age of Decadence has a sophisticated turn-based combat system and a rich conversation and decision system that has a significant impact on how the world evolves around them.

As they engage in Roman politics and betrayals, gamers get to build their own identity. It’s also one of the few games that give you complete control over your character. You’ll be in Rome. As a politician, your job will be to keep Rome from breaking apart by avoiding hostile attacks. In essence, gamers must aid in the recovery of this civilization. However, because the narrative is set during the fall of the Roman Empire, there is no happy ending.

4. Shadow of Rome

Game Release Year: 2005

Historical Period: 48 BC

The storyline is a dramatized account of Julius Caesar’s assassination, centering on two main characters that the player will assume the role of. The first is Agrippa, a warrior whose father is suspected of murdering Caesar and is condemned to combat in gladiatorial theaters. The second is Octavianus, who embarks to prove Agrippa’s father’s righteousness.

In summary, it’s a wonderful chance to witness and participate in the Roman lifestyle. Players appreciate this old Roman game, which they see as both inventive and beautiful.

5. Assassin’s Creed: Origins

Game Release Year: 2017

Historical Period: 49-43 BC

The player assumes Bayek, a Medjay, and Aya, his wife, as they fight to defend the people of the Ptolemaic Empire during a period of massive uprisings. The Pharaoh, Ptolemy XIII, battles to preserve his authority while harboring desires to extend his kingdom.

Even though the game is centered in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, gamers will still engage with historical personalities such as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Pompey Magnus, Brutus, Lucius Septimus, and others from Rome’s past.

6. Grand Ages: Rome

Game Release Year: 2009

Historical Period: 60-53 BC

Grand Ages: Rome is an empire-building and real-time strategy game set during the last period of the Roman Republic. The game depicts actual past events, such as the slave rebellion headed by Spartacus, a former gladiator, and allows players to choose between Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus.

Players are entrusted with accomplishing missions and establishing a reputation as leaders and politicians. Players must keep the population happy by providing adequate food, religion, and amusement. When players struggle to meet the requirements of their people, crime and sickness may develop, and houses may be abandoned.

The list of best games about Ancient Rome does not end here. It is to get you started. These games not only allow you to get a taste of the Roman culture through characters and settings but also puts you in their shoes. This is because history is not only about learning what happened in the past. You also need to contemplate what could have happened and the possible consequences of those events. This is what these games allow you to do!

Tags Ancient Rome Games, history adventures, History Video Games, historyeducation

History History Adventures Learning Materials

Beauty Hacks Used by Women in Ancient Egypt

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date September 17, 2022

Makeup may appear to be a modern phenomenon but contrary to popular belief, cosmetics were also considered essential in ancient days. You may have heard Cleopatra’s – the great Egyptian Queen’s name in discussions related to makeup!

Ancient Egyptians were highly self-conscious about their appearance. In fact, they were so meticulous that they insisted on being well-dressed even after death. The different items discovered during explorations have unveiled these nuances of ancient Egyptian beauty practices.

In this blog post, we will discuss ancient Egypt’s beauty secrets and their importance in the respective era.

Why was makeup important in ancient Egypt?

It is no secret that ancient Egyptians were beauty-obsessed individuals. You will never see a picture of that time without the person laden with heavy makeup. Both men and women cared about how they looked and engaged in various rituals and practices to boost it.

One of the most interesting facts about ancient Egyptian makeup is how Egyptians at that time used makeup for more than just accentuating their beauty. Irrespective of gender, everyone used to use several cosmetics on their face and massage them all over it to safeguard it from the harsh weather and the heat.

Lastly, they also felt hygiene was vital to the body and that taking care of one’s physique was a symbol of dignity.

Beauty Secrets of Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians had particular routines and products that helped them maintain their beauty and protect their skin!

Makeup

Men and women used kohl to enhance their inherent attractiveness. Even now women feel using kohl or eyeliners results in big, beautiful eyes just like how you might have seen in Ancient Egyptian historical art. Aside from beauty, the broad kohl line over the eyes shielded the eyes from the desert sun’s harsh glare and had antibacterial effects.

Image from Vice

Lipsticks were created by combining vegetable oil with ochre and, in some instances, squashed beetles. The result was a beautiful color that made them feel pretty and protected their lips from getting parched and dry.

However, ancient Egyptian beauty secrets like these caused more harm than benefit. It is said that these products were highly poisonous and posed risks of diseases and even death.

Exfoliation and Hydration

Ancient Egyptians did not put on makeup directly on their face. Instead, they would first exfoliate using Dead Sea salts. This would eliminate contaminants and provide a smoother base for any product application.

To further hydrate their skin, they took long milk baths and used coffee scrubs. Coffee scrub for the skin relieves inflammation, enhances blood flow, eliminates dead skin cells, reduces puffiness, enhances skin tone and texture, and gives the skin a youthful glow.

Image from Pinterest

They also applied body oils made from almonds, castor oil and even flowers to protect and shield themselves from the harsh climate.

Waxing

Beauty for Ancient Egyptians wasn’t only about makeup. Because they prioritized hygiene and self-care, they considered hair unclean and uncivilized. Women waxed using a sugar, lemon, and water combination to eliminate hair and maintain smooth skin. This hack has been reinvented as ‘sugaring’ in modern times and is considered quite popular.

Masks

Honey and milk are considered essential components for any home made mask today. This stems from ancient Egyptian beauty secrets. Milk has lactic acid that hydrates and exfoliates the skin. Egyptians combined milk and honey to make face masks that kept their skin healthy and shiny.

Image from Mind Body Green

Eye bags

Egyptians used avocado slices to reduce puffiness beneath their eyes. This nutrient-dense fruit can help with more than just swollen eyes.

It also aids in:

the removal of dark circles and eye bags
the reduction of wrinkles, and
the reduction of fine lines.

Image from Free Pik

Nails and Eyebrows

Egyptians used henna, a coloring agent, to color their nails yellowish-orange. This is more common in asian culture today but is astonishing where the idea originated from. In addition to leaving a dye behind, it promotes growth and is a natural conditioner. Because it provides a cooling effect after application, it was often utilized as a cooling agent in hot weather.

Image from Pinterest

Ancient Egyptians preferred black and prominent brows which is now back in fashion. Previously they filled their eyebrows with burned almonds using the charred nuts as vitamin E-filled eyebrow liners.

Diet

Egyptians’ eating choices also reflected their fascination with beauty. They devoured dates in massive quantities as they have antioxidants, protein, and fiber. They are a fantastic energy source and provide various health advantages.

Image from Pinterest

Final Word

Ancient Egyptians exhibited their expertise and interest in maintaining their body. They understood and practiced the concept of healthy body care, leaving behind many beauty hacks still used today.

Tags Ancient Egypt BeautyHacks, Ancient Egypt Women, history, historyeducation

History History Adventures Learning Materials

9 Significant Historical Moments that Shaped Our Modern World

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date May 22, 2022

There are countless examples of important historical moments that changed the world we live in today. Some occurrences inspired movements that transformed the world and wars that gave birth to new nations.

Choosing the most significant event in history is a subjective task by default. These instances are too numerous to list and difficult to compare throughout history.

We picked the events with the most significant far-reaching influence, even if it wasn’t necessarily the most renowned event in a particular year.

Industrial Revolution 1760

In the 18th century, new industrial advances enabled civilizations to concentrate, specialize, and flourish, resulting in the first Industrial Revolution. The first American factory was founded in 1790 by Samuel Slater.

The creation of machine-driven industries sparked a wave of urbanization, increasing global trade, social unrest, new sources of income, and new forms of authority. It changed the way people thought about labor and professions and social welfare and what it meant to make a livelihood.

The outbreak of World War I, 1914

On the 28th of June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip. Following the First World War, there was a greater appreciation for women’s contributions to society. Several countries granted women the right to vote.

There was also a larger recognition of the role of the working class, which had battled in the war and now wished for a more peaceful future.

Russian Revolution 1917

The Bolshevik revolution, headed by Lenin, brought in a radically different type of government with global ramifications in October 1917. The Soviet Union changed the Russian people’s lives by bringing economic progress. However, this came at the cost of political oppression. The Soviet Union’s ideology also resulted in a long-running Cold War, an ideological division between western democracy and Soviet Communism.

Stock Market Crash 1929

Following the stock market surge of the 1920s, Wall Street stock prices plummeted in October 1929. This resulted in a long-term drop in share price, which triggered the worldwide Great Depression. Unemployment in the United States has risen to 25%, while global output and commerce have also decreased. The poverty and a sense of isolation that followed fueled the rise of political extremes throughout the world.

World War II 1939

Hitler took control of Poland on September 1, 1939, while France and Britain attacked Germany two days later, starting World War II. The destruction was practically unmeasurable: casualties were estimated to be between 70 and 85 million.

The end of World War II signaled the start of a new era for the global market. International trade began to increase again under the rule of a rising superpower, the United States of America and was supported by technology from the Second Industrial Revolution.

Foundation of United Nations 1945

The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945. Its mission was to avert conflict and organize philanthropic operations to alleviate poverty, enforce civil treaties, and safeguard the environment. Despite its inability to stop hostility on several occasions, the establishment is considered a historical moment in history. The United Nations remains an essential international platform, with the United Nations Charter guaranteeing fundamental rights and liberties without difference or bias.

Hiroshima Attack 1945

Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s atomic bombing by the US in 1945 was one of the major historical events that changed the world. The Japanese surrendered due to the destruction, putting a stop to a long and costly Pacific conflict. Japan’s capitulation was once considered impossible. The atomic bomb, on the other hand, expedited Japan’s defeat.

The atomic bomb had far-reaching consequences that went beyond the conclusion of WWII. It demonstrated the destruction that a third global war could bring to the rest of the world. Even today, Hiroshima’s impact and the prospect of nuclear war loom large worldwide.

9/11 Terrorist Attacks 2001

In November 2001, 19 terrorists killed over 3,000 people in the greatest attack on American territory since the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor in 1941. The incident significantly impacted American foreign policy and was a driving force behind the contentious Iraq invasion.

Covid Pandemic 2019

Covid-19, a new virus, was discovered in China in late 2019 and, to date, remains the most significant event in human history. People were restricted to their residences, and offices were shut down due to substantial worldwide ‘lockdowns.’

Despite travel limitations, the virus spread to every country across the globe. The lockdown severely harmed the world economy, which resulted in a high increase in unemployment and a drop in the production of goods and services.

You must check out Global Pandemic: Plague of Athens to help make sense of global pandemics!

Tags history adventures, historyeducation, historymaterial

History History Adventures Learning Materials

Games Based on Important Historical Events: Learning the Smart Way

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date February 15, 2022

Learning Games | History Adventures

Video games based on important historical events take you back in time, ensuring that you fall in love with the subject! Historical video games allow players to become active participants in some of the most pivotal periods in human history. Unlike history textbooks, these games provide enormous experiences that cannot be matched by written content. Here are some of the video games based on important historical events that bring history to life!

1. The Oregon Trail

Game Release Year: 1971

Historical Time Period: 1846–1869

The Oregon Trail is a famous computer game intended to teach youngsters about the hard realities of pioneer life on the Oregon Trail. In The Oregon Trail, players will assume a wagon commander attempting to cross the legendary Trail.

They’ll start in Independence, Missouri, and conclude in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. The game depicts how different classes could travel the Oregon Trail, with a banker having more money and hence more resources than a farmer. It was not uncommon for a group member to become ill and die, and this is no exception in the game.

The fear of wild Native Americans was exaggerated in the imaginations of actual travelers, and this was replicated in the computer game characters. Native Americans would emerge out of nowhere in the game to attack the travelers.

2. Victoria II

Game Release Year: 2010

Historical Time Period: 1836–1936

The Industrial Revolution is more than just a transition from agriculture to industry. The Industrial Revolution sparked a boom in literacy and complex concepts like communism, labor laws, and universal suffrage. Victoria II allows gamers to experience the entire revolution.

Victoria II has a greater focus on internal control than on warfare. This is a massive geopolitical simulation in which you assume command of any state you choose at the start of the Victorian era in 1836 and govern it in real-time for the next century.

It will take the gamers on a virtual visit back in time where they will learn the historical events and take decisions that will help them visualize possible historical alternatives.

3. Genghis Khan II

Game Release Year: 1992

Historical Time Period: 1184 AD – 1274 AD

Genghis Khan II is a turn-based grand strategy game featuring tactical and strategic phases. The strategy phase focuses on state-building, economic improvement, and diplomacy, while the tactics phase focuses on turn-based warfare between various forces.

There are four time periods covered in the game. Starting from the conquest of Mongolia, the transformation of Genghis Khan, the birth of the Yuan Dynasty to the conquest of the world. Aside from Genghis Khan, gamers can choose from various leaders from surrounding regions in North Africa, Asia, and even Europe.

4. Battlefield Germany

Game Release Year: 1987

Historical Time Period: 1955–1991

Battlefield Germany is a strategic video game with turn-based gameplay. The game takes place in a hypothetical scenario in which powers of NATO and the Warsaw Pact engage a military conflict across Europe, focusing on West and East Germany.

Based on whatever party was selected, the gamer will enter the play on either side of Europe. When playing as NATO, the primary goal is to keep Soviet forces pinned down long enough for American assistance to come. When fighting as the Warsaw Pact, however, the goal is to eliminate all NATO troops. The game allows the player to view both sides of a significant historical event which is an integral part of any history lesson.

5. 1979 Revolution: Black Friday

Game Release Year: 2016

Historical Time Period: 1978 (Iranian Revolution)

1979 Revolution: Black Friday allows gamers to see the upheavals through the eyes of a photographer who is witnessing the Iranian Revolution. Throughout the game, the player makes timed responses that determine the plot’s fate.

The game developers took hundreds of interviews with Iranians who experienced the revolution. Gamers may get history education through authentic pictures and audio recordings, in addition to picking their own journey in the game to find alternative narratives. By the end of the game, it feels like you experienced the Iranian revolution firsthand.

6. Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Game Release Year: 2014

Historical Time Period: 1914 (World War I)

Valiant Hearts is a riveting and eye-opening story of the numerous hardships people endured during the Great War. Valiant Hearts is, at its core, a puzzle game set against the backdrop of a gripping tale. In this game, four characters assist a German soldier in finding his true love.

Valiant Hearts is a unique game. It encompasses a magnificent experience that will warm your heart while also educating you about history. Collectibles from World War I are scattered throughout each level, and locating them reveals detailed descriptions of the object. Each level is organized by a useful chronology and events overview, and each page provides more historical knowledge, statistics, and critical events from WWI.

7. The Saboteur

Game Release Year: 2009

Historical Time Period: 1940 (World War II)

The player plays Sean Devlin the Saboteur, a street-tough Irish car racer stuck behind enemy territory in Nazi-occupied France in the 1940s. Sean battles through expansive Paris, slipping into the core of Nazi activities and disrupting their every move, driven by personal vengeance.

This game is unlike any other historical simulation of World War II. Instead of playing the game through the eyes of a soldier, you get to be a spy. Sean Devlin, the protagonist, is modeled on William Grover-Williams’ true story. While the Nazis took his life, his legacy helped lay the groundwork for France’s independence.

These games based on significant historical events aren’t experiences that will offer you a completely accurate representation of a historical period, but they will give you a sense of the era’s settings, culture, politics, military, and other aspects. These games have created a fantastic experience based on a solid historical foundation.

It’s just enough to give you a sense of critical historical events and lure you towards history. Once you develop a budding interest in the subject, you can explore the era or the personality that inspired you the most!

Tags historical events games, history adventures, History Video Games, historyeducation, learning video games

Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

Best Video Games About Old West: Take a Trip to the Past

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date January 15, 2022

Video games have evolved into one of the most effective means of transporting oneself to other worlds and timelines. If you love cowboys, you must have imagined yourself decked with the signature cowboy hat and leather boots, sitting on the back of a horse. Unfortunately, it took some time for video games about Old West to catch up.

Western video games are highly influenced by the cowboy media that came before them. Westerns were one of the most prominent cinema genres in the 1950s and 1960s. After a period of decline in the 1970s and 1980s, they resurfaced in the early 1990s. Around the same timeframe, western-themed games began to appear in arcades and on home consoles.

The modest West is an essential part of American identity. You must have heard about popular TV shows like Westworld and movies like Unforgiven. When the gaming developers chose to take on the responsibility of recreating the American West into our lives, they were under a lot of pressure to succeed. Fortunately, a few of them have completely grasped what it means to be a cowboy.

1. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is an action-adventure game. While it has an unrelated narrative from its prequels, it is set in Wild West-like them. The entire concept and execution are brilliant, and the game makes excellent use of the historical context by seamlessly integrating it into the gameplay. You’ll have a blast shooting your way through Silas Greaves’ fascinating narrative and bringing down famous thieves along the way.

In fact, it’s Gunslinger’s narration that really stands out. Enemies, locations, and even time can alter right in front of your eyes as the levels mold themselves around the presented story. All of this adds up to an unexpected, extremely fun, and distinctive combat in Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.

2. Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is, without a doubt, one of the best video games about the old West. It is set around the start of the twentieth century when the unregulated and unpredictable badlands gave way to the government’s growing reach and the development of the Industrial Era.

Red Dead Redemption tells the narrative of former bandit John Marston and leads players on a grand adventure through the American wilderness. Players will face the intensity of gunfights and skirmishes, encounter a diverse cast of people, and combat the severity of one of the world’s few surviving wildernesses along the journey.

Red Dead Redemption is the only game that has taken a passionate and powerful approach to the era. The game not only depicts a previous world but also helps the player think about current events. It’s a must-play for everyone who enjoys the genre or good action adventures overall. Imagine if Red Dead Redemption was such a masterpiece, its successor Red Dead Redemption 2, must have really blown everyone away!

3. Gun

Until games like Red Dead Redemption were released that effectively mastered the western genre, videogames like Gun aimed to do the same thing only a generation before. Gun is a bold game set in the untamed West of the late-1800s. In an epic narrative of betrayal, greed, and vengeance, players journey across an action-packed wilderness setting, deserts, and busy towns.

You will get to participate in various side quests to improve your gun-slinging and horseback riding skills. Players can discover secret weapons and improve talents and abilities to increase the performance of their weaponry. With such refined gameplay, the only thing to complain about was that it could have been longer!

4. Hard West

When a terrible sequence of affairs pushes one man onto a road of supernatural disaster and wrath, he must chase down all those who have mistreated him. You have to fight and survive in 8 different story-based situations, as well as over 40 uniquely created turn-based combat operations with your own team of 1-4 people.

Characters are engaging, the visuals are fantastic, and the soundtrack is impressive in the Hard West. It is one of the most entertaining videogames of the old West, thanks to its excellent portrayal of history and the implications of your actions.

5. Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

Desperados is a western-style game of strategic and tactical performance. In this character-based game, you’re recruited to hunt the bandits guilty for a train heist in the early Western frontier and must lead Cooper and his gang through 25 stages.

You are responsible for invading an enemy base, rescuing a team member, or fleeing an attack. What is there to complain about with striking visuals, realistic locations, and fascinating and unique characters? Nothing at all! Desperados 2 Cooper’s revenge is a direct sequel to the previous game and is also surely worth checking out!

6. Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath

The game puts you in the position of The Stranger, a mysterious and dreaded bounty hunter. Stranger hunts and captures criminals throughout the game to receive rewards. The final aim is to gather enough moolah (in-game currency) to fund a mystery life-saving surgery.

Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is a science fiction game largely influenced by western films. It is genuinely creative in its gameplay execution. With its beautiful and finely created masterwork, it provides a gaming experience unlike any other.

Tags best historical video games, History Lessons, History Video Games, kIds games, Old West Games

History History Adventures

3 BEST HISTORICAL SERIES ON NETFLIX —Medieval Edition

Post author By admin
Post date January 5, 2022

It’s been more than 500 days since the quarantine started and you might be running out of series to watch. You have been searching all day-long looking for the best historical series on Netflix. Luckily, History Adventures just picked the best ones for you!

1.) VIKINGS (6 Seasons)

If you are into historical action and drama that dates back to the eerie Dark Ages, Vikings is the perfect historical series for you. With about 6 seasons and nearly 700 episodes, it may save you from your cabin sickness after being stuck for more than half a year at home due to the CoVID-19 Pandemic; indeed one of the best historical series on Netflix you should watch. You will know about the saga of the Legendary Viking Sea-King Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and the rise of Nordic dominance during the late 8^th to early 10^th Century.

This Number One series in our list of best historical series on Netflix starts during the mid-8^th Century at the hinterlands of present-day Estonia where Ragnar and his brother Rollo (Clive Standen) together with their Viking fisherfolk claim their rites of passage around the freezing North Sea. Victory, betrayal, and mystique will cover Ragnar’s life as he reach for his aspirations in sending his people from Kattegat to a fertile land where they can farm and kickstart a new Nordic civilization.

Vikings is the television adaptation of the Icelandic Saga “Ragnarr Lothbrok” which narrates the heroic reputation of a Viking fisherman-turned-warrior that shook the medieval world by his unparalleled leadership and military abilities. Will the gods be with him? Find out as you discover Ragnar’s life, before, during, and after his triumphs in our list of best historical series on Netflix topnotcher.

2.) The Last Kingdom (5 Seasons)

Another best historical series on Netflix you should watch is The Last Kingdom. Like Vikings, The Last Kingdom is set during the legendary reign of King Alfred the Great (David Dawson) and the invasion of the second wave of the Great Heathen Army led by Viking earls Ragnar Ragnarsson (Tobias Santelmann), Eobba Ragnarsson (Rune Temte), and Guthrum the Unlucky (Thomas Gabrielsson). It revolves around the life of an orphan kid, Osbert son of Uhtred (Alexander Draymon) the Aelderman (Heir) of Bebbanburh (Present-day Bamburgh, Scotland) and his pursuit of his unbeknownst destiny during the darkest times in Medieval English History. He will then be renamed as Uhtred, in honor of his valiant father who died during the Viking invasion of Eoforwic (present-day York, England), before being kidnapped and orphaned by Ragnar Ragnarsson.

Uhtred, now Ragnarsson, lives his life that is full of bloodlust, romance, and deceit, and will know the true value of his God and the country he is fighting for. Will his Anglo-Saxon blood fight for the cause of Alfred’s ailing and wavering Kingdom of Wessex? Or will his Viking childhood lead him back to his adoptive Nordic loved ones?

The Last Kingdom is the television adaptation of Bernard Cromwell’s “The Saxon Stories” which narrates the legendary adventures of a fictional Saxon hero named Uhtred. Although historically, Uhtred son of Uhtred is associated with a true-to-life Saxon hero that fought for the Bamburgh Castle during Sweyn Forbeard’s Danish reign and invasion of Northumbria—although they differ with their respective timelines. Will Uhtred find his purpose? “Destiny is all”.

3.) Knightfall (2 Seasons)

Haven’t had enough of the list of the best historical series on Netflix yet? Why not check out History Channel’s “Knightfall”? Set during the glorious reign of King Philip the Fair (Ed Stoppard) during the aftermath of the Crusades (14th Century) and the decrease of papal influence around Europe under the controversial leadership of Pope Boniface VIII (Jim Carter), fictional knight and Siege of Acre hero Landry du Lauzon (Tom Cullen) will have his faith tested as he becomes the new Master of the Paris Temple of the Knights of the Order of the Temple of Solomon—famously known as the “Knights Templar”.

Landry’s Christian faith and his worldly desires will lead to his hell of a life as he tries to reach his heavenly aspirations. Celibacy, heresy, and treason will play tug for Landry’s endeavors before the historical fateful end of the Knights Templar in Friday, 13^th October, 1307 at the infamous stake. Will Landry carry on the horrors and short-lived triumphs of the Holy Land crusades or will his fate excommunicate him from his beloved Church and Templar brothers?

History Channel released Knightfall last 2017 and has 2 seasons so far. With 10 episodes each season, this, including the aforementioned two other series might fill your quarantine watchlist. Landry can only be victorious over his foes as he fights for God and win, “By the Grace of God”.

So, that’s 3 of the best historical movies on Netflix: Medieval Edition. Continue to visit our blog as you discover more interesting history-related content, including the best historical movies on Netflix: 20^th Century Edition!

Tags best historical series on Netflix

History History Adventures Learning Materials

The 6 Best WWII Video Games History Lovers Will Want to Play

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date December 15, 2021

As countries fought it out and countless people were killed, World War II altered the path of history forever. History lovers are generally fascinated by the incidents and conflicts during this period, and they want to study more about it. And is there a better way to learn than WWII video games?

Video games bring a World War II simulation for everyone, whether you like the gritty realism of a bombing mission, the complexity of combat preparation, the excitement of an aerial duel, or the profound solidarity of a group of men.

Some games focus on this period and strive to be historically accurate. They all have different perspectives on the conflict, but they’ll all provide you with plenty of information. The following are among the finest World War II games ever made.

1. Wolfenstein

Wolfenstein 3D is a must-have for any list of the finest World War II games. Not only did the game pioneer the first-person shooter genre, but it also addressed the unsettling topic of Nazi occultism and allowed players to fight a ferocious robot-Hitler.

“What if the Nazis had won World War II?” is by far the most often posed alternate history question, and with good reason. In 2014, Wolfenstein: The New Order was released, giving you a chance to experience that alternate reality. You get to assume the character of William Blazkowicz, a former soldier who joined up with a resistance movement to topple Nazi rule and build a new order.

2. Call of Duty WWII

The return of Call of Duty to WWII is a startling fast-paced twist on the traditional setting. It has an excellent story, a terrific new multiplayer option, and a crazier, richer version of Nazi Zombies, among many other improvements.

Expect to be blown away by the graphic quality. It offers the campaign an almost cinematic polish, whether it’s the ring that plays every time you load a gun or the uncompromising pixels that give every texture and setting their proper depth. Sure, you’ve seen and played these World War II conflicts in video games before, but they’ve never looked this realistic.

3. Company of Heroes

Company of Heroes is a WWII role-playing game with two factions to choose from. Players must seize critical resource sectors scattered around the globe to construct base facilities, generate new units, and destroy their opponents.

It is a real-time strategy game with a rich, complex single-player story and a thrilling, furious multiplayer mode. It has the distinction of being the top authentic strategy game ever, with Company of Heroes 2 receiving much of the same appreciation as its predecessor. With such attention to detail, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the greatest WW2 PC games.

4. Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad

The game allows the user to participate in one of history’s most horrific conflicts. Red Orchestra 2 concentrates on the Battle of Stalingrad and the associated activities. The game contains everything from fast, violent firefights to more sophisticated and demanding tactical scenarios.

Warriors can be killed instantly with a well-aimed shot, gun sights must be tuned in by hand per the target range, and real-world ballistics are utilized to calculate bullet drop at vast distances. Everybody fantasizes about being a hero if they were forced into a battle. Red Orchestra 2 deserves praise for quickly debunking such an idea.

5. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

You get to assume the role of Sgt. Matt Baker, a real-life soldier of the 101st Airborne Division. Each chapter and all of the locales are modeled on Baker’s platoon’s authentic operations. You’ll earn items like pictures and reconnaissance photos as you complete each mission, showing how closely the game’s stages reflect what Baker’s unit faced during the war.

Brothers in Arms delivers a one-of-a-kind gaming experience by combining the most outstanding features of squad-based shooters with the flexibility of a more action-oriented videogame. Brothers in Arms is one of the greatest World War II games, thanks to its well-designed and well-thought-out multiplayer component.

6. Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond

You will take on the role of an agent working for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which strives to be historically accurate. Its single-player narrative and Survival modes are entertaining, and they provide a unique opportunity to see classic World War 2 events recreated in virtual reality.

Gamers go through various stressful encounters in the game, whether they’re on the land tossing explosives, fighting airborne, or even at sea. This is a game worth checking out if you have suitable VR gear. There are many more games in the collection, and every game you experience from this franchise will leave you speechless.

Tags history adventures, History Games, WW2 Video Games

History History Adventures Learning Materials

Learn About the Best History Video Games Through the Years: Part 1

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date November 15, 2021

Contrary to popular belief, children don’t need to be wasting time when they spend hours on their laptops or consoles. The video games based in historical times make the children learn a lot by playing them. So the children get to do what they love while staying educational!

Most people consider history to be not so interesting. Here at History Adventures, we ensure that it is anything but that! We make exploring history exciting and adventurous. What better way to do that than play video games while expanding your historic arena?

As video gaming evolved into a multibillion-dollar market, historians have started to recognize the significance of video games as valid historical materials. However, this did happen over a long period. As time passed, video games also changed. Here are examples of the best history video games through the years!

The Oregon Trail 1985

The first set of instructional video games on the market began with The Oregon Trail on the Apple II by (MECC). It was created to educate kids about the reality of pioneer life on the Oregon Trail in the nineteenth century. If you attended middle school in the 1980s, you’d undoubtedly recall The Oregon Route.

In the videogame, the player takes on the role of a wagon captain leading a group of immigrants via covered wagon from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 1848. While playing, it provides plenty of interesting facts about the real-life path.

Since there are so many possibilities, such as picking your wagon leader’s occupation and taking alternative routes, you may play the game several times before becoming bored of the terrain.

Crusader Kings 2004

Crusader Kings may transport players to the early Middle Ages, but the design emphasis remains firmly on actual history. While casual players may be overwhelmed, you will enjoy Crusader Kings’ close attention to detail and enormous grandeur if you are a history buff.

Crusader Kings is a dynasty simulation that centers on a character whose primary objective is to build and develop their kingdom. The player must manage their dynasty’s familial, financial, tactical, political, and religious matters over four centuries in this game.

The Crusader Kings series is set mainly in Europe during the Middle Ages. History’s most significant figures, including William the Conqueror, Ivar the Boneless, and Genghis Khan, have appeared in the series.

Europa Universalis 4 (2013)

Released in 2013, Europa Universalis tops any gamer’s list. This is mainly because of how it has been designed to start historically with real-time occurrences. The players can control a nation from the Late Middle Ages through the early modern period (1444 to 1821 AD) in this strategy game.

The game is a dynamic map of the world split into provinces that make up countries. You must rule a country by striking a balance between warfare, politics, and finances. You are supposed to do this by making decisions as the ruler of their country and allocating the resources available.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2018

Warhorse Studios’ Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a role-playing action game. The emphasis throughout the match was on authenticity. The small ways Warhorse conveys the illusion of living in the Late Middle Ages show best in its narrative of struggle and betrayal.

It is based in the ancient Kingdom of Bohemia. This Imperial State of the Holy Roman Empire was also known as the Czech Kingdom. Despite the game’s enormous open world, the creators ensured that the landscape was populated with factually authentic weaponry, personalities, and structures.

To stay healthy, players must feed, drink, and rest. Moreover, with time, weapons, clothes, and perishable food degrade, so be careful about that!

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla 2020

The Assassins Creed franchise has brought gamers to a few of history’s most iconic times. From Renaissance Italy in the fifteenth century through the American Revolution in the 1700s to Classical Egypt’s Ptolemaic era.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a game situated in 872–878 AD, released in 2020. It covers the time during the Viking invasions of the British Isles, shown through a fiction that you will surely enjoy. Valhalla does a fantastic job presenting people, ideas, and themes while challenging us to figure out how Eivor, the protagonist, relates to them.

You will get to assume command of Eivor Varinsdottir: a Viking warrior caught up in a decades-old struggle between the Assassin Brotherhood, who battle for harmony and freedom, and the Templar Order, who desires peace through power.

In the words of James Paul Gee

If you’re still not persuaded that games can help you learn history, consider what the ‘godfather’ of Game-Based Learning (GBL) has to say. James Paul Gee is well-versed in the subject, due to his extensive academic study on efficient learning approaches via video games.

For today’s youngsters, James Paul Gee presents a compelling argument for the connection between video games and education. He claims that the new literacy that emerges from gaming fosters skill mastery, responsibility, and command, all of which may be easily applied to wider educational goals.

Tags history adventures, History Video Games

Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

Assassin’s Creed Games: Making History Lessons Fun

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date October 30, 2021

Photo by AlphaCoders

If you thought time travel was a farfetched possibility, you might be interested to see how you can experience something like it in your history class. Ever since the release of Assassin’s Creed in 2007, the video game has become more of an interactive history resource than just a game. You can travel back as far as the time of Alexandria or find yourself in the streets of Victorian London. With its variety of historical settings, characters and, detailed simulations, Assassin’s Creed is in fact a historical playground!

This article will evaluate and rank the Assassin’s Creed series in order of their historical engagement. Along with the game itself, the recent introduction of the Discovery feature lets you explore 75 guided tours ranging from 5-25 minutes. Gear up to experience history with one of the most popular action-adventure games!

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)

Photo by Ubisoft

This 2010 release is one of the most historically accurate Assassin’s Creed games. It gives you the chance to explore the Rome of 1499 with brilliantly detailed settings! This is the first chapter where Ezio travels to Rome, and the game is centered around dealing with Cesare Borgia. While you learn about Borgia’s fight for power in history books, Brotherhood lets you meet him and experience his temperament!

Assassin’s Creed III (2012)

Photo by G Style Magzine

Assassin’s Creed III sits next in line as the most engaging game come history lesson. This time, you are taken back to the historical marker of the American Revolution. Participate in the turmoil looming around Northern American in the late 1700s and meet the important figures firsthand! Beyond just reading the names of people like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, this game offers you the chance to interact with them. As the game lets you scramble through old America, find yourself eliminating the colonial Templars and scheme against the assassinators of George Washington. You are at the front line of history!

Assassin’s Creed (2007)

Photo by Ubisoft

The first edition of the series teaches history through an interesting mix of history and science fiction. Experience the Third Crusade with Desmond Miles. As you walk through The Holy Land, the assassins in this game take a neutral position with no strong side. In the quest for an artifact, the game provides a compelling narrative of the ancestors in the Third Crusades.

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (2014)

Photo by Ubisoft

Imagine Napoleon Bonaparte before he became the iconic general of his time! Unity provides a memorable experience of the events of the French Revolution. French Revolution was easily one of the turning points witnessed by the world. The game follows after Abstergo commercializes the Animus technology, so users can expect a reliving of the history of technology and entertainment. Ubisoft also managed to put forth a detailed replica of notable buildings like Notre Dame. Walk around France as you experience the political turmoil and differing ideas punctuating the French Revolution!

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

Photo by Ubisoft

Travel back in the time of Pirates with Black Flag! Pirates are undoubtedly one of the most interesting historical characters. Black Flag does a great job at depicting the age of pirates as users control Edward Kenway. As you play Black Flag, you are bound to put on your pirate hats since you will be navigating hugs maps, sailing in all directions, and unraveling the case between Templars within the British and Spanish empires!

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey (2018)

Photo by Ubisoft

Prepare to indulge in the longest game of the series with Odyssey! Going farther than the Egyptian times is a challenging task, but Odyssey makes a great attempt at depicting that world. Relive the years between 431-422 and witness the Peloponnesian War. As the game puts you in the shoes of a sellsword, you get to decide how the narrative in Greece unfolds.

Learning Through the Discovery Tours

Photo by Ubisoft

The introduction of Discovery Tours makes the Assassin’s Creed series a perfect fit for history lessons. With voice-over guides and details, the tours encapsulate everything from routine tasks to monuments and various settlers. Along with action adventures, you can also perform tasks like inscribing scrolls and kneading bread! The tours are made incredibly interactive with a variety of avatars to choose from.

Conclusion

It is evident that tons of historical research have gone into the creation of the series. They are changing the way history is learned and experienced in classrooms. The open worlds and historical timelines are splendidly depicted in every game. While each chapter does vary in terms of historical accuracy, you can expect to absorb plenty of facts and events as you enjoy playing the game!

Tags Assassin's Creed Games, History Video Games