Category: Learning Materials

10 Fascinating Facts about the Byzantine Empire

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date July 23, 2022

Originating in 330 A.D., the Byzantine Empire was a huge and strong civilization. The empire was established 1000 years ago on the Eastern side of the Great Roman Empire and thrived to become the most dominant and prosperous until Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II conquered it in 1453 A.D.

The Byzantine Empire was a center of education and was renowned for its writing, folk art, and architecture. With all the significance of the Byzantine empire, there are a lot of topics one can talk about.

Image from Smart History

In this blog post, we will discuss some fascinating facts about the Byzantine Empire.

1. Byzantine Empire was not always called Byzantine

Byzantines referred to themselves as “Romans.” It took a long time after the fall of the Empire for the phrase “Byzantine Empire” to be coined.

Byzantine Empire is the name used by contemporary historians to separate the state from the western region of the Roman Empire. The name is a reference to Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine Empire, which was established in Byzantium.

2. The Byzantines had a bizarre way of fighting political battles

Instead of holding elections, presidential candidates went to great lengths to see who could physically inflict the greatest pain on their opponents to prevent them from coming their way.

They would settle political rivalries by blinding, amputating, or any other form of mutilation that would render the person futile for leadership. Some even opted for castration as it was believed to be the greatest punishment and would deprive the person of a potential heir.

Image from Wikipedia

3. Chariot Racing was huge back in the day

The popularity of chariot racing is among the many interesting facts about Byzantine Empire. The risk of fatality was quite great as the chariot Racers ran the risk of being pulled behind their horses and killed.

Image from Quora

The thrills, carnage, and potential gambling winnings appear to draw people to racing. Most of these charioteers were slaves, but winning a race might win them as much as 15 bags of gold.

4. Adulterers and those with the knowledge of adultery were punished

Emperor Leo III implemented rules governing close relationships as part of the legal system changes he oversaw. During Leo’s rule, a married man who engaged in adultery received 12 lashes as punishment in addition to a fine. An unmarried man found fornicating would get six lashes.

According to some sources, those involved in adultery would have their noses cut off, while those who knew the sin would be flogged.

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5. The Byzantines were the first to use the Greek Fire

The origin of Greek fire in 672 AD is one of the most fascinating facts about the Byzantine Empire. Large siphons set on the prows of the Byzantine ships were used to pump the substance onto opposing ships and men. It would ignite once it came in contact with seawater, and extinguishing it required tremendous effort.

Throughout the seventh, eighth, and tenth centuries, Byzantium was repeatedly protected by this substance against Arab and Russian invasions.

Image from Wikipedia

6. Constantinople’s fall due to cannons

One piece of military hardware, known as the cannon, bears a significant portion of the blame for how Constantinople itself fell after a 53-day siege in 1453 AD.

The gun launched cannonballs that weighed around half a ton. It destroyed defenses that had been in place for thousands of years. A single weapon has destroyed the formidable fortifications of the formerly impregnable city.

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7. The rise of the Orthodox Church

The Greek-speaking church in Byzantium acquired significant liturgical variations from the Catholic, Latin-speaking church in the West throughout the ages, even though it was virtually always a Christian nation. The Eastern Orthodox Church in the Byzantine East and the Roman Catholic Church in the West are two distinct streams of Christianity that resulted from this “Great Schism.”

8. The Byzantines were the first to try rosemary

The Byzantines were the first people to cook using saffron and rosemary to flavor roasted lamb. These aromatics, which were well-known in antiquity, had not previously been considered to be culinary components.

The Byzantines were also the first to enjoy eggplant, lemons, and oranges, which were mainly unfamiliar to ancient Europeans.

Image from Britannica

9. Most of the ancient literature was saved by the Byzantine Empire

Byzantine intellectuals who upheld the old traditions of literature and learning rescued the majority of the philosophical writings of thinkers like Aristotle and Plato and the historical manuscripts of Greece and Rome. The Byzantines brought back works lost in the West for many years.

Image from Khan Academy

10. The Byzantines expanded our range of jams

The Greeks and Romans have known jams since ancient times. Still, additional jellies based on pears, citrons, and lemons throughout the Byzantine Empire also appeared. The expanding sugar supply aided the confectioner’s innovation.

Conclusion

Image from Britannica Kids

The Byzantine Empire produced a rich tradition of art and learning and acted as a military barrier between the states. We mentioned some of the fascinating facts about the Byzantine Empire that people might still not be aware of, although it lasted for more than a thousand years.

Tags education, empires, history, historyeducation

History Learning Materials

American Celebrities Who Served in World War 2

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date June 29, 2022

We have all seen hundreds of movies related to war and active combat. Rather than honoring these films that represent the military or conflict, we’re honoring the cinema stars who have served their nation in the real world.

World War Two gripped the masses like no other conflict before or after. Artists were employed by several countries, particularly the United States, to gain support for the war. Some stars even left the safety of Hollywood to fight on the field.

Here are a few examples of some of the most famous American celebrities who served in World War 2!

Jimmy Stewart

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Jimmy Stewart was the first member of Hollywood to join the war operation. His father had taken part in World War I, and it is assumed that perhaps it was because of his family’s long military heritage that he decided to accept the risk.

James Stewart, who enlisted in the US Air Force in 1941, first took part in recruitment operations that included radio engagements and propaganda videos. Eventually, he piloted and directed several bombing flights over Nazi-occupied Germany and Europe. Stewart stayed in the Air Force Reserve after the war, eventually attaining the position of brigadier general.

Audrey Hepburn

Image by Vogue India

Audrey Hepburn spent the war years in occupied Holland, where her uncle was killed for resisting the Nazi takeover, and her half-brother was transported to a German labor camp. She aided the Dutch Resistance by doing covert live shows to generate funds and transporting information and goods.

Paul Newman

Image by Britannica

After graduating from high school in 1943, Paul Newman got enlisted in the US Navy and worked on aircraft carriers in the Pacific theatre as a radio operator and turret gunner. Newman was assigned to Barbers Point, Hawaii, in 1944 to serve as a substitute pilot for torpedo bomber units.

Newman received the following medals after being honorably discharged in 1946:

American Area Campaign medal
The Good Conduct Medal, and
World War II Victory medal.

Alec Guinness

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In 1939, the acclaimed British actor joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, putting his successful stage career on hold. In July 1943, he was a key figure in the Allied invasion of Sicily. Guinness spearheaded a landing craft carrying almost 200 British soldiers into the shores of Sicily. Subsequently, he transported guns and ammunition to Yugoslav fighters in the eastern Mediterranean.

Kirk Douglas

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Kirk Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch and brought up as Izzy Demsky. He changed his name to Kirk Douglas immediately before enlisting in the US Navy in 1941.

Kirk Douglas was first rejected from the US Air Force after failing his psychiatric exam. Douglas did not get disheartened by the setback and immediately volunteered in the US Navy. He was admitted despite his impaired vision.

In 1944, he was medically discharged owing to battle injuries as a communications officer in anti-submarine combat.

Clark Gable

Image by Wikipedia

Clark Gable enrolled in the US Army Air Forces after the loss of his wife, Carole Lombard, the first American female battle victim of Wartime. Gable was posted in England and completed five combat missions as an observer-gunner despite joining at the age of 43 after starring in a recruiting film.

Gable returned to America at the end of 1943 to finish his picture, Combat America. Due to his age, he was upgraded to major the next year and was finally discharged from active service on June 12, 1944.

Adolf Hitler was said to be a major Clark Gable admirer who had promised a large prize to anybody who could capture the star alive and bring him back to Germany.

Morgan Freeman

Image by Wikipedia

Even though his service was not prominent, Morgan made it to the list as he is one of the most renowned celebrities. Morgan Freeman turned down a Jackson State University acting scholarship because he wanted to be a pilot. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1955, but after an experience of battle in training, he concluded that this was not the field for him. He then went into the less risky field of filmmaking.

Elvis Presley

Image by Britannica

The American singer Elvis Presley joined the United States Army for two years in 1958. He was largely recognized as a popular single in the entertainment industry at the time of his enrollment.

Presley’s music had aroused national fury before he joined the army. Many parents, religious leaders, and educators cheered his enlistment in the military. His management convinced Presley to serve as a regular soldier despite being allowed to enroll in Special Services and reside in priority accommodation. This gained him the admiration of many of his colleagues and Americans who had previously held a wrong opinion of him.

Hank Greenburg

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Many baseball players suspended their careers in the mid-40s to serve. Greenberg was recruited for WWII service in May 1941 when he was in his prime. After three months in the army, he came to Detroit to train for the 1942 game. When the assault on Pearl Harbor occurred, Hank Greenberg abruptly reversed his decision and proclaimed publicly that he was re-enlisting in the army.

Tags #peopleshistory, history, historyeducation, worldwar2

Characters Historical Fiction History Learning Materials

6 Best Games about Alternate History: Learning History the Interesting Way

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date June 1, 2022

If you thought video games about history were the ultimate learning tool you needed, you are mistaken. While historic games give you facts and figures about significant past events, games about alternate history allow you to dissect events unlike anything else.

While learning history, often questions are asked about what could have occurred if a single event in history had been altered — a life spared, or possibly a life lost. Thinking about different angles and endings helps gain clarity and understanding about the cause of those events.

You can achieve this in the easiest, funniest way by playing some of the best games about alternate history. These games are incredibly imaginative and thrilling stories that combine genuine historical locations and events with fantasy. Here are some examples that you can try out!

1. Freedom Fighters

After World War II, the US entered the Cold War. The Russian Empire started making its own nuclear arms and financing communist regime reforms worldwide. Although the superpowers never went to war, Freedom Fighters envisions a narrative where the Soviet Union invades New York.

In freedom fighters, you get to take on the role of Chris Stone, who is a plumber-turned-action hero. Together with his brother Troy, he is tasked with gathering rebels and ending the Soviet takeover of New York City.

2. Fallout

In Fallout, China blasted the United States into a radioactive wasteland. The fact that the 1950s never ended, yet technology evolved, is an intriguing aspect of the game. So, in addition to commercials, music, and fashion from the 1950s, there are robotics and plasma weapons. This difference generates the game’s comic tone amid immense terror, including it in one of the best games about alternate history.

The fallout shows odd equipment that runs on nuclear power because the transistor was never created after World War 2. Fallout uses a reality-based basis and twists it. There might be disastrous variations in how contemporary times played out if something as simple as the transistor was not created — a gadget that many individuals never think about.

3. Homefront

The game’s narrative takes place in the 2010s when North Korea and superpowers clash over the country’s military aggressiveness, which includes a successful nuclear test and the loss of a South Korean ship.

The United States is shown in Homefront in a completely different light than it is presently, with a defense far from the most competitive in the world. As a result, it’s a prime target for a North Korean attack, and it’s up to you to incite a revolt that will liberate the country.

4. Bioshock

The alternate history of Bioshock is tough to determine since it exists in several different timelines. Essentially, it occurs in a world when technology progresses at a far quicker rate. This is why, in what seems to be the 1950s, there is essentially futuristic technology.

BioShock transports you to the wreckage of a failed Objectivist civilization. Rapture’s clientele has become substance maniacs addicted to ADAM, a DNA-modifying chemical. You play as Jack, who explores further inside Rapture to learn its mysteries and stop Andrew Ryan, the organization’s commander.

Because cities like Rapture are so remote and cut off from the rest of the world, there isn’t much historical data to draw on. However, it demonstrates a great deal in terms of American customs and beliefs in various situations.

5. Prey

Prey alters history by failing the assassination attempt on President Kennedy, who would live until 2031. This leads to a period of scientific advancement that would result in far more space travel and research. The game goes on to show how you’ll be fleeing from strange aliens that appear to be on the verge of taking over the Earth.

The chronology in the game features humanity’s discovery of the Typhon, aggressive aliens with both physical and mental characteristics. The Typhon was discreetly kidnapped and held in the Kletka space shuttle by the USA and the USSR.

6. We Happy Few

This alternate timeline depicts a World War 2 ending in which Hitler loses power and Germany becomes the German Empire. They then attacked England, which quickly submitted and survived the invasion. Considering how drastically different World War II would have turned out if Germany had control of Great Britain, We Happy Few is dangerously close to reality.

In this game, people living in the Wellington wells had to do something horrible with kids, so they invented a medication to help them recall. This, on the other hand, soon goes downhill. They are joyful because of the drug, but they have no morality. They experience visions and hit anyone who declines to take the pills.

Final Word

Players interested in history may enjoy the mentioned best games about alternate history that explore “what-if?” scenarios. These games follow and modify real history to produce new realities. But because they are based on the authentic culture and technology of the period, you get to learn a lot!

Tags Alternate History, history, history adventures, History Video Games, 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 Learning Materials

7 Best History Podcasts for History Enthusiasts

Post author By Usama Khan
Post date April 22, 2022

There are hundreds of podcasts devoted to every aspect of history – the French Revolution, Ancient Rome, World War 2, you name it! It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of alternatives available if you’re a history fan searching for a new podcast to listen to.

Whether you are a history buff or someone who wants to broaden their horizon, here is a list of some of the best history podcasts you can listen to.

1. Slow Burn

Addressing topics ranging from Watergate to the LA Uprisings and the Iraq War, each season of ‘Slow Burn’ takes a detailed and insightful look at events you’ve undoubtedly heard about. This audio podcast from Slate magazine is perfect if you’re searching for some very in-depth explanations of significant periods in recent American history.

2. Lore

Lore is one of the cool history podcasts that delve into the world of dark and historical real crime. In this modern ghostly experience, host Aaron Mahnke investigates horrific events, unusual animals, and peculiar tales from the old days. This is not a podcast for the weak-hearted since reality is more terrifying than fiction. People who enjoy riddles, conspiracy theories and sci-fi/fantasy will particularly like this show.

3. The History Chicks

History chicks is another one of the most entertaining history podcasts that feminist history fanatics genuinely enjoy. It is a show produced by two ‘history chicks’ who analyze the most famous historical female figures.

It is guaranteed to pique your interest in the thousands of years of female history. It discusses the struggles, setbacks, and intriguing information about personalities like Charlotte Bront and Grace O’ Malley. Many segments also center on the beginnings of fairy tale characters like Cinderella and Red Riding Hood, in addition to historic personalities. Episodes on the webpage are presented in chronological sequence for easier viewing.

4. Hardcore History

Dan Carlin, a veteran reporter, uses a unique method in his podcast ‘Hardcore History,’ making it one of the best history podcasts. He is a master at using historical references to highlight current challenges. Carlin engages the audience by delivering theatrically throughout, questioning some of history’s most pivotal moments.

He comes up with ingenious perspectives on historical occurrences. Was Alexander the Great, for example, a murderous madman like Hitler? Most programs are around five hours long, yet they keep people on edge by concentrating on famous figures, battles, and nuclear proliferation, among other topics.

5. Revolutions

Major societal shifts seldom occur without a bloodbath. The tumultuous events before the English Civil War, the French Revolution, and other prominent social revolutions are narrated by Mike Duncan. Duncan’s History of Rome podcast may be of interest to enthusiasts of Revolutions. You learn a great deal about a particular topic because each season is allocated to one movement.

This film has no theatrics, sketches, special guests, soundtracks, or music. His analyses of the relevant histories aren’t very new or original, and they’re free of academic jargon as well. There’s nothing unusual here; he’s simply telling us what happened. This may be why it works so well, making it one of the best ancient history podcasts!

6. Art Curious

Do you find art history to be boring? You might want to rethink your stance after this podcast. It’s strange, humorous, intriguing, captivating, and liberating simultaneously. Jennifer’s sincerity, expertise, and excitement show that these podcasts have been thoroughly researched, meticulously produced, and delivered.

Art enthusiasts and casual listeners alike will appreciate learning about the lives of legendary painters like Van Gogh and Picasso. Jennifer stays away from focusing primarily on artists and paintings that have already garnered much attention.

7. Burnt Toast

As the name suggests, this podcast is all about food. There isn’t a better option for history buffs that are also foodies. When you visit the website, you’ll see recipes based on the presumption that all of the conversations about food have made you hungry. ‘We are what we eat’ is a famous saying, and this podcast goes on to further explore how what we consume shapes our societies.

Michael Harlan Turkell, the speaker, examines tense moments in global history through the perspective of culinary tradition and features culinary professionals for an enthralling insight as to why we eat what we eat.

Final Thoughts

Given the scope, naturally, history podcast content is extensive, and there is a vast array available to choose from. To help you decide where to begin, we’ve gone through practically every history podcast available and picked just a few of the best history podcasts.

We’ve broken them down into categories and interests and chosen the most entertaining history podcasts from them. Whether you love food, art, revolutions, or feminism – we have you covered.

Tags best history podcast, cool history podcasts, history podcasts, learning history, podcast shows

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 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