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What People in 1923 Predicted About 2023

In 1923, people envisioned what the world might look like 100 years later. From science fiction authors to newspapers, people made many predictions about the technological and societal advancements that might be possible by 2023. Some predictions were far-fetched and unbelievable, while others were surprisingly accurate. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most exciting predictions made about 2023 back in 1923.

Scholars Predicted Advancements in Weather Forecasting

The 1923 magazine Science and Invention published an article predicting that humans would be able to control the weather. The author speculated about several possible methods for controlling the weather, which included using giant fans to move clouds and create rain. 

One article in the 1923 newspaper series by the University of Calgary stated that scholars “accurately predicted advances in meteorology and the ability to forecast weather more accurately.”

Image by: Twitter

Satirical Prediction of Women Shaving Their Heads

A passage in the novel “Crome Yellow” by Aldous Huxley, published in 1921, reads:

“I prophesy that before the end of this century, all the women will wear trousers, and they will find them more comfortable and convenient than skirts. They will also have their hair cut short, and blacken their teeth. Women will become taller, more muscular, and more flat-chested.”

Image by: Twitter

It’s worth noting that this passage is a satirical comment on the cultural changes that were taking place in the early 20th century. Although predictions of women wearing trousers and cutting their hair short became true, others, such as blackening their teeth, did not. 

Cities in the Sky

Image by: Gizmodo

In a 1923 issue of Science and Invention, an article titled “The Science of Tomorrow” predicted that by 2023, people would live in “a new world of sky-scraping aero-cities.” According to the prediction, enormous dirigibles or airships would transport people and products between floating towns in the clouds. 

Air travel is already a standard means of transportation. However, the concept of aero-cities and airship travel is still firmly rooted in science fiction.

No More Hard Work by 2023

Another optimist electrical engineer Dr. Charles P. Steinmetz made a prediction about the future of work. He believed that by 2023, advancements in technology would increase efficiency to the point where people would no longer need to work long hours. Instead, people would be able to get more done in less time, which would lead to shorter work days and more free time for leisure. 

Image by: BoredPanda

Teleportation Would Be Possible

In 1923, the French artist and writer possibility of the teleportation of humans by 2023. Robida described a device that could scan a person’s body, disintegrate it, and recreate it in a new location. Despite ongoing scientific advancements, teleportation remains impossible. However, quantum teleportation has made progress, which involves transferring quantum information from one place to another.

Image by: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Optimistic Views on Life Expectancy

In 1923, some experts predicted that life expectancy would continue to rise, predicting a lifespan of 100 or 300 years, with some people potentially living much longer.

However, the reality today is that the average life expectancy varies depending on the country. In 2016, the average life expectancy of a baby born in the United States was 76.4 years, while in Australia, it was over 82 years, a decade more than the world average of 72.75 years.

While we may not have reached the wildly optimistic predictions of 100 or 300-year lifespans, there have been significant improvements in public health and medical science over the past century. These improvements have led to longer and healthier lives, and it is likely that life expectancy will continue to rise in the future.

Image by: Twitter

Cities Would Be Covered by Giant Glass Dome

During the 1920s, it was believed that air pollution and extreme weather conditions would make it impossible for people to live in cities. As a solution, some predicted that giant glass domes would cover cities. In 1923, an article in the Chicago Tribune suggested that “in the year 2023, the problem of keeping the rain, the cold, and the wind out of our great cities will have been solved by using mammoth glass domes.” 

While the prediction about giant glass domes did not come true, some attempts have been made to build enclosed cities or biodomes for scientific research and ecological purposes.

Image by: Wikipedia

Final Word

Many of the forecasts made by people in the 1920s were influenced by their hopes and anxieties for the future. Some people were enthusiastic about technology’s ability to fix the world’s problems, while others were concerned that technological advancement would lead to social and environmental degradation. With that said, looking back at these predictions can provide insights into the ambitions and anxieties of the previous era. 

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Books Historical Fiction History History Adventures Learning Materials

Discover the 7 Best Graphic Novels About Modern History

The world of comics isn’t limited to superhero battles or Archie and Jughead stories. They can be the gateway to learning about historical events that took place decades ago.

Graphic illustrations in comics about history can capture the essence of historical events, addressing prevalent issues by looking into the past visually.

If you want to dive into a history lesson without the boredom, take a look at the following best graphic novels about modern history, detailing historical events from a unique perspective.

1. MAUS

Image by Amazon

MAUS, by Art Spiegelman, depicts the events of the Holocaust from a survivor’s perspective. The author, however, takes a completely postmodern approach while trying to narrate his father’s story as a Polish Jew survivor of World War II.

Spiegelman uses animals such as Mice, Cats, Pigs, Dogs, etc., to depict different identities, such as Jews, Germans, Poles, and Americans, and recounts events of the War and Nazi concentration sites from 1933-1938. This makes the illustrations more captivating and unique.

2. Persepolis

Image by Readings

An autobiographical take visualizing the Islamic Revolution of 1978-79, Persepolis is written by Marjane Satrapi, who draws upon her life’s years in Iran and Austria. The title refers to the Persian Empire’s historical capital.

Through a series of black-and-white images, Satrapi lets readers picture her rebellious, alter-ego personality in Islamized and war-torn Iran. The series of comics follow her life’s journey to Europe, where she navigates Western life and then makes her way back to a Post-Islamic Revolution Iran.

3. They Called Us Enemy

mage by Amazon

This autobiographical memoir illustrates George Takei’s Japanese American identity subjected to legalized racism as his family gets imprisoned in American Concentration Camps during World War II in mid 1940s.

Takei retells his childhood and events in the camp surrounded by barbed wires, where he witnesses fights, arrests, and states of emergency. As Takei’s mother denounces her citizenship, the end of the war brings concerns of heightened racism.

Readers can get enthralled by visual depictions of conversations that stem from fear of persecution in this historically packed graphic novel.

4. Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts

Image by Amazon

In this graphic memoir, Rebecca Hall tells the story of Black women and their significant role in leading slave revolts. She employs research in archives to create a story that describes the lives of Adono and Alele, two black slave women who rebelled for freedom.

The comics utilize a superhero style of illustrations to depict stories of other enslaved women who were part of the rebellion of 1712 and led slave movements for freedom in New York. Hall uses her historical imagination to draw attention to their narratives.

5. Palestine

Image by Goodreads

This graphic novel by Joe Sacco sketches the events taking place on the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the early 90s, marked by the failure of the peace process initiated by the Clinton government before the end of the first Uprising.

The somewhat cartoonish illustrations deviate from mainstream perceptions of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and explain the stories of many Palestinians who have suffered tremendously due to it. Sacco’s storytelling is exceptionally comical but, at the same time, genuine and hard-hitting.

6. Mark: Trilogy

Image by Vox

John Lewis, a U.S. congressman and a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, gives an account of his life’s story through this autobiographical comic trilogy. The black and white illustrations provide an insider view of protests raged by Civil Rights Activists in America as they confronted state troopers in the 1960s.

The illustrations in this trilogy sequentially follow Lewis’ life as a young boy in the fields of Alabama. It goes up to his role as an activist and finally as a U.S. congressman preparing for the inauguration of America’s first Black President.

7. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood

Image by Amazon

This graphic novel by Nathan Hale engages readers in its true stories of World War I. Similar to ‘MAUS’, Hale uses animals for people to describe famous battles, world leaders, and various technological developments on the cusp of WWI from 1914-1918.

Focusing on the Western Front, the author portrays himself as a war spy about to be hanged and retells the war’s incidents to the provost and executioner. The comics use intelligent humor while adding complexity to unknown aspects of the past.

Final Word

These best historical comics that explore historical events from thought-provoking angles are perfect for people who want to add to their knowledge. Choose the ones you’re the most excited about, and let the fun begin.

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History Adventures Learning Materials

6 Best Games About Historical Pandemics

The world has seen numerous pandemics, disastrously affecting public health. It’s crucial for everyone to be aware of their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. 

However, most people consider historical pandemics to be not so interesting to gain information about because the long hours of textbook reading tire them out. A fun-filled way to gain this information is through video games! Here are some of the best games about historical pandemics having the perfect ratio of science and adventure.

Global Pandemics: Plague of Athens

Historical Time Period: 4th Century BCE

Image by: global pandemics

If you want to dive into a history lesson without boredom, look at the Global Pandemics: Plague of Athens. Designed to enhance students’ understanding of the role of pandemics in world history, this game offers a fresh perspective on historical events.

The new product integrates digital storytelling with interactive learning design to provide a rich, complex pedagogical experience that helps in a better understanding of the topic.

Players can choose from five significant pandemics in human history and get a real-time experience. The first chapter introduces Nikos, a physician during the Plague of Athens, fighting hard to cure the sick while rethinking his purpose. The interactive historical game series gives a fun touch to history.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

Historical Time Period:  1347 to 1351

Survival has always been a vital element in video games. Based on the deadly Black Plague, this historical pandemic game revolves around Amicia de Rune and her ill brother Hugo as they find their survival from the French Inquisition soldiers and the deadly rats. Set in 14th-century France, this game blends action and adventure phases.

The game mainly consists of survival puzzles and requires great tactics and puzzle-solving abilities. The player plays Amicia, using stealth and limited equipment to escape from troops and rats, incorporating aspects of survival horror games. The award-winning game is considered one of the best games about historical pandemics. 

Killer Flu

Historical Time Period: 1880 to date

Image by: engaget

Developed by the UK Clinical Virology Network, this pandemic game demonstrates how viruses mutate and how difficult it is to spread the virus without mutations. The game focuses on an Avian flu pandemic.

The player takes the role of the virus itself, trying to spread, infect, and mutate throughout the human race. The killer flu pandemic game has added levels of difficulty, making it even more challenging and exciting to play. 

Great Flu

Historical Time Period: June 2009 to August 2010

Image by: popular science

To spread awareness about the Swine Flu, a Dutch Researcher has developed this highly interactive game. Although a bit away from reality, the game lets the users choose their virus, spread it, and then adapt strategies to contain it.

Trying to control a fast-spreading deadly virus is not very simple, and the number of infected can increase rapidly. This game is a fun depiction of some of the realistic alternatives accessible to people facing a pandemic.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Historical Time Period:  1347 to 1351

Developed as a sequel to Plague Tale: innocence, this upcoming online game is set to release in October 2022. Following the sets of its predecessor, this game takes the story of Amicia and Hugo further.

After escaping the French soldiers, the siblings arrive in Southern France, where they embark on a new journey of finding a cure for Hugo’s disease while combating another wave of rats from The Black Plague.

Antidote COVID-19

Historical Time Period: 2019 to date

The latest edition in the pandemic history, COVID-19, has attracted many game developers to make games inspired by unfortunate circumstances. The games not only proved to be a great pastime during quarantine but also helped spread awareness about the COVID pandemic situation.

Antidote COVID-19 is developed by Pyson Games under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and input from public health experts. The game is aimed to help individuals protect themselves from the virus and learn about their immune systems in a fun way.

Final Thoughts

These best games about historical pandemics are perfect for understanding pandemics and their cures through history in a non-tedious way. Choose the ones that attract you the most, and let a fun-filled learning experience begin!

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Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

6 Best Games About Ancient Rome

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

Image by Wikipedia

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

Image by Pinterest

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

Image by Youtube

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

Image by Youtube

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

Image by Forbes

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.

Image by Youtube

6. Grand Ages: Rome

Game Release Year: 2009

Historical Period: 60-53 BC

Image by Youtube

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!

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History History Adventures Learning Materials

Beauty Hacks Used by Women in Ancient Egypt

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.

The History of Eyeliner
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.

How To Make A Honey Face Mask: 4 Recipes For Glowing Skin | mindbodygreen
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.
Cute Avocado Images | Free Vectors, Stock Photos & PSD
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. 

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7 Most Shocking Political Assassinations Since 1900

Since the creation of community social frameworks, shocking political assassinations in modern history have been a component of social reality. Some were shot, some were stabbed, and some were bombed. 

Political assassinations are mostly less about the person himself and more about his political position and ideologies. In addition to causing public outrage, grief, and pain – political assassinations tend to bring a billion conspiracy theories and reasons for why they happened. 

Here are some of the major political assassinations in history! 

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, 1914

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria - Wikipedia
Image by Wikipedia

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the successor to the Austro-Hungarian Dynasty, was killed at Sarajevo in June 1914 by a Serbian called Gavilo Princip. Princip was a supporter of the nationalist movement Young Bosnia, which intended to liberate Bosnia from the chains of foreign control. He was angered by the Austro-Hungarian invasion of Bosnia. The assassination is largely seen as the trigger for the commencement of World War One in August 1914

Mahatma Gandhi, 1948

Mahatma Gandhi | Biography, Education, Religion, Accomplishments, Death, &  Facts | Britannica
Image by Britannica

Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi on January 30, 1948, by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse. He was a few minutes late for the gathering since he was strolling from Birla House to the field where his evening prayer services were conducted. 

How a global symbol of non-violence was killed en route to praying made this one of the most tragic and shocking political assassinations.  The killing shook the whole globe, and thousands of Indians flocked to the roads to pay their respects to the nation’s father.

John F Kennedy, 1963

John F. Kennedy - Quotes, Wife & Assassination - Biography
Image by Biography.com

Former Marine Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed the 35th US President John F. Kennedy in a motorcade in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Kennedy is recognized as one of the finest and most beloved presidents in American history, despite lasting less than three years in office. 

Lee Harvey Oswald, his shooter, was arrested but murdered before he could be prosecuted. Oswald was shot and killed by a nightclub owner just two days after the tragedy. Many have seen this as evidence of a larger cover-up and a conspiracy.

Martin Luther King Jr., 1968

Martin Luther King Jr.
Image by New York Times

James Earl Ray fatally murdered the renowned American political activist Martin Luther King Jr. on a hotel balcony in Memphis on April 4, 1968. James Earl Ray, his assailant, first admitted guilt to murder but then retracted his statement. Many people, including King’s family, feel that his killing was orchestrated by the government and/or the mafia to quiet him.

The assassination prompted a phase of nationwide grief, which aided in the passing of an equitable housing measure, the civil rights era’s final significant legislative success.

Indhira Gandhi, 1984

Indira Gandhi
Image by Pinterest

Indira Gandhi, the country’s third Prime Minister and the country’s sole female leader, was another casualty of religious conflicts in India. Gandhi was a controversial character who backed the independence cause in East Pakistan, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh. 

Her Sikh bodyguards killed her in 1984 after commanding military action at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of the most sacred sites for Sikhs.  Gandhi’s killing sparked a wave of aggression against the Sikh community throughout India, with alleged 8,000 deaths as a result.

Yitzhak Rabin, 1995

Yitzhak Rabin
Image by Pinterest

Yitzhak Rabin was Israel’s fifth Prime Minister, elected in 1974 and 1992 on a campaign that supported the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Negotiations.

The Oslo Accords, intended to settle Israeli-Palestinian disputes, were signed by the Israeli Prime Minister. On November 4, 1995, a right-wing militant named Yigal Amir became enraged and killed the Prime Minister. There has been no agreement between the two countries since his death. Many people see his killing as the end of the sort of peace he envisioned and strove for, making it one o the major political assassinations.

Benazir Bhutto, 2007

Benazir Bhutto, first female Prime Minister of Pakistan
Image by Britannica

Benazir Bhutto was Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister and the first woman to lead a democratic administration in a Muslim majority country. She was also one of the nation’s most powerful political personalities. Her death, caused by a suicide bomber during a political gathering in 2007, shocked the entire world. However, her killing boosted public backing for her party, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party, which gained majority seats in the two-month-old elections.

Final Word

Not only did these assassinations play a significant role in the creation and fall of some of history’s most powerful civilizations, but they also continue today as a way to defend one party’s honor over another. What has to be noted is the impact it has for years to come!

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10 Fascinating Facts about the Byzantine Empire

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.

Byzantine art, an introduction – Smarthistory
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.

Political mutilation in Byzantine culture - Wikipedia
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.

How much of a popular force was chariot racing in the Byzantine Empire? -  Quora
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.

Pin by مسافر مسافر on painting | Byzantine empire, Eastern roman, Medieval  world
Image from Pinterest

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.

Greek fire - Wikipedia
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.

Image from Pinterest

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.

rosemary | Description, Plant, Spice, Uses, History, & Facts | Britannica
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.

A Global Middle Ages through the Pages of Decorated Books (article) | Khan  Academy
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

Byzantine Empire - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
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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.

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History Learning Materials

American Celebrities Who Served in World War 2

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

How to master Audrey Hepburn's classic cat-eye flick | Vogue India
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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

Paul Newman | Biography, Movies, Assessment, & Facts | Britannica
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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

17 Top Alec Guinness ideas | guinness, movie stars, actors & actresses
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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

Clark Gable filmography - Wikipedia
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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

Morgan Freeman on screen and stage - Wikipedia
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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

Elvis Presley | Biography, Songs, Movies, Death, & Facts | Britannica
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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. 

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Characters Historical Fiction History Learning Materials

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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History History Adventures Learning Materials

9 Significant Historical Moments that Shaped Our Modern World

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

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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

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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

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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

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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


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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

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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 pandemic

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!