History

Refine Search

What was the government like during the Neolithic Revolution?

Because of the changing lifestyles from hunters and gathers to agriculturists, the small group of leaders who were common before turned into small but often powerful governments. The most commonly known of these early Neolithic governments began where agriculture thrived. This was often near rivers in the flood plain where the soil was the most fertile.\nThe leaders in these fledgling governments were often associated with the predominant religion of the area. For instance, the pharaohs of Egypt were thought to be descendants of their culture's gods. Therefore, their rule was absolute bec..

Continue Reading

What is the symbolism of the Greek key design?

The shape of the symbol — both angled and rounded — has been used as a decorative motif in architecture, in mosaic tiles and to encircle stone columns. Temples were widely decorated using the meander design, and it is common in Greek and Roman art. Furniture craftsmen often incorporate the meander into their wood carvings. Jewelry designers see the Greek key as representing the eternal bonds of friendship and love. Tattoo artists use it to signify a journey that has no particular destination planned.\nSome historians believe that the Greek key symbol originated in the myth of the labyrinth..

Continue Reading

How old is Islam?

The prophet Muhammad lived from 570 to 632. Shortly after his death, a dispute broke out among his followers as to who was entitled to lead them, with some believing that only Muhammad's son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants were divinely appointed to lead. This conflict led to the schism between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, which remains the largest sectarian conflict in Islam as of 2014.

Continue Reading

How long was Nelson Mandela in prison?

Nelson Mandela was initially sentenced to life in prison after being convicted on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government. Many of Mandela's supporters throughout the world spent decades lobbying for him to be released from prison. After he was released from prison in 1990, Mandela went on to eventually become the President of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999.

Continue Reading

What did Alexander the Great do?

Alexander III of Macedonia was born in 356 BCE to King Phillip II of Macedonia and his wife, Olympias, princess of Epirus. As part of his royal upbringing, he was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle. Many of Aristotle's teachings stayed with Alexander and guided him throughout his life.\nAlexander showed early leadership qualities. When King Phillip invaded Thrace, he left Alexander in charge of Macedonia at the age of 16. During his father's absence, one of the Thracian tribes, the Maedi, rebelled. Alexander was able to mobilize an army and put down the rebellion.\nIn 336 BCE, Alex..

Continue Reading

What did the ancient Egyptians eat and drink?

Fertile soil and the yearly flood cycle of the Nile River created favorable conditions for growing crops in ancient Egypt, resulting in an abundance and variety of available foods. Farmers cultivated cereal grains, including emmer, spelt and barley, to create the staples of beer and bread. They also grew a variety of vegetables for consumption, including leeks, garlic, squashes, pulses and lettuce. Popular fruits included melons, figs, apples and pomegranates. Grapes were used to produce wines.\nThe Nile provided plentiful fish to eat, and bees provided ample honey. The ancient Egyptians also..

Continue Reading

Why did so many Americans oppose the Treaty of Versailles?

In January of 1919, the Paris Peace Conference began. Though 32 nations attended, the conference was dominated by the leaders of the "Big Four," which included the United States,\nEngland, France and Italy. When President Woodrow Wilson returned to present the treaty for ratification, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge vigorously opposed it. Lodge argued that joining the League of Nations would prevent the United States from determining its own affairs. To sabotage the ratification he attached amendments declaring the United States exempt from certain portions. President Wilson insisted that the treaty..

Continue Reading

What are some interesting facts about Molly Pitcher?

Mary Ludwig Hayes was the daughter of a dairy farmer. Her mother married William Hayes when she was only 13 years old. She earned her legendary status in American history when in the midst of the Battle of Monmouth her husband collapsed and she took his place at the cannon. During this battle, one eyewitness account reports that a shell passed between her legs but did no damage except rip off the bottom half of her petticoat. Hayes reportedly joked about the possibility of more damage if it had been a bit higher. It is said that Mary Ludwig Hayes enjoyed tobacco and swore as much as any man in..

Continue Reading

What are the expressed powers of the president?

Under the Constitution, the president may command military forces, convene or adjourn Congress, veto laws, ask his cabinet members to submit their opinions in writing, grant pardons and select United States ambassadors. In addition to expressed powers, the president also has implied powers. These are powers that are not explicitly stated within the Constitution but still fall within the president's role. Because these powers are not specifically outlined, president's have interpreted them differently throughout the years. The president also is granted the right to make decisions in t..

Continue Reading

What did the First Continental Congress accomplish?

Fifty-six delegates attended the First Continental Congress was attended, including George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams and John Jay. All 13 colonies except Georgia sent representatives. The British had responded to the Boston Tea Party and other acts of rebellion against taxation and oppression by passing the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts. These established martial law in Massachusetts, closed Boston Harbor to commercial shipping, gave British officials immunity from prosecution and forced colonists to quarter British troops. After the First Continental Congress, t..

Continue Reading
Showing 91 to 100 of 8554 (856 Pages)