The post 3 Crazy Facts About the Invention of Banks appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The very first “banks” didn’t start in grand buildings with vaults and security, they began in ancient temples. In Mesopotamia, around 2000 BC, temples served as the safekeeping facilities for grain and other commodities.
The Knights Templar, a religious military order founded in 1119, are most famous for their role in the Crusades. But they also played a crucial part in the development of early banking systems. The Templars instituted a form of banking that would allow European pilgrims to deposit funds at one point and withdraw them in the Holy Land. This system protected pilgrims from carrying cash that could be stolen during their long journey.
In 1472, after a massive failure of several deposit banks in Italy due to insolvency, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici, who was the nephew of Pope John XXIII, established the Medici Bank. This bank introduced several innovations that are still fundamental to banking today, such as double-entry bookkeeping and branches with semi-autonomous managers.
The post 3 Crazy Facts About the Invention of Banks appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You’d Never Guess Were Used as Currency in the Past appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>In regions like Mongolia, Siberia, and Tibet, tea was the common currency. From the 9th century onward, tea leaves were pressed into bricks. This made them easy to transport and divide—key qualities of any currency. These tea bricks could be traded for all sorts of goods and services and were often used to pay workers’ salaries.
In many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Americas, and Australia, shells were used as currency. The most commonly used were cowrie shells, which are small, shiny mollusk shells found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Their durability, uniformity, and beauty made them a popular choice for money.
The word “salary” itself hints at its salty origins. Coming from the Latin word salarium it refers to payments made to Roman soldiers for the purchase of salt. This is all because, in ancient times, salt was a highly prized commodity due to its use in preserving food.
The post 3 Things You’d Never Guess Were Used as Currency in the Past appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post How Coffee Became One of the Most Popular Beverages in the World appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The story of coffee begins in the ancient coffee forests of the Ethiopian plateau. Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi first discovered the potential of these beloved beans. The story goes that Kaldi noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating the red berries from a certain tree. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar exhilaration.
Coffee beans made their way from Ethiopia to Yemen, where Sufi monks brewed the beans to stay awake during their nighttime devotions. Next, coffee entered Europe through the port of Venice in the 17th century, thanks to the trade between the Venetians and the Muslims. Its arrival produced a significant impact and coffee houses flourished across Britain, Austria, France, Germany, and Holland.
Today, coffee is a global phenomenon that supports economies, and an art form that is continuously evolving. As coffee culture continues to evolve, it remains deeply ingrained in daily rituals and society at large, maintaining its status as one of the world’s favorite beverages.
The post How Coffee Became One of the Most Popular Beverages in the World appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post New Frescoes of Mythological Characters Were Uncovered in Pompeii appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The newly found frescoes adorn the high walls of a grand banquet hall. Interestingly, the hall itself was very dark in color. As described by the site director, Dr. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, this setting would have allowed the vivid paintings to stand out dramatically, almost as if coming to life in the flickering lamplight.
Pompeii. A spectacular banqueting room with elegant black walls, decorated with mythological characters and subjects inspired by the Trojan War, is one of the rooms recently been brought to light during the excavations currently underway in insula 10 of Regio IX. pic.twitter.com/yxxL2vABX7
— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) April 13, 2024
Among the key discoveries are two large frescoes that capture pivotal moments from Greek mythology. One depicts the moment when Apollo, the god of the arts and prophecy, attempts to seduce Cassandra, a priestess of Troy known for her beauty and tragic fate.
Another fresco portrays the fateful encounter between Prince Paris of Troy and Helen of Troy, whose legendary beauty sparked the Trojan War. These depictions not only add to our understanding of Roman artistic techniques and aesthetic preferences, but also offer insights into the cultural and literary interests of Pompeii’s inhabitants.
The post New Frescoes of Mythological Characters Were Uncovered in Pompeii appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post These YouTube Channels Make Learning History Fun appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Hosted by the ever-enthusiastic John Green (yes, that John Green) and his brother Hank, CrashCourse is a treasure trove of knowledge. Their World History series, in particular, is like sitting down for a coffee with a friend who happens to know everything about the rise and fall of empires, the intricate dance of cultures, and the heroes and villains who shaped our world. It’s fast-paced, witty, and packed with memorable animations.
Ever wished history could be, well, simpler? Oversimplified is the answer. This channel takes complex historical events and, you guessed it, oversimplifies them. The result is digestible, hilariously animated stories that you’ll want to watch over and over.
What sets Extra Credits apart is their storytelling approach, bringing to light lesser-known events and figures that have nonetheless had a profound impact on the world. Their narratives are engaging, detailed, and often highlight the human element behind historical milestones.
The post These YouTube Channels Make Learning History Fun appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Most Successful Soccer Players of All Time appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Brazilian forward Pelé is often called the greatest footballer of all time. With a career spanning two decades, Pelé’s name is synonymous with soccer excellence. He scored an astonishing 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, a Guinness World Record. Pelé is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970).
Argentine legend Diego Maradona was a player of incredible talent and controversy. Maradona’s career highlight came in the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory, famously scoring the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England in the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi is a modern-day legend whose career continues to flourish. Messi’s list of accolades is extensive, including multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a record seven Ballon d’Or titles. His career is defined by consistent excellence and an unparalleled love for the game.
The post Most Successful Soccer Players of All Time appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post The 10th U.S. President Still Has a Living Grandson appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>John Tyler fathered 15 children, the most of any U.S. President, with his two wives. His large family has undoubtedly played a role in this unique historical situation. Tyler was 63 years old when his son Lyon Gardiner Tyler was born in 1853. Lyon, following in his father’s footsteps, had children at an advanced age as well. He fathered Harrison Ruffin Tyler in 1928, ensuring that the Tyler lineage would extend well into the 21st century.
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, now 95 years old, remains a living testament to his grandfather’s legacy. Harrison has been active in preserving the history and memory of his grandfather’s presidency and family life. He has overseen the maintenance and public access to Sherwood Forest Plantation, the historical Tyler family home in Virginia.
The post The 10th U.S. President Still Has a Living Grandson appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About the Creation of Mount Rushmore appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The original plan was not only to carve the faces of the presidents, but also to include a Hall of Records behind the heads, containing important documents and artifacts of American history. Additionally, the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, envisioned the figures to be carved from head to waist. However, due to insufficient funding, the project was declared complete with just the faces.
The creation of Mount Rushmore was an engineering marvel, requiring the removal of over 450,000 tons of rock. Surprisingly, dynamite did 90% of the work. Precision explosives carved out the rough shapes of the presidents’ heads, after which workers used jackhammers and hand chisels for the finer details.
One of the most fascinating yet lesser-known facts about Mount Rushmore is the existence of a hidden chamber located behind Abraham Lincoln’s head. Borglum’s concept of a Hall of Records wasn’t complete, this one chamber does exist today.
The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About the Creation of Mount Rushmore appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post The Evolution of the Bicycle: 3 Things That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The first bicycle didn’t have pedals and gears but was a two-wheeled walking device. Invented in 1817 by Baron Karl von Drais, the “Draisine” or “running machine” was made almost entirely of wood and was propelled by the rider’s feet pushing against the ground.
By the 1870s, the “High-Wheeler” or “Penny-Farthing” became popular, especially among young men of means. Its design featured a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel, a setup that allowed for greater speeds. However, this design came with significant risks. The high center of gravity made falls common and injuries severe, earning it the nickname “boneshaker”.
The two World Wars had a profound impact on the development of bicycles. With fuel shortages and the need for efficient, reliable transportation, bicycles became an essential tool. This necessity drove innovation, leading to the development of folding bikes for paratroopers and the integration of new materials to make bikes lighter and more durable.
The post The Evolution of the Bicycle: 3 Things That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Historical Biographies That Will Inspire You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant and powerful account of a young girl’s experience hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Despite the difficult circumstances, Anne’s spirit shines through in her writing, as she documents her hopes, dreams, and fears.
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. His autobiography details his 27 years in prison and his lifelong struggle for equality and justice in South Africa.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls’ education. In her autobiography, Malala recounts her experiences growing up in Pakistan and her fight for the right of all girls to receive an education. A powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out for what you believe in.
The post 3 Historical Biographies That Will Inspire You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Crazy Facts About the Invention of Banks appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The very first “banks” didn’t start in grand buildings with vaults and security, they began in ancient temples. In Mesopotamia, around 2000 BC, temples served as the safekeeping facilities for grain and other commodities.
The Knights Templar, a religious military order founded in 1119, are most famous for their role in the Crusades. But they also played a crucial part in the development of early banking systems. The Templars instituted a form of banking that would allow European pilgrims to deposit funds at one point and withdraw them in the Holy Land. This system protected pilgrims from carrying cash that could be stolen during their long journey.
In 1472, after a massive failure of several deposit banks in Italy due to insolvency, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici, who was the nephew of Pope John XXIII, established the Medici Bank. This bank introduced several innovations that are still fundamental to banking today, such as double-entry bookkeeping and branches with semi-autonomous managers.
The post 3 Crazy Facts About the Invention of Banks appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You’d Never Guess Were Used as Currency in the Past appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>In regions like Mongolia, Siberia, and Tibet, tea was the common currency. From the 9th century onward, tea leaves were pressed into bricks. This made them easy to transport and divide—key qualities of any currency. These tea bricks could be traded for all sorts of goods and services and were often used to pay workers’ salaries.
In many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Americas, and Australia, shells were used as currency. The most commonly used were cowrie shells, which are small, shiny mollusk shells found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Their durability, uniformity, and beauty made them a popular choice for money.
The word “salary” itself hints at its salty origins. Coming from the Latin word salarium it refers to payments made to Roman soldiers for the purchase of salt. This is all because, in ancient times, salt was a highly prized commodity due to its use in preserving food.
The post 3 Things You’d Never Guess Were Used as Currency in the Past appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post How Coffee Became One of the Most Popular Beverages in the World appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The story of coffee begins in the ancient coffee forests of the Ethiopian plateau. Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi first discovered the potential of these beloved beans. The story goes that Kaldi noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating the red berries from a certain tree. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar exhilaration.
Coffee beans made their way from Ethiopia to Yemen, where Sufi monks brewed the beans to stay awake during their nighttime devotions. Next, coffee entered Europe through the port of Venice in the 17th century, thanks to the trade between the Venetians and the Muslims. Its arrival produced a significant impact and coffee houses flourished across Britain, Austria, France, Germany, and Holland.
Today, coffee is a global phenomenon that supports economies, and an art form that is continuously evolving. As coffee culture continues to evolve, it remains deeply ingrained in daily rituals and society at large, maintaining its status as one of the world’s favorite beverages.
The post How Coffee Became One of the Most Popular Beverages in the World appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post New Frescoes of Mythological Characters Were Uncovered in Pompeii appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The newly found frescoes adorn the high walls of a grand banquet hall. Interestingly, the hall itself was very dark in color. As described by the site director, Dr. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, this setting would have allowed the vivid paintings to stand out dramatically, almost as if coming to life in the flickering lamplight.
Pompeii. A spectacular banqueting room with elegant black walls, decorated with mythological characters and subjects inspired by the Trojan War, is one of the rooms recently been brought to light during the excavations currently underway in insula 10 of Regio IX. pic.twitter.com/yxxL2vABX7
— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) April 13, 2024
Among the key discoveries are two large frescoes that capture pivotal moments from Greek mythology. One depicts the moment when Apollo, the god of the arts and prophecy, attempts to seduce Cassandra, a priestess of Troy known for her beauty and tragic fate.
Another fresco portrays the fateful encounter between Prince Paris of Troy and Helen of Troy, whose legendary beauty sparked the Trojan War. These depictions not only add to our understanding of Roman artistic techniques and aesthetic preferences, but also offer insights into the cultural and literary interests of Pompeii’s inhabitants.
The post New Frescoes of Mythological Characters Were Uncovered in Pompeii appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post These YouTube Channels Make Learning History Fun appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Hosted by the ever-enthusiastic John Green (yes, that John Green) and his brother Hank, CrashCourse is a treasure trove of knowledge. Their World History series, in particular, is like sitting down for a coffee with a friend who happens to know everything about the rise and fall of empires, the intricate dance of cultures, and the heroes and villains who shaped our world. It’s fast-paced, witty, and packed with memorable animations.
Ever wished history could be, well, simpler? Oversimplified is the answer. This channel takes complex historical events and, you guessed it, oversimplifies them. The result is digestible, hilariously animated stories that you’ll want to watch over and over.
What sets Extra Credits apart is their storytelling approach, bringing to light lesser-known events and figures that have nonetheless had a profound impact on the world. Their narratives are engaging, detailed, and often highlight the human element behind historical milestones.
The post These YouTube Channels Make Learning History Fun appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Most Successful Soccer Players of All Time appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Brazilian forward Pelé is often called the greatest footballer of all time. With a career spanning two decades, Pelé’s name is synonymous with soccer excellence. He scored an astonishing 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, a Guinness World Record. Pelé is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970).
Argentine legend Diego Maradona was a player of incredible talent and controversy. Maradona’s career highlight came in the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory, famously scoring the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England in the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi is a modern-day legend whose career continues to flourish. Messi’s list of accolades is extensive, including multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a record seven Ballon d’Or titles. His career is defined by consistent excellence and an unparalleled love for the game.
The post Most Successful Soccer Players of All Time appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post The 10th U.S. President Still Has a Living Grandson appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>John Tyler fathered 15 children, the most of any U.S. President, with his two wives. His large family has undoubtedly played a role in this unique historical situation. Tyler was 63 years old when his son Lyon Gardiner Tyler was born in 1853. Lyon, following in his father’s footsteps, had children at an advanced age as well. He fathered Harrison Ruffin Tyler in 1928, ensuring that the Tyler lineage would extend well into the 21st century.
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, now 95 years old, remains a living testament to his grandfather’s legacy. Harrison has been active in preserving the history and memory of his grandfather’s presidency and family life. He has overseen the maintenance and public access to Sherwood Forest Plantation, the historical Tyler family home in Virginia.
The post The 10th U.S. President Still Has a Living Grandson appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About the Creation of Mount Rushmore appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The original plan was not only to carve the faces of the presidents, but also to include a Hall of Records behind the heads, containing important documents and artifacts of American history. Additionally, the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, envisioned the figures to be carved from head to waist. However, due to insufficient funding, the project was declared complete with just the faces.
The creation of Mount Rushmore was an engineering marvel, requiring the removal of over 450,000 tons of rock. Surprisingly, dynamite did 90% of the work. Precision explosives carved out the rough shapes of the presidents’ heads, after which workers used jackhammers and hand chisels for the finer details.
One of the most fascinating yet lesser-known facts about Mount Rushmore is the existence of a hidden chamber located behind Abraham Lincoln’s head. Borglum’s concept of a Hall of Records wasn’t complete, this one chamber does exist today.
The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About the Creation of Mount Rushmore appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post The Evolution of the Bicycle: 3 Things That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The first bicycle didn’t have pedals and gears but was a two-wheeled walking device. Invented in 1817 by Baron Karl von Drais, the “Draisine” or “running machine” was made almost entirely of wood and was propelled by the rider’s feet pushing against the ground.
By the 1870s, the “High-Wheeler” or “Penny-Farthing” became popular, especially among young men of means. Its design featured a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel, a setup that allowed for greater speeds. However, this design came with significant risks. The high center of gravity made falls common and injuries severe, earning it the nickname “boneshaker”.
The two World Wars had a profound impact on the development of bicycles. With fuel shortages and the need for efficient, reliable transportation, bicycles became an essential tool. This necessity drove innovation, leading to the development of folding bikes for paratroopers and the integration of new materials to make bikes lighter and more durable.
The post The Evolution of the Bicycle: 3 Things That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Historical Biographies That Will Inspire You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant and powerful account of a young girl’s experience hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Despite the difficult circumstances, Anne’s spirit shines through in her writing, as she documents her hopes, dreams, and fears.
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. His autobiography details his 27 years in prison and his lifelong struggle for equality and justice in South Africa.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls’ education. In her autobiography, Malala recounts her experiences growing up in Pakistan and her fight for the right of all girls to receive an education. A powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out for what you believe in.
The post 3 Historical Biographies That Will Inspire You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>