The post Facts About the Fearsome Viking Ragnar Lothbrok appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>A powerful earl decided to give his daughter, Thora, a snake as a gift. Unfortunately, the viper grew up to become a deadly beast. As it terrorized the land, the earl became so desperate that he offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to whoever could kill the snake. Once Ragnar slayed the serpent, he earned a new wife.
While Ragnar had three wives, he had a son named Ubbe with another woman. Although he grew up to become a fearsome warrior who led the Great Heathen Army in its conquest of England, Ubbe reportedly had a disloyal side. After he and his grandfather Esbjørn once tried to rise up against Ragnar, the mighty warrior brought down the law of the land on his disloyal son, teaching him a tough lesson.
Many Viking leaders would send their sons on daring missions far away in order to prevent them from uprising or betraying them. Ragnar was no exception. He sent his son, Bjorn Ironside, to raid and pillage villages and cities across Europe, with the young warrior making it as far as the Mediterranean.
The post Facts About the Fearsome Viking Ragnar Lothbrok appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The ship, named Griffin, belonged to Danish King Hans and sank in 1495 after it caught fire. It was first discovered in the 1970s, with Södertörn University experts starting to research it in the early 2010s. The researchers knew about the existence of the armor chest but were not able to closely examine it until now.
The chest contains several different casting molds and lead plates, which are used to produce lead bullets for early handguns, according to Stockholm University’s press release.
“The contents of the weapon chest are undeniably one of the most important finds,” said the University of Stockholm’s maritime archeologist Rolf Warming in a statement. “It contains, among other things, several different molds and lead plates for the manufacture of lead bullets for early handguns.”
Besides the armor chest, maritime archeologists also discovered a number of other valuable artifacts, including mail armor fragments and cannon carriages.
The researchers will continue their efforts to learn more about the ship and its purpose.
The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>While Vikings are famous for their pillaging, their skills as craftsmen and traders are often overlooked. Vikings were adept at crafting high-quality goods such as jewelry and weapons. These tools were used both domestically and as valuable trade items.
Contrary to the typical image of a chaotic and barbaric lifestyle, Vikings had systems of governance that were remarkably democratic for their time. The Norse societies were organized around “Thing.” This was a general assembly in which all free men could participate. These assemblies allowed Vikings to make major decisions, settle disputes, and elect their leaders.
The stereotype of the wild and dirty Viking is far from accurate. Archaeological finds and historical texts suggest that Vikings placed a high importance on personal hygiene. Combs, razors, tweezers, and ear cleaners made from animal bones and antlers have been commonly found at Viking sites, indicating that grooming was a significant part of their daily routine.
The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post WWII Bunker Beneath Benito Mussolini’s Villa is Re-Opened for the Public appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Visitors can tour the bunker of Villa Torlonia and check out its tunnels and rooms while also taking part in the immersive experience that mimics the attack of Allied forces through the sounds of gunfire and bombs. The tour includes a video showing how it would look like if the bunker was used for its original purpose.
Mussolini’s bunker was originally opened to the public in 2006 and was operating for two years as a tourist attraction. However, the bunker was mostly closed since then, with tours being organized on an occasional basis.
Villa Torlonia was constructed in the early 19th century and belonged to the Italian princely Torlonia family. Mussolini moved into the villa in the 1920s and used it for almost two decades as a residence. It was abandoned and left to ruin after World War II ended before the Municipality of Rome acquired it in 1977.
The post WWII Bunker Beneath Benito Mussolini’s Villa is Re-Opened for the Public appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 5 Quick Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>From the very start of the construction of the tower in the 12th century, it became clear that the soft ground of the area couldn’t properly support the weight of the construction. After being completed in the 14th century, the tower was already leaned, and the issue worsened in the following centuries. But thanks to efforts in the 1990s and 2000s, the tower was significantly stabilized.
The construction of the tower started in 1173, but the various conflicts that the Republic of Pisa engaged in the ensuing decades significantly slowed down its completion. The construction took place in three major phases and concluded 199 years later with the addition of the bell chamber in 1372.
If you look closely, you will notice that the Tower of Pisa is also curved. This was a result of attempts to correct the leaning in the early days of its construction.
You would expect that leaning constructions are not particularly resistant when it comes to seismic events. However, the Tower of Pisa managed to survive several earthquakes and emerge unscathed. This is thanks to the same soft ground that causes its leaning.
The previously mentioned stabilizing efforts managed to straighten out the tower and prevent further leaning. However, experts predict that it will start leaning again in 200 years, at which point another intervention will be necessary.
The post 5 Quick Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Facts About Charlemagne That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Despite being born in the early Middle Ages, Charlemagne possessed a remarkable aptitude for languages and a deep appreciation for learning. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Latin, his native Frankish tongue, and even some Greek. Charlemagne’s passion for education and scholarship led him to establish a palace school at his capital in Aachen, where he surrounded himself with scholars and intellectuals from across Europe. Under his patronage, the Carolingian Renaissance flourished, fostering a revival of learning, art, and literature that laid the groundwork for the medieval intellectual tradition.
In 800 AD, Charlemagne achieved a historic milestone when he was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III in Rome. This event marked the revival of the Western Roman Empire and solidified Charlemagne’s status as the preeminent ruler of Western Europe. Charlemagne’s imperial coronation signaled the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire, which endured for over a millennium as a dominant political and religious force in Europe. His legacy as an imperial ruler, lawmaker, and unifier of Christian Europe continues to reverberate through history, earning him the title of the “Father of Europe” and cementing his place as one of the most influential figures of the Middle Ages.
Contrary to popular belief, Charlemagne was not an exceptionally tall man by modern standards. Historical records suggest that he stood around six feet (1.83 meters) tall, which was above average for his time but not towering compared to his contemporaries. However, Charlemagne was known for his imposing presence, commanding demeanor, and physical vigor, which earned him the respect and admiration of his subjects and allies. His long, flowing beard became an iconic symbol of kingship and authority, further enhancing his image as a powerful and charismatic ruler.
The post 3 Facts About Charlemagne That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Surprising Countries You May Not Realize the Vikings Raided appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>After sacking Bourdeaux, France in 844, the Vikings weren’t quite ready to head home just yet. Instead, they journeyed into Spain, laying siege to its coastal villages. It took the intervention of King Ramiro I of Asturias in the northwestern region of Galicia to put a stop to the Viking onslaught.
One group of Vikings traveling east made it all the way to the grand Turkish city of Constantinople. Craving the gold and riches that lay in the regal city, the Vikings were never actually able to breach the walls of the heavily fortified city. Instead, in 987, 6,000 Viking mercenaries would enjoy Constantinople’s treasures by choosing to defend the city, not sack it. This is because they were recruited by Byzantine Emperor Basil II to quell an internal uprising.
Centuries before the expedition westward led by Christopher Columbus, Vikings from Greenland arrived in the United States, establishing a trade route centered on the export of timber to Scandinavia. When they encountered Native Americans, whom they called “Skraelings” due to their screaming battle cries, the Vikings decided against settling in North America due to the difficulty in communicating with the locals and being vastly outnumbered.
The post Surprising Countries You May Not Realize the Vikings Raided appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Check Out These Facts About the Elizabethan Era appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The Elizabethan Era witnessed a flourishing of arts and literature, with playwrights like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson producing some of the greatest works in English literature. The era is often referred to as the “Golden Age of English Drama”, marked by the construction of iconic theaters such as the Globe and the Rose, where Shakespeare’s plays were performed to enthusiastic audiences.
Elizabethan England was a time of exploration and expansion, with explorers like Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, and John Cabot undertaking daring voyages to distant lands. Drake circumnavigated the globe, Raleigh attempted to establish colonies in the New World, and Cabot explored the North American coast, laying the foundation for England’s colonial ambitions and global influence.
The Elizabethan Era was a period of religious upheaval and conflict, as England grappled with the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation. Queen Elizabeth’s religious settlement sought to establish a middle ground between Catholicism and Protestantism, but tensions remained high, leading to the persecution of Catholics and Puritans alike.
Elizabethan fashion was characterized by elaborate garments, ruffs, and intricate embroidery, reflecting the wealth and status of the nobility. Sumptuary laws regulated clothing and accessories based on social rank, with fines imposed for those who dared to flaunt their wealth beyond their station.
Despite its cultural and economic achievements, the Elizabethan Era was also marked by outbreaks of disease, including the devastating bubonic plague. Epidemics ravaged cities and towns, claiming thousands of lives and causing widespread fear and uncertainty.
The post Check Out These Facts About the Elizabethan Era appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 100-Year-Old Train Carriage From London North Eastern Railway Was Discovered in Antwerp, Belgium appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The discovery is particularly interesting because the train carriage is part of the first fleet of LNER’s “removals”. These carriages, painted in burgundy and featuring yellow inscriptions, were used in the 1930s to transport the belongings of people moving from one house to another. Just a handful of these carriages remain in existence, as they were in service for only a few years before being replaced with blue wagons.
Additionally, it is a mystery how the carriage ended up making its way from Great Britain to Antwerp.
“The wooden removal truck is thought to be around one hundred years old. It’s a mystery as to how the carriage came to be in Antwerp, and unfortunately there’s very little left of the relic as it disintegrated while being excavated,” said Femke Martens, one of the archeologists working on the excavation.
London North Eastern Railway was one of the “Big Four” train companies created by the British government as part of the Railways Act 1921. The move intended to group the existing 120 railway companies into larger companies in order to put an end to internal competition and make them profitable. London North Eastern Railway was nationalized in 1948 and operated under various names before reverting to its original name in 2018.
The post 100-Year-Old Train Carriage From London North Eastern Railway Was Discovered in Antwerp, Belgium appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Should William Shakespeare’s Authorship of His Plays and Sonnets Be Questioned? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The first questions about Shakespeare’s authorship surfaced in the 19th century. At the time, he was already considered the greatest writer of all time, and his works and life became a subject of thorough analysis. Soon, a theory was proposed that claimed Shakespeare couldn’t possibly write the works he was attributed because of his humble origins, lack of details about his personal life, and the fact that he didn’t receive a high education nor had an “aristocratic sensibility” to be able to write in such manner.
The proponents of the theory claim that Shakespeare was just a front face for another author or a group of authors who didn’t want to reveal their identity for some reason. The list of proposed “real authors” includes English philosopher and statesman Sir Francis Bacon and playwriter and poet Christopher Marlowe.
While the theory became popular and persisted to modern times, Shakespeare scholars offered a number of arguments to debunk it. For starters, Shakespeare’s authorship was never questioned during his life of centuries. Also, there have been plenty of historical records that support Shakespeare’s authorship of his works. This includes title pages with his name, official records, and testimonies from historians and his contemporaries.
Additionally, Shakespeare scholars point out that there have been plenty of playwriters who wrote about similar subjects while being from humble origins and having scarce biographies.
Everything points that Shakespeare wrote the works to which he is attributed, and questions about his authorship serve as another proof of his genius.
The post Should William Shakespeare’s Authorship of His Plays and Sonnets Be Questioned? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Facts About the Fearsome Viking Ragnar Lothbrok appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>A powerful earl decided to give his daughter, Thora, a snake as a gift. Unfortunately, the viper grew up to become a deadly beast. As it terrorized the land, the earl became so desperate that he offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to whoever could kill the snake. Once Ragnar slayed the serpent, he earned a new wife.
While Ragnar had three wives, he had a son named Ubbe with another woman. Although he grew up to become a fearsome warrior who led the Great Heathen Army in its conquest of England, Ubbe reportedly had a disloyal side. After he and his grandfather Esbjørn once tried to rise up against Ragnar, the mighty warrior brought down the law of the land on his disloyal son, teaching him a tough lesson.
Many Viking leaders would send their sons on daring missions far away in order to prevent them from uprising or betraying them. Ragnar was no exception. He sent his son, Bjorn Ironside, to raid and pillage villages and cities across Europe, with the young warrior making it as far as the Mediterranean.
The post Facts About the Fearsome Viking Ragnar Lothbrok appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The ship, named Griffin, belonged to Danish King Hans and sank in 1495 after it caught fire. It was first discovered in the 1970s, with Södertörn University experts starting to research it in the early 2010s. The researchers knew about the existence of the armor chest but were not able to closely examine it until now.
The chest contains several different casting molds and lead plates, which are used to produce lead bullets for early handguns, according to Stockholm University’s press release.
“The contents of the weapon chest are undeniably one of the most important finds,” said the University of Stockholm’s maritime archeologist Rolf Warming in a statement. “It contains, among other things, several different molds and lead plates for the manufacture of lead bullets for early handguns.”
Besides the armor chest, maritime archeologists also discovered a number of other valuable artifacts, including mail armor fragments and cannon carriages.
The researchers will continue their efforts to learn more about the ship and its purpose.
The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>While Vikings are famous for their pillaging, their skills as craftsmen and traders are often overlooked. Vikings were adept at crafting high-quality goods such as jewelry and weapons. These tools were used both domestically and as valuable trade items.
Contrary to the typical image of a chaotic and barbaric lifestyle, Vikings had systems of governance that were remarkably democratic for their time. The Norse societies were organized around “Thing.” This was a general assembly in which all free men could participate. These assemblies allowed Vikings to make major decisions, settle disputes, and elect their leaders.
The stereotype of the wild and dirty Viking is far from accurate. Archaeological finds and historical texts suggest that Vikings placed a high importance on personal hygiene. Combs, razors, tweezers, and ear cleaners made from animal bones and antlers have been commonly found at Viking sites, indicating that grooming was a significant part of their daily routine.
The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post WWII Bunker Beneath Benito Mussolini’s Villa is Re-Opened for the Public appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Visitors can tour the bunker of Villa Torlonia and check out its tunnels and rooms while also taking part in the immersive experience that mimics the attack of Allied forces through the sounds of gunfire and bombs. The tour includes a video showing how it would look like if the bunker was used for its original purpose.
Mussolini’s bunker was originally opened to the public in 2006 and was operating for two years as a tourist attraction. However, the bunker was mostly closed since then, with tours being organized on an occasional basis.
Villa Torlonia was constructed in the early 19th century and belonged to the Italian princely Torlonia family. Mussolini moved into the villa in the 1920s and used it for almost two decades as a residence. It was abandoned and left to ruin after World War II ended before the Municipality of Rome acquired it in 1977.
The post WWII Bunker Beneath Benito Mussolini’s Villa is Re-Opened for the Public appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 5 Quick Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>From the very start of the construction of the tower in the 12th century, it became clear that the soft ground of the area couldn’t properly support the weight of the construction. After being completed in the 14th century, the tower was already leaned, and the issue worsened in the following centuries. But thanks to efforts in the 1990s and 2000s, the tower was significantly stabilized.
The construction of the tower started in 1173, but the various conflicts that the Republic of Pisa engaged in the ensuing decades significantly slowed down its completion. The construction took place in three major phases and concluded 199 years later with the addition of the bell chamber in 1372.
If you look closely, you will notice that the Tower of Pisa is also curved. This was a result of attempts to correct the leaning in the early days of its construction.
You would expect that leaning constructions are not particularly resistant when it comes to seismic events. However, the Tower of Pisa managed to survive several earthquakes and emerge unscathed. This is thanks to the same soft ground that causes its leaning.
The previously mentioned stabilizing efforts managed to straighten out the tower and prevent further leaning. However, experts predict that it will start leaning again in 200 years, at which point another intervention will be necessary.
The post 5 Quick Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Facts About Charlemagne That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Despite being born in the early Middle Ages, Charlemagne possessed a remarkable aptitude for languages and a deep appreciation for learning. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Latin, his native Frankish tongue, and even some Greek. Charlemagne’s passion for education and scholarship led him to establish a palace school at his capital in Aachen, where he surrounded himself with scholars and intellectuals from across Europe. Under his patronage, the Carolingian Renaissance flourished, fostering a revival of learning, art, and literature that laid the groundwork for the medieval intellectual tradition.
In 800 AD, Charlemagne achieved a historic milestone when he was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III in Rome. This event marked the revival of the Western Roman Empire and solidified Charlemagne’s status as the preeminent ruler of Western Europe. Charlemagne’s imperial coronation signaled the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire, which endured for over a millennium as a dominant political and religious force in Europe. His legacy as an imperial ruler, lawmaker, and unifier of Christian Europe continues to reverberate through history, earning him the title of the “Father of Europe” and cementing his place as one of the most influential figures of the Middle Ages.
Contrary to popular belief, Charlemagne was not an exceptionally tall man by modern standards. Historical records suggest that he stood around six feet (1.83 meters) tall, which was above average for his time but not towering compared to his contemporaries. However, Charlemagne was known for his imposing presence, commanding demeanor, and physical vigor, which earned him the respect and admiration of his subjects and allies. His long, flowing beard became an iconic symbol of kingship and authority, further enhancing his image as a powerful and charismatic ruler.
The post 3 Facts About Charlemagne That Will Surprise You appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Surprising Countries You May Not Realize the Vikings Raided appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>After sacking Bourdeaux, France in 844, the Vikings weren’t quite ready to head home just yet. Instead, they journeyed into Spain, laying siege to its coastal villages. It took the intervention of King Ramiro I of Asturias in the northwestern region of Galicia to put a stop to the Viking onslaught.
One group of Vikings traveling east made it all the way to the grand Turkish city of Constantinople. Craving the gold and riches that lay in the regal city, the Vikings were never actually able to breach the walls of the heavily fortified city. Instead, in 987, 6,000 Viking mercenaries would enjoy Constantinople’s treasures by choosing to defend the city, not sack it. This is because they were recruited by Byzantine Emperor Basil II to quell an internal uprising.
Centuries before the expedition westward led by Christopher Columbus, Vikings from Greenland arrived in the United States, establishing a trade route centered on the export of timber to Scandinavia. When they encountered Native Americans, whom they called “Skraelings” due to their screaming battle cries, the Vikings decided against settling in North America due to the difficulty in communicating with the locals and being vastly outnumbered.
The post Surprising Countries You May Not Realize the Vikings Raided appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Check Out These Facts About the Elizabethan Era appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The Elizabethan Era witnessed a flourishing of arts and literature, with playwrights like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson producing some of the greatest works in English literature. The era is often referred to as the “Golden Age of English Drama”, marked by the construction of iconic theaters such as the Globe and the Rose, where Shakespeare’s plays were performed to enthusiastic audiences.
Elizabethan England was a time of exploration and expansion, with explorers like Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, and John Cabot undertaking daring voyages to distant lands. Drake circumnavigated the globe, Raleigh attempted to establish colonies in the New World, and Cabot explored the North American coast, laying the foundation for England’s colonial ambitions and global influence.
The Elizabethan Era was a period of religious upheaval and conflict, as England grappled with the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation. Queen Elizabeth’s religious settlement sought to establish a middle ground between Catholicism and Protestantism, but tensions remained high, leading to the persecution of Catholics and Puritans alike.
Elizabethan fashion was characterized by elaborate garments, ruffs, and intricate embroidery, reflecting the wealth and status of the nobility. Sumptuary laws regulated clothing and accessories based on social rank, with fines imposed for those who dared to flaunt their wealth beyond their station.
Despite its cultural and economic achievements, the Elizabethan Era was also marked by outbreaks of disease, including the devastating bubonic plague. Epidemics ravaged cities and towns, claiming thousands of lives and causing widespread fear and uncertainty.
The post Check Out These Facts About the Elizabethan Era appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 100-Year-Old Train Carriage From London North Eastern Railway Was Discovered in Antwerp, Belgium appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The discovery is particularly interesting because the train carriage is part of the first fleet of LNER’s “removals”. These carriages, painted in burgundy and featuring yellow inscriptions, were used in the 1930s to transport the belongings of people moving from one house to another. Just a handful of these carriages remain in existence, as they were in service for only a few years before being replaced with blue wagons.
Additionally, it is a mystery how the carriage ended up making its way from Great Britain to Antwerp.
“The wooden removal truck is thought to be around one hundred years old. It’s a mystery as to how the carriage came to be in Antwerp, and unfortunately there’s very little left of the relic as it disintegrated while being excavated,” said Femke Martens, one of the archeologists working on the excavation.
London North Eastern Railway was one of the “Big Four” train companies created by the British government as part of the Railways Act 1921. The move intended to group the existing 120 railway companies into larger companies in order to put an end to internal competition and make them profitable. London North Eastern Railway was nationalized in 1948 and operated under various names before reverting to its original name in 2018.
The post 100-Year-Old Train Carriage From London North Eastern Railway Was Discovered in Antwerp, Belgium appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Should William Shakespeare’s Authorship of His Plays and Sonnets Be Questioned? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The first questions about Shakespeare’s authorship surfaced in the 19th century. At the time, he was already considered the greatest writer of all time, and his works and life became a subject of thorough analysis. Soon, a theory was proposed that claimed Shakespeare couldn’t possibly write the works he was attributed because of his humble origins, lack of details about his personal life, and the fact that he didn’t receive a high education nor had an “aristocratic sensibility” to be able to write in such manner.
The proponents of the theory claim that Shakespeare was just a front face for another author or a group of authors who didn’t want to reveal their identity for some reason. The list of proposed “real authors” includes English philosopher and statesman Sir Francis Bacon and playwriter and poet Christopher Marlowe.
While the theory became popular and persisted to modern times, Shakespeare scholars offered a number of arguments to debunk it. For starters, Shakespeare’s authorship was never questioned during his life of centuries. Also, there have been plenty of historical records that support Shakespeare’s authorship of his works. This includes title pages with his name, official records, and testimonies from historians and his contemporaries.
Additionally, Shakespeare scholars point out that there have been plenty of playwriters who wrote about similar subjects while being from humble origins and having scarce biographies.
Everything points that Shakespeare wrote the works to which he is attributed, and questions about his authorship serve as another proof of his genius.
The post Should William Shakespeare’s Authorship of His Plays and Sonnets Be Questioned? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>