Italian Renaissance – St. Peter’s Basilica – The Church to End all Churches
It´s one of the most beloved success stories of Renaissance Italian art and architecture. A stroll through St. Peter´s Basilica and the Vatican museums...
Heavenly Happenings in Anglo-Saxon Times
The Saxons, it would seem, at least the chroniclers who have given us the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, were mindful of strange happenings in the heavens.
The...
The Norse God Tiwaz or Tyr and the Origin of Tuesday
"Tuesday" is a strange, arbitrary name for a day; just about as strange and arbitrary as "Wednesday". So, why is Tuesday called "Tuesday"?
Tuesday is...
The Lemon, One of Isabella d’Este’s Many Status Symbols
Isabella d'Este, Marchioness of Mantua, (1474-1539) knew a status symbol when she saw one. In those days, the lemon tree was expensive and rare.
Isabella...
Welsh History: Union with England
The Act of Union
After the failure of the Glyndwr rebellion, it was inevitable that Wales would be annexed to England. Union had really been...
The Religious Landscape of the Druids
Iron Age religious rituals impacted little on the landscape. But archaeology offers tantalising clues to the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Druids.
Historical Views...
1848: The Year of Revolutions – Europeans Demand Democracy
In 1848, several revolutions broke out in Europe as despotic rulers were confronted with popular demands for liberal constitutions and more democratic government.
The French,...
Glastonbury: More Christian “Borrowing”
The abbey at Glastonbury and the inclusion of the Tor as a whole into the Arthurian tradition is yet another example of the Christian...
Offa: Mercia’s Greatest King
Offa is one of the most famous names in all of British history. He was a figure larger than life (and, some would argue,...
The Chariot: Ancient Britons’ Armored Personnel Carrier
One element of warfare in ancient Britain that doesn’t get much press these days is the use of the chariot in battle. The common...