Author: Christopher Warner

They feature some of the most stunning architectural designs ever created. Whether built as a royal fortress to guard against invading armies or as an opulent playground of the ultra-wealthy, castles provide a fascinating link to the past with no shortage of hidden secrets.  7. Leap Castle (Ireland) For a small nation on the western…

His name means Charles the Great — a fitting description for a brilliant military commander, visionary leader, and one of the most influential figures of the Early Middle Ages. Better known as Charlemagne, he ruled over a vast domain not seen since the Roman Empire and is often referred to as the “Father of Europe.”…

The fate of nations and empires have depended upon control of the high seas throughout civilization. From well-populated coastlines to the most remote ocean depths, sunken vessels lie dormant in a vast watery graveyard, serving as a reminder of the countless battles waged. Here’s a rundown of some largest and most decisive naval battles that…

FADE IN: 3120 CE. During a routine scan of planets in the Solar Federation, a surveillance probe detects a shiny object reflecting from XP-3. A signal is transmitted to Inter-Galactic Command, which quickly dispatches The Rocinante for a closer look. Unbeknownst to the crew, the lifeless, toxic sphere — long ago ravaged by nuclear war,…

They were one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Europe, ultimately producing two queens, three kings, and four popes. As the de facto rulers of Florence for nearly 300 years, the House of Medici also provided the foundation of the Italian Renaissance. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating Florentines… 10. Once…

Though best known for conquering England in 1066, the Norman dynasty also changed the course of history throughout Europe. Furthermore, the Normans’ ability to assimilate into other cultures is still found today in the languages we speak and the laws that govern our daily lives.  That said, here are some interesting tidbits about how they…

Historians often bicker about the exact timeline and the most significant period of the Renaissance. Although the former can be loosely defined as the years between the 15th and 17th centuries, the latter might best be summed up in a quote from the classic 1949 film, The Third Man: “…in Italy for 30 years under…

Crowd-pleasing grub often creates a cult-like following only to suddenly disappear faster than you can say, ‘Jim Jones.’ Although occasionally an item will re-emerge on store shelves (Dunkaroos, anyone?), most discontinued faves are typically replaced by newer offerings in a shinier package, providing yet another gut-wrenching reminder that nothing lasts forever. That said, join us…

Reading today’s headlines is undertaken at one’s own peril. The increasingly dire news is filled with a seemingly never-ending glut of brutality, corruption, and disease. Fortunately, there are always the movies to provide a distraction from the wicked, wicked world. Although the entertainment industry isn’t immune from the chaos and destruction of the coronavirus, sweeping…

The fate of nations and empires have depended upon control of the high seas throughout civilization. From well-populated coastlines to the most remote ocean depths, sunken vessels lie dormant in a vast watery graveyard, serving as a reminder of the countless battles waged. Here’s a rundown of some largest and most decisive naval battles that…

“All warfare is based on deception” — Sun Tzu The ability to outfox the opposition often provides the winning edge on the battlefield. From basic disinformation to elaborately planned subterfuge, an array of shrewd tactics have been employed by some of the greatest military leaders of all time. Although sheer luck can be equally advantageous,…

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. As the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, the battle featured the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign up to that time. The showdown also marked the first defeat of Nazi military forces and proved to be the turning…

Ancient Egyptian civilization is well known for its advanced culture, mummies, pharaohs, and majestic pyramids. As its population expanded along the mighty Nile, so did appetites and eating habits that would produce a new societal class of people: foodies.   Archaeological discoveries of tombs and other artifacts provide us with detailed insight into Egyptian cuisine. The…

Seventy-five years ago this month, the first nuclear weapon ever deployed in combat decimated the Japanese city of Hiroshima. A week prior to the attack, the USS Indianapolis had delivered key bomb components to a strategically located island in the North Pacific.  But a few days after completing its top-secret mission, the vessel became involved…

The Stone Age is broadly defined as the period in history when early humans used tools and weapons made from stone. The era lasted from about 3.4 million years ago to roughly 3,000 BCE and subdivided into three periods: Paleolithic (Old), Mesolithic (Middle), and Neolithic (New).  Also, anyone looking for an astute conversation starter at…

The advent of “extreme sports” provides the latest form of hair-raising competition, but athletes pushing the envelope is nothing new. Roman chariot racing offered plenty of thrills and spills in front of frenzied fans at the Circus Maximus. Elsewhere, in ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, a ball game resulted in players being sacrificed to the gods.  In…

Although fashion trends come and go, a constant thread can be found in the hazardous pursuit of beauty. The need to dress to impress stretches like spandex throughout history — and even includes Adam and Eve accessorizing with itchy fig leaves. Here’s a closet full of more crimes of fashion that are not only cruel and unusual…

The term “ancient” has become increasingly relative in today’s ever-shifting, modern world. After all, it wasn’t that long ago when apps meant appetizers, phones were only used for talking, and Alexa was just someone’s annoying kid sister.   But none of our technological wizardries would have been possible without the steady advances made by our persistent…

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. As the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, the battle featured the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign up to that time. The showdown also marked the first defeat of Nazi military forces and proved to be the turning…

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initially began as the Bureau of Investigation in 1908 and gradually evolved into the United States’ primary federal law enforcement agency. Tasked with fighting crimes ranging from homicide to bank robbery to kidnapping, the FBI is credited with hunting down some of the most legendary lawbreakers in modern history…

The Crusades, ostensibly, were a series of armed expeditions launched by Christian states against Muslim forces to seize control of territory deemed sacred by both parties — AKA, the “Holy Land.” The fighting spanned several centuries and produced some of the bloodiest combat in military history, motivated by both heavenly salvation and earthly plunder. Beginning…

The Romans created one of the greatest empires of all time, combining military might with an extensive range of technological advances, customs, and laws that are still in use today. They connected east and west cultures, built roads, spanned bridges, and even constructed sporting arenas that featured gladiatorial combat and sea battles. Emperor Augustus alone is credited with founding the principate, establishing a standing military,…

As the COVID-19 continues to grab most headlines these days, it’s a safe bet we’re going to see a glut of deadly virus-themed flicks in the near future.  But for cinema fans looking for something other than this horrible real-life nightmare, TopTenz presents more true tales that deserve the red carpet treatment. 10. Escape From…

Although fashion trends come and go, a constant thread can be found in the hazardous pursuit of beauty. The need to dress to impress stretches like spandex throughout history — and even includes Adam and Eve accessorizing with itchy fig leaves.  Here’s a closet full of more crimes of fashion that are not only cruel…