The rise and fall of Johan de Witt was a unique event in history Bad political leaders have been common throughout history. These bad leaders sometimes are voted out or overthrown. While murder is not uncommon when these things happen, cannibalism is usually not a part of the process. For…

The Norse legend inspired one of The Bard’s greatest plays and a recent hit film. — I recently had a chance to watch The Northman, currently streaming on the Peacock app. I’ve always had a fascination with Norse mythology and loved the Vikings series. With a brilliant cast and a historically accurate setting, It was not a bad way to spend a Friday night. One thing…

The Time a small band of Cossacks stood up to the Ottoman Empire — In 1676, the Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world. However, they were beginning to reach the zenith of their power as the seventeenth century neared an end. One area they attempted to expand into was Ukraine. The Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed IV, led an invasion…

For his sake, I hope so. Ric Flair is one of the most popular and controversial figures in professional wrestling. A man that has had almost as many marriages as he has world title wins, the man who has led an exciting life. …

How one pope changed the Holy Office from church leader to an earthly ruler. — Giuliano della Rovere became Pope Julius II in 1503. By the time of his death in 1513, this man changed the political landscape of Renaissance Italy and the role of the Papacy. To many, he is considered one of the greatest popes. Julius recognized the need for the pope to…

I get asked this question at least once a year. I teach a relatively diverse group of students. They come from several ethnic backgrounds and cultures. We sometimes get into great discussions about race, culture, stereotypes, etc. …

How horsemen from Central Asia helped usher in the rebirth of European culture. — A new unstoppable force overcame the Central Asia steppe in the thirteenth century. The Mongols, under Chinggis Khan, had emerged to become the largest contiguous land empire in the world. By the time Chinggis’s son Ogedie took power as Great Khan, all of Central Asia was in Mongol hands, and…

Does one man’s theory prove that the Chinese visited the New World decades before Columbus? — In 2008 Gavin Menzies wrote an exciting book titled 1421: The Year China Discovered America. I remember reading the book when it came out. Was it possible that a treasure fleet from China reached the Pacific Coast of North and South America seventy years before Columbus? …

A short history of one of the world’s most recognizable brands. When most of the world thinks of bourbon, one name stands out as the most popular. Jim Beam is the oldest distillery in Kentucky, founded in 1795. …