Charting the history of maps, from Imago Mundi to Google
These days, we rarely get lost. All we have to do is program our GPS devices or consult Google Maps. Of course, there's still the good old paper map to fall back on. Five thousand years ago, however, you might have turned to a clay tablet to get your bearings. Later, a papyrus scroll would have done the trick. And by the 16th century, the first world maps had started to appear. Maps have been part of human history for millennia, and the development of cartography, or mapmaking technology, is as fascinating as the many destinations a map assists us in arriving at. Click through, pore over this gallery, and chart the timeline of maps.
2024-01-18T12:10:10Z
How the bubonic plague (Black Death) devastated Europe and Asia
The Black Death, a deadly bubonic plague pandemic in the 14th century, caused widespread havoc, claiming around 200 million lives. As the disease spread, entire towns and villages were wiped out, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Originating from fleas on rats, the disease spread rapidly through flea bites, leading to catastrophic consequences, including fear, panic, and the decimation of communities. But how much do we know really about the origin, transmission, and consequences of this deadly medieval killer? Curious? Click on the gallery to explore the Black Death's impact.
2023-11-14T09:14:58Z
The Hapsburgs: Europe's most powerful family
Numerous powerful families throughout history have held the sway and influence to change the world. From modern elite families like the Kennedys to ancient, longstanding dynasties like the Shang of China, strong families in high places, if they play their cards right, have always been able to control the political, cultural, and financial climates of their time. Perhaps the greatest example of a wide-reaching dynastic family tree, and the potential of their powers, is the House of Hapsburg. The Hapsburgs are one of the longest-running dynasties in the world, maintaining power to some degree or another for almost a millennium. It is difficult to think of a major event in the history of Europe that the Hapsburgs didn't have a hand in. In fact, to know the history of the Hapsburgs is to know the history of Europe. Intrigued? Read on to learn more about the history of Europe's most powerful family.
2024-03-16T15:10:16Z