Monthly Archives: September 2007

Did the Russians copy from the Mongols?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: Did the Russians copy any military stategy,arms,etz…from the Mongols? Close, but not exactly. The Russians had a large number of Mongols (although a more correct term, given the time frame, would be Tatars) in their … Continue reading

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How did Romania became Communist?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: How come that Romania became communist? And who was CeauÅŸescu? Romania became communist as a result of Soviet occupation at the end of World War II. Nicolae Ceauşescu was a protege of Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej, the … Continue reading

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The causes of Thirty Years’ War

A question from Yahoo! Answers: What was the Thirty Years War fought over? The Thirty Years’ War began as a conflict between Protestants and Catholics, but the real reasons were much more prosaic. Spain (or, more precisely, the Hapsburg dynasty) … Continue reading

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What do we know about Homer?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: When I was growing up, it was believed that Homer (the author of The Odyssey) was a blind black man. Was he? There is no evidence whatsoever that Homer actually existed. For starters, his birthplace … Continue reading

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Why are witches so popular?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: Why are witches and wizards so popular these days? (eg harry potter?)? In the past, people like them were accused and put to death? Witches have always been popular; read a book of folk tales … Continue reading

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Ties between Russia, China and North Korea

A question from Yahoo! Answers: How close are the ties between Russia,China and North Korea? They’ve never been particularly close. China and Russia had a falling out in mid-1950s, after Stalin’s death. North Korean government has always been sensitive about … Continue reading

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Why did the Renaissance begin in Northern Italy?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: Why did the Renaissance begin in Northern Italy? Competition between noblemen. In 13th century Northern Italy, a skilled artist or craftsman didn’t have to walk far to find a patron. And if one patron didn’t … Continue reading

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Ban Zhao’s lessons and Chinese patriarchy

A question from Yahoo! Answers: For those who know chinese history: scholars this one’s for you? In what ways would Ban Zhao’s lessons support Chinese patriarchy? In every way imaginable. Ban Zhao offered women seven lessons: Humility (the female is … Continue reading

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Are greenies godless and Marxist?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: Are greenies godless and Marxist? I heard an interview tonight that made this claim what do you think ? It’s no more true than the claim that all Christians are stupid bigots. People are different, … Continue reading

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Is globalization robbing India of its identity?

A question from Yahoo! Answers: Do u think globalisation is robbing india from its own identity? To answer your question, look at the place where globalization has reached its extreme, Europe. Did globalization rob, say, Belgium, of its identity (or, … Continue reading

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