Historical

Plutarch: The Original Influencer
Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus was born in 46 AD and died around 119 AD. Although he was born in Chaeronea, Boeotia, Greece, Rome ruled the area at the time. Lucius Mestrius was added to his name when he was granted Roman citizenship. Throughout his life, he was a philosopher. The core of his philosophy was Platonic but he did borrow from other philosophies like the Stoics and Peripatetics. Other vocations listed for him are biographer and essayist. He was also a priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi.
By Yvonne Lovejoy5 years ago in FYI
Ever Hear of the Greek Hero Born Hercules?
Classical and Norse mythology first grabbed my attention when I was in middle school in the early '90s, an interest stemming off comic book characters such as Marvel's Thor and Hercules. The former had some relational differences from its source material, but it had all of the names of the Norse Aesir correct (this, long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe turned them from actual gods into extraterrestrial beings). However, the latter of those two heroes, who was often a thorn in Thor's side – though a fellow Avenger – was part of the Greek characters Marvel had, along with his father Zeus and half-brother Ares. Sounds right.... right?
By Michael B Puskar5 years ago in FYI
Courage and Treason: Then and Now
On January 6th, 2021, the United States Capitol was assaulted by a violent mob. Thanks to the TV cameras and the foolhardy social media posts made the insurrectionist, the evidence of the crime was everywhere in plain sight. Even a few leaders of his own party agreed that the attempted insurrection was aided and abetted, among others, by the then President of the United States. On that fateful day and the days that followed, lost in the midst of all the frenzy, was the deliberate misappropriation by the insurrectionist and their allies in congress, of words and symbols connected to an important battle, that goes back some 2500 years.
By Suresh U. Kumar5 years ago in FYI
The Forgotten King
Before you read this piece, I believe it’s really important that I provide you with a disclaimer: I tried extremely hard not to get frustrated when writing this, but despite my best efforts, it’s proved to be a near impossible task. I’ve read, re-read, deleted, re-written only to delete again so many times that I’ve lost count. What you’re going to read from this point forward is the best I could do, so I sincerely apologize if my frustration still manages to poke its head through the words I am about to share.
By Gurp H.5 years ago in FYI
Koschei & His Secret Soul
In discussions and popular conversations on folklore and myth you rarely hear his name. Sidelined by Grimm tales and Greek Gods, not favored as well as the Norse, lie the Slavic folktales. Hiding in the shadows of the old world, in deep forests and decrepit castles, they are ancient monsters beings of unspeakable machinations. Forest spirits and mountain gods. The likes of Baba Yaga, Firebird, Leshy, and Chernobog come from these lands. While you may have heard those names, you are probably not as familiar with Koschei the Deathless.
By Lucy Richardson5 years ago in FYI
That time a bear joined the Polish Army
Wars bring about loss, sadness, and chaos. During times of war, people naturally look for ways to lift their spirits—this was especially true during the dark days of World War II. A little-known Polish Army unit found hope in a comrade named Wojtek. This remarkable trooper made life-long connections with the soldiers he served alongside, and now his name carries so much fame, more than one movie has been made about his life. Wojtek, however, was unlike any other solider in the war: he was a 500-pound Syrian Black Bear.
By Ed Wilson5 years ago in FYI
Historic Long Island
Montauk. The Hamptons. Even casual consumers of pop culture are familiar with these iconic Long Island locales. Film fans will recall passing references in blockbuster movies like Jaws as well as important scenes in Something's Gotta Give and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Sitcom audiences will remember celebrated episodes of Seinfeld and Friends. Those who prefer their TV soapy and dramatic may be more familiar with Revenge and The Affair. Celebrity watchers know that actors, musicians, athletes, and media personalities including Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, Paul Simon, Eli Manning, and Martha Stewart are frequent visitors and part-time residents of towns in the area.
By Sean Johnson5 years ago in FYI
Little Known London: Exhibition Road
Exhibition Road is known as a place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the history and culture of London. But how did this road and these beautiful buildings come to be such a cultural hub?
By Alicia Jake5 years ago in FYI
America's Bloodiest Conflict
Many people believe that the Civil War was a conflict over slavery. That was a large piece of the puzzle, but it was not the whole story. It was also a war about autonomy and representation. President Abraham Lincoln wrote,
By Ted Lacksonen5 years ago in FYI
Ivy League Insulation
Nestled among a forest of red brick in the northwest corner of Harvard Yard is a triangular flash of blue. This bright anomaly is perched above the lone door of a little square building that shelters in the midst of all the more uniform, rectangular dormitories around it. That little square building is Holden Chapel, and for almost two hundred years it sheltered a dark piece of history within its walls.
By Caitlin Aston5 years ago in FYI
The Horses of Outlander
HORSES ARE PREDICTABLY UNPREDICTABLE Horses are BIG and, if you are not familiar with horses, they can be intimidating and seem unpredictable. The horses used in a TV series or a movie need to be appropriate for the nervous and inexperienced actor as well as for the actors who ride regularly. The horses also need to be well trained so that the professional stunt men and women can do what is required. Add to that, finding horses and tack that are historically correct...because there will always be that person watching who will say, "wait, they didn't have horses and tack like that back then!"
By Mary Chris Foxworthy5 years ago in FYI
The Origins Of Lesbian Literature.
Sappho was a woman-loving, passionate, defiant, heartbroken, lyrical poet. She set the path for lesbian artists openly sharing their love in their work. Being vulnerable is such a challenge, when LGBTQ+ artists have always been told to do the opposite, “keep it private.” Sappho did the opposite and not only has the legend of her talent lasted for thousands of years, but her influence has even altered the English language! Sappho’s work may also feel familiar to those who have, like myself, been in a long-distance relationship. Her poems cry out with the heartbreak in the unwilling parting between her girlfriend and herself. She even pleads to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to see the woman she loves most again.
By Kasey Rae5 years ago in FYI