The sinews of war are infinite money, so the Hospitallers basically never had enough. Propaganda, then, was a useful means to increase their income.
Read MoreHospitaller History (3): Finances, Technology & Propaganda
Tending to the sick was quintessential to the Order of the Hospital, but how did Hospitaller healthcare actually work in an age before modern medicine?
Read MoreHospitaller History (2): The Knights as Medics and Doctors
The Knights Hospitaller started with an infirmary in Jerusalem but soon formed an extensive network throughout medieval Europe, comparable to a modern NGO.
Read MoreHospitaller History (1): An International NGO in the Middle Ages
Both the Holy Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire claimed to be the true "Roman Empire". Which state best claimed Rome's legacy?
Read MoreThe Two-Emperors Problem (2): Byzantine Basileus vs. Holy “Roman” Emperor
How did the Roman Empire lose the West? Learn about upstart Goths, disloyal Lombard and insolent Franks - all working with and against a court in Constantinople that was waging war on many, many fronts.
Read MoreThe Two-Emperors Problem (1): Will The Real Roman Emperor Please Stand Up?
Byzantine emperor Justinian II lost both his crown and his nose, but staged a spectacular comeback to put himself back on the throne.
Read MoreThe Greatest Comeback in Byzantine History: Justinian II
The very first caliph sent his star general Khalid ibn al-Walid - the "Sword of God" - to conquer Byzantine Syria, but the great city of Damascus stood in his way.
Read MoreThe Sword of God In Action: Khalid ibn al-Walid In Syria
Olga of Kiev became ruler of the Rus' because her husband was killed in an uprising. She started her reign with a savage campaign against the rebels.
Read MoreThe Revenge of Kiev: How Saint Olga Brutalized the Drevlians
Thought COVID was bad? People living through 536 experienced the worst time ever to be alive: volcanic eruptions, sudden climate change, and the first plague.
Read MoreWorst Year Ever: 536 CE – “When The Sun Lost Its Wonted Light”
