Two large armies fought each other in a grand battle in 13th-century Flanders. The outcome had major consequences for France, England and the Holy Roman Empire.
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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.
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The 'bellatores', or "those who fight", were the second estate of medieval society. Through sheer military power, they imposed their will on the wider population.
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For centuries, the Khitans ruled Northern China as the Liao dynasty. But their oppression and rape of Manchurian women sired a rebellion that would come to haunt them.
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European medieval society knew three estates. The clergy, or the 'oratores', were the first. Its members focused on spiritual matters, but could be found advising worldly lords as well.
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Baibars killed two of his sovereigns and defeated Mongols as well as Crusaders. Eventually, he became the Sultan of Egypt. Not bad for someone who started his career as a slave.
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