Covering history's most marvelous millennium
Covering history's most marvelous millennium
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
