Welcome to HistoryWow
Why ‘Wow’? Because history has a ‘Wow’ factor. History is rich in fascinating and inspirational incidents and events. Stories of heroism, self-sacrifice, humor, arrogance, foolishness, victory against the odds, the cruel hand of fate, irony and nobility.
History’s got the lot. Since 2012, HistoryWow’s aim, using only the finest historical reference material, has been to bring you some of these fascinating and inspirational incidents and events, in a short, sharp format. A little bit of history every day. But not enough to overload your busy lifestyles. We hope you enjoy HistoryWow!
History Question of the Day
How did the ships USS Sable and the USS Wolverine play a key role in the defeat of Japan in the Second World War (1939-1945), despite being incapable of ever leaving US territorial waters?
The answer tomorrow.
Yesterday's question and answer:
What is the Antikythera mechanism, and why was it so important?
Answer: The mechanism was arguably the world’s first analogical computer. It was used by ancient Greeks to chart the movement of the sun, moon and planets and predict lunar and solar eclipses. The exact date of the creation of the mechanism remains unclear, though it was likely around 150 BCE.
Source: Stamping Through Astronomy by Renato Dicati
More at: History
Ask HistoryWow
The History Wow Search Engine. "Ask HistoryWow"
History Question of the Week
Which year saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the birth of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes and the death of Chinese general Qi Juguang?
The answer on Thursday.Submit Answer
The first correct answer to each week's question will receive a US$30 voucher to buy a history book of their choice.
Last week's question and answer:
According to Greek mythology, who was the first woman on earth?
Answer: Pandora.Source: The Complete Encyclopedia of Greek Mythology by Guus Houtzager
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Golden List of Great History Books
There are many great history books, on a range of interesting topics. These are some of the ones we at HistoryWow think are especially good.
These excellent books are available at: History
The HistoryWow Forum
CALLING ALL HISTORY BUFFS!
The fascinating thing about history is that there are a variety of different opinions and views on historical questions. Here is your chance to tell us what you think about a particular history question.THIS WEEK'S HISTORYWOW FORUM TOPIC IS:
“Wars usually begin and end in politics. They are preceded by long negotiation, conference, international efforts for peace, threats, cold war, and intolerable strain.” So said British civil servant Maurice Hankey (1877-1963). What do you think?
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1652)Italian painter. The daughter of Orazio Gentileschi, a follower of the revolutionary Baroque painter Caravaggio (1571-1610). Despite struggling for acceptance as a female artist, she was one of the most important second-generation proponents of the dramatic realism pioneered by Caravaggio.
More at: History
