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 Since 2012, HistoryWow’s aim, using only the finest historical reference material, has been to bring you some of these fascinating and inspirational incidents and events, in a short, sharp format.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
He appeared “to have stepped out of a Van Dyck painting, elongated figure, pointed beard, a big hat … very mysterious, extremely complicated, one never knows the depths of his thoughts”. Who is being described?
The answer tomorrow.
Yesterday's question and answer:
How did a bookbinder come to damage arguably the most iconic symbol of Irish culture?
Answer: In 1825, the bookbinder trimmed the decorative borders of the famous Book of Kells, the elaborate illustrated manuscript of the gospels dating to 800 CE.
Source: Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts by Christopher de Hamel
More at: History
Ask HistoryWow
The History Wow Search Engine. "Ask HistoryWow"
History Question of the Week
The Exception and the Rule (1929), The Measures Taken (1930), and The Caucasian Chalk Circle (1948) are all plays by which German Marxist playwright?
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:
In 1400, the city of Cairo was larger than any city in western Europe. True or false?
Answer: True. It had a population of 600,000.Source: After Tamerlane - The Rise and Fall of Global Empires, 1400-2000 by John Darwin
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:
While historians analyse the past by focusing on either social movements and technological developments, or the intentions of a few great men, the reality is that history is determined by luck. Do you agree?
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note
Squanto (?-1622)Pawtuxet American guide. He aided the Pilgrims in the fledgling Plymouth Colony in 1621, acting as an interpreter and advising on planting and fishing. Squanto’s assistance was vital to the early survival of the colony.
More at: History
