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Scribes in Ancient Mesopotamia
Scribes in ancient Mesopotamia were highly educated individuals trained in writing and reading on diverse subjects. Initially, their purpose was in recording financial transactions through trade, but in time, they were integral to every aspect...
Article
Ten Noble and Notorious Women of Ancient Greece
Women in ancient Greece, outside of Sparta, had almost no rights and no political or legal power. Even so, some women broke through the social and cultural restrictions to make their mark on history. All of the women did so at great personal...
Article
Marcus Aurelius: Plato's Philosopher King
Plato's concept of the Philosopher-King (one who governs according to philosophical precepts and higher truths) is thought to be best exemplified through the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (r. 161-180 CE), the last of the Five Good...
Article
Traveling Classroom History Exhibit
The best way to learn ancient history is not by memorizing dates and facts but, rather, through critical thinking and analysis. When studying ancient history, the key is to make inferences, using empathy and evaluation to alter one's perspective...
Interview
Interview: The First Black Archaeologist: A Life of John Wesley Gilbert by John Lee
John Lee joins World History Encyclopedia to tell us all about his new book, The First Black Archaeologist: A Life of John Wesley Gilbert. Kelly (WHE): Thank you so much for joining me! Let us start by talking about what the book is about...
Definition
Ancient India
India is a country in South Asia whose name comes from the Indus River. The name 'Bharata' is used as a designation for the country in their constitution referencing the ancient mythological emperor, Bharata, whose story is told, in part...
Image
Map of the First Crusade Routes
"This map shows the main routes taken by those who joined the First Crusade. The appeal was made by Pope Urban II in November 1095 CE but crusaders did not set out until the following summer. One route went through Hungary crossing the Byzantine...
Image
The Repose by Manet
An 1869-70 oil on canvas painting, The Repose, by Edouard Manet (1832-83), the French modernist painter. The woman is Berthe Morisot, the impressionist painter who frequently modelled for Manet. The pose is highly unconventional for the period...
Definition
Desiderius Erasmus
Desiderius Erasmus (c. 1469-1536) was a Dutch humanist scholar considered one of the greatest thinkers of the Renaissance. A prolific writer who made full use of the printing press, he produced editions of classical authors, educational treatises...
Definition
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German organist and composer whose work is today regarded as amongst the finest of mature baroque music (c. 1600-1750). More famous as an organist than as a composer in his own lifetime, Bach's rich...