Tag: Military History
From “Overlord” and “Desert Storm” to “Dracula” and “Mermaid Dawn” — The Cryptic History of Codenaming Military Operations
“Designating operations by their objectives or points on a map didn’t offer much in the way of security… and using simple alphanumeric designations, like “Operation 12a” was seen as unimaginative.” HAD IT NOT been for…
Are Civil War Buffs an Endangered Species? – Historians Bemoan Public’s Fading Interest in Past Conflicts
“Sources chalked the phenomenon up to ordinary apathy on the part of citizens.” A SURPRISING number of Americans seem entirely indifferent to the ongoing celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War. It’s…
Illustrations Of Custer’s Last Stand Show U.S. History from a Different Perspective
“These hand-drawn colour sketches show both U.S. cavalry and mounted braves in action, as well as some chilling depictions of the aftermath of the battle.” CUSTER’S LEGENDARY ‘last stand’ at the Little Bighorn in Montana is…
Were The Mongol Invaders Spurred On By Medieval Climate Change?
The Mongols’ fast and furious conquest of Asia and much of Europe in the early 13th Century has been attributed to many factors: superior horsemanship, rigid discipline, devastating archery, and even the ruthless genius of…
“Dear Mom, I Miss You!” – 1,800-Year-Old Letter Home From Roman Soldier Translated
“His emotions are really no different than those of soldiers today who are longing to go home.” AN AMERICAN GRADUATE student has translated fragments of a letter written by a 3rd Century Roman soldier, according to…
Greek Fire – Nine Little-Known Facts About The Byzantine Empire’s Most Secret Weapon
As far back as the 7th Century, fighting ships of the Byzantine Empire were dousing enemy vessels with a flaming liquid known by western historians as “Greek fire”. While the ingredients of this volatile and…
