The "Aeneid" by Virgil is an epic poem that aims to capture the unsettled nature of Roman politics in the second half of the 1st century B.C. The poem is written in dactylic hexameter and spans twelve separate sections, the first six of which mirror the structure of the "Odyssey" and the last six echo the "Iliad". By connecting the founding of Rome to the mythological stories that his audience knew so well, Virgil was able to link his hero Aeneas to the character of Augustus. Aeneas is on a quest to establish a new home for his people and faces all kinds of obstacles. Virgil presents Aeneas as a sort of model for Augustus, and that's probably one of the reasons the emperor was so eager to save the poem from destruction. The "Aeneid" has survived to ask questions about the nature of power and authority ever since. By exploring this epic poem, students can gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Ancient Rome and the literary techniques used to convey complex ideas.

Christopher Hitchens, one of the most incisive minds of our time, meets George Orwell in this thought-provoking essay, where he assesses the life, achievements, and myth of the great political writer. Hitchens examines Orwell's perspectives on fascism, empire, feminism, and Englishness, as well as his outlook on America. Whether thinking about empires or dictators, race or class, nationalism or popular culture, Orwell's moral outlook remains indispensable in a world that has undergone vast changes in the fifty years since his death. This book is a tightly woven and subtle argument that addresses not only why Orwell matters today but how he will continue to matter in a future, uncertain world. Recommended for history buffs, political science students, and anyone interested in the power of language and the role of the writer in society. This book offers a unique perspective on the life and work of George Orwell, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Christopher Hitchens' essay is a thought-provoking analysis of Orwell's moral outlook and his perspectives on fascism, empire, feminism, and Englishness, as well as his outlook on America. It is a must-read for those who want to understand the influence of Orwell's writing on our modern world and how his ideas continue to shape our understanding of politics, culture, and society.

"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is a play filled with witchcraft, murder, and political intrigue that still resonates today. The play explores themes of ambition, power, and violence that are as relevant now as they were in the 17th century. Through the story of a Scottish nobleman who steals the throne and presides over a reign of terror, Shakespeare asks important questions about what makes a legitimate king and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The play's memorable characters and phrases have entered our cultural consciousness, and its themes continue to be explored in modern adaptations. By reading and reflecting on "Macbeth," students can develop their understanding of morality, politics, and power, and gain insights into the human condition that are both intellectually and practically valuable.

Are you interested in history and how monuments come to be? Then you'll love this article from Smithsonian Magazine that uncovers the true story of how Georgina Schuyler, a direct descendant of Alexander Hamilton and Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler, saved the Statue of Liberty from irrelevance and ushered in a new identity for the landmark that has endured ever since. Schuyler's campaign to have Emma Lazarus' now-iconic sonnet, "The New Colossus," inscribed on a plaque in the statue's pedestal was just the beginning. Read on to discover how Schuyler's passion for politics and historical preservation led her to save the Statue of Liberty from obscurity.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez is a novel that brings Latin American literature to the forefront of the global imagination. The novel chronicles the fortunes and misfortunes of the Buendía family over seven generations, with its lush, detailed sentences, a large cast of characters, and a tangled narrative. The novel is not an easy read, but it is deeply rewarding, with an epic assortment of intense romances, civil war, political intrigue, globe-trotting adventurers, and more characters named Aureliano than you'd think possible. The novel is one of the most famous examples of a literary genre known as magical realism, where supernatural events or abilities are described in a realistic and matter-of-fact tone, while the real events of human life and history reveal themselves to be full of fantastical absurdity. Beneath the magic is a story about the pattern of Colombian and Latin American history from colonial times onward. This is a history that the author experienced firsthand, and the novel still holds hope for building a better world.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet President, is remembered in the West as the man who ended the Cold War, but in the East as the destroyer of Russia as a world power. Learn about the two sides of Gorbachev's legacy and how it impacted the world.

Chess is more than just a game - it's a tool of military strategy, a metaphor for human affairs, and a benchmark of genius. With a history dating back over one-and-a-half millennia, chess has transcended cultures and continents, evolving into the form we know today. Chess theory was born in Europe, where it became part of courtly education and was used as an allegory for different social classes performing their proper roles. Chess has had a rich and varied history, from the Islamic conquest of Persia to the Cold War, and even today, chess software is capable of consistently defeating the best human players. Learning about the history and strategy of chess can help students develop their critical thinking skills and creativity, and provide insights into human culture and history.

Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" is a masterpiece of anti-war art that powerfully documents the horrors of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The painting's abstracted Cubist style creates a disorienting and overwhelming view of violence, destruction, and casualties. The use of multiple perspectives compounds the horror on display, sending the eyes hurtling around the frame in a futile hunt for peace. Despite the chaos, carefully crafted scenes and symbols carry out the painting's multifaceted attack on fascism. Decades after its creation, "Guernica" retains its power to shock viewers and ignite debate, making it a searing reminder of the true casualties of violence. By exploring this work, students can develop their critical thinking skills, gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and political messaging, and be inspired to use art as a means of social and political protest.

Pablo Neruda was a celebrated poet of the 20th century who became famous for his accessible and controversial poems. He published his first collection of poems at the age of 19 and went on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Neruda's poems often used straightforward language and everyday experiences to create a lasting impact. He wrote about appreciation for everyday objects and subtleties of love and enchantment. Neruda's work also touched on political strife and a poet's responsibility to speak out against injustice. Despite struggling financially, he took a series of diplomatic jobs in different countries and even saved 2,000 refugees during the Spanish Civil War. Neruda's lines are recited at protests and marches worldwide, making him an influential figure in both the literary and political spheres. By exploring Neruda's poetry, students can gain a deeper understanding of the power of language and the importance of standing up for what they believe in.

Travel back in time to the Enlightenment era and discover how European thinkers envisioned the future of their continent. Uncover the thoughts of famous philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Kant, as well as lesser-known voices, in the new book The Idea of Europe: Enlightenment Perspectives. Immerse yourself in debates on political unity, military power, and trade that still ring true today.

Canadian singer, Jully Black, made headlines when she sang her country's national anthem at an NBA all-star game and altered the lyrics from "our home and native land" to "our home on native land" in solidarity with indigenous communities. This small change has sparked a larger conversation about Canada's history of oppression and assimilation of indigenous people, and the need for reconciliation. While some have criticized the change, many have praised it as a model for all Canadians. This issue raises important questions about identity, power, and representation, and highlights the role of music and art in social and political activism.

Dante's "Divine Comedy" is a remarkable allegorical imagining of the soul's journey toward God. It's an epic journey that encompasses both the human and the divine, and it's more than just a religious allegory. It's also a witty, scathing commentary on Italian politics. Dante was a soldier and statesman from Florence, who was staunchly faithful to God but often critical of the Roman Catholic Church. He particularly disliked its rampant nepotism and practice of simony, the buying and selling of religious favours such as pardons from sin. Despite its bleak and sometimes violent imagery in "Inferno," the "Divine Comedy" is also a love story. It's a story of Dante's lifelong muse, Beatrice Portinari, who leads Dante through "Paradiso's" concentric spheres of Heaven until he is finally face-to-face with God. Learning about Dante's journey and his commentary on politics will expand your intellectual horizons and inspire you to think critically about the world around you.

Uncover the cultural identity of the Qing dynasty's ruling elite! Explore the fascinating question of whether the Manchu and Mongol conquerors who ruled China assimilated into the Han majority culture or maintained their own cultural identity. Discover what possessions and lifestyles of the elites reveal about their cultural identity.

From her unexpected ascent to the throne to her seven-decade rule, Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on the world. Explore the life of Britain's longest-reigning monarch and her journey through triumph and sorrow, conflict and change.

Are you curious about the secrets behind the selection of a country's capital city? It's not just about being the largest or most famous city. In fact, there are many factors to consider such as geography, politics, and culture. The capital city is an essential symbol of a country's identity and unity. Exploring the selection process of capitals, you will learn about history, geography, politics, and society. Understanding these concepts will help you become a more informed global citizen, and develop skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis. Whether you dream of being a diplomat, historian, or just want to broaden your horizons, learning about the selection of a country's capital city is a great way to start.

"Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie is a novel that takes readers on a magical journey through the history of India and Pakistan. The protagonist, Saleem Sinai, is born at the stroke of midnight on the day of India's independence from British rule, and he and other children born at the same time possess extraordinary powers. The novel explores themes of revolution, migration, and identity, making it a work of postcolonial literature. Rushdie enriches the story with cultural references and magical realism, and his writing challenges readers to question the idea of a single narrative of history. By reading "Midnight's Children," students can gain a deeper understanding of the complex history of India and Pakistan, as well as explore the power of storytelling and the importance of embracing multiple versions of reality.

Academic exploration can come from unexpected places, like the story of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Despite his flaws, Montagu's moment of vision led to the creation of the sandwich, a food now consumed by millions every day. This story highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in academic pursuits. By exploring new ideas and perspectives, students can make important discoveries and contributions to their fields. Additionally, the practical benefits of academic exploration are clear - the ability to think critically and problem-solve are valuable skills in any profession. So, take inspiration from the sandwich and don't be afraid to think outside the box in your academic pursuits.

Colonial history is a complex and often painful subject, involving the histories and legacies of colonization, empire, and slavery. In recent years, the concept of colonial history revisionism has been in the spotlight, as scholars, activists, and communities have challenged traditional narratives and sought to center the experiences of those who have been marginalized or silenced. In this write-up, we will explore the key concepts and debates around colonial history revisionism, as well as the contributions of leading academics in the field. Colonial history revisionism involves questioning and re-examining traditional narratives of colonization, empire, and slavery. This can include challenging dominant perspectives that have centered white, European perspectives, and silencing or marginalizing the voices of colonized peoples and enslaved Africans. Revisionism also involves looking at the ways in which colonial legacies continue to shape our world today, from economic inequality to systemic racism. One of the key debates within colonial history revisionism is around the concept of "decolonization." This term refers to the process of undoing the effects of colonization and centering the voices and experiences of colonized peoples. However, there is debate around what decolonization looks like in practice, and whether it is possible within existing structures of power. There are many academics who have contributed to the field of colonial history revisionism. One of the most influential is Edward Said, who wrote extensively on the concept of Orientalism and the ways in which Western perspectives have shaped the study of the "Orient." Another important figure is Frantz Fanon, who wrote about the psychological effects of colonization on the colonized, and the need for a "decolonization of the mind." More recent scholars include Saidiya Hartman, who explores the experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants, and Jemima Pierre, who looks at the connections between colonialism and the global economy. In conclusion, colonial history revisionism is a vital field of study that challenges traditional narratives and center the voices and experiences of those who have been marginalized or silenced. By exploring this area further, students can deepen their understanding of colonial history and its legacies, and contribute to ongoing efforts to decolonize our world.

As a high school student, have you ever struggled to stay engaged in complex history lessons? In the summer of 1963, a teacher named Henry Littlefield had a brilliant idea to use "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" to teach American history. He saw connections between the story and the late 19th century Gilded Age, where farmers struggled while industry and finance in the North and East prospered, as well as how the story represented Populism. Littlefield believed that Dorothy represented a typical American girl whose life was turned upside down by powerful forces outside of her control, while the Scarecrow represented the farmer and the Tin Woodman represented the industrial worker. By exploring these connections, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and economic issues of the time. Even though Baum claimed that the book was just an innocent children's story, scholars have found hidden meanings and connections that make it a fascinating subject of study. Learning to uncover hidden meanings and connections in literature can help you become a more critical thinker and better understand the world around you.

The ancient Romans were known for their brutal and violent approach to punishment, and one of the most notorious forms of execution was the practice of damnatio ad bestias. This involved throwing condemned criminals into an arena with wild animals, where they would be torn apart and devoured in front of a bloodthirsty audience. But what was the purpose of this gruesome spectacle? Some scholars argue that it served as a deterrent to would-be criminals, while others suggest that it was a form of entertainment for the masses. Still, others contend that it was a way for the ruling class to assert their dominance over the lower classes. Regardless of its purpose, damnatio ad bestias was a harrowing and terrifying experience for those who were forced to endure it. In some cases, criminals were even forced to fight against each other, adding a gladiator-like element to the proceedings. So who were the people who witnessed these horrific events? According to historian Keith Hopkins, the vast majority of spectators were not members of the upper class, but rather the urban poor who were attracted to the spectacle of violence and bloodshed. In fact, Hopkins suggests that these public executions were a way for the ruling class to distract the lower classes from their own poverty and suffering. But damnatio ad bestias was not just confined to the arena. The practice was also used as a form of punishment for political dissidents and enemies of the state. For example, the early Christian martyr Saint Ignatius of Antioch was sentenced to damnatio ad bestias in the second century AD, and was eventually devoured by lions in the Colosseum. In modern times, the practice of damnatio ad bestias is rightly seen as a barbaric and cruel form of punishment. But for the ancient Romans, it was just another way to assert their power and maintain order in a society that was often violent and chaotic.