Category: World History Stories

Tales from Edinburgh Graveyard (“Graveyard Shift” “Dead Ringer” “Saved by the Bell”)

"Fun Facts Saturday" Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It is a beautiful, ancient, and fascinating city. It is my second favorite city in the word. (Of course, my namesake London is first.) Famous Castle and Ancient Graveyard The most prominent site in Edinburgh is the massive castle built atop a volcanic hill in the … Continue reading Tales from Edinburgh Graveyard (“Graveyard Shift” “Dead Ringer” “Saved by the Bell”) →

The Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Miracle of the Christian Soldiers

"Fun Facts Saturday" Called "The Philosopher King” (121-180) Aurelius is the last of the "Good Roman Emperors."  While he led his army in battles against the Germanic tribes, he recorded his thoughts in a personal journal. This short account became the classic: "Meditations." Miracle of the Christian Soldiers During his reign, Emperor Aurelius issued a decree … Continue reading The Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Miracle of the Christian Soldiers →

A Premature Obituary Inspired the Nobel Prizes

"Sun Facts Saturday" The Nobel Prize Most people have heard of the Nobel Prize.  It is the most prestigious award in the world. Dr. Albert Nobel left his massive fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes. They are awarded to those who have conferred the “greatest benefit on mankind” in five fields: (1) physics, (2) chemistry, … Continue reading A Premature Obituary Inspired the Nobel Prizes →

“Braveheart” Defeated the English Because Their Commander Slept In Late

The Battle of Stirling Bridge -- The English Commander Slept in Late William Wallace Memorial On a hill overlooking the plains of southern Scotland is a 220-foot castle tower museum dedicated to William Wallace, “Braveheart,” “the Guardian of Scotland.”   In the 1200’s, the English had captured the strategic Stirling Castle. On an early morning in … Continue reading “Braveheart” Defeated the English Because Their Commander Slept In Late →

Origin of Friday the 13th and Why It’s My Lucky Day

"Fun Facts" and "Personal Experience" The Origin of Friday the 13th: Massacre of the Knights Templar The most popular legend is that King Phillip IV of France and Pope Clement V conspired to eliminate the political threat, and seize the massive wealth, of the Knights Templar. So, on Friday, October 13th, 1307, hundreds of Knights … Continue reading Origin of Friday the 13th and Why It’s My Lucky Day →

Simeon Stylite Became a Saint by Sitting on a 50-foot Pillar for 37 Years

I learned about Saint Simeon Stylite (390-459 A.D.) in a college history class. He was memorable because he was the world’s first “pillar hermit.”  He sat on a tall pillar 24/7 for 37 straight years. Simeon was born in modern-day Turkey in 390 A.D. He joined a monastery, but he was kicked out because of … Continue reading Simeon Stylite Became a Saint by Sitting on a 50-foot Pillar for 37 Years →

Origin of: “Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face”

(Post Script to previous article: "Extreme Spite: Man spent 19 years in a Israeli prison rather than agree to a divorce.") This phrase "cutting off one's nose to spite one's face," means “to do something that is meant to harm someone else, but also harms the person who does it.” The suggested origin of this … Continue reading Origin of: “Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face” →

My Ancestor Murdered the Archbishop of Britain

My 27th Great-Great Grandfather is Sir William de Tracy (1135-1189). He is a murderer. He didn’t murder just anyone. As they so, “Go big or go home.”  He murdered Saint Thomas Becket the Archbishop of Great Britain.  This is one of the most infamous events in British history. It is also a very interesting story. Who Represents God, … Continue reading My Ancestor Murdered the Archbishop of Britain →