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Robbie Mitchell

I’m a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, I’ve been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. I spend my days working as a freelance writer researching the weird and wonderful. I firmly believe that history should be both fun and accessible.

History

Member for: 1 year 11 months

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Pope Leo X and his cousins, by Raphael. Pope Leo X was a prominent member of the Medici Dynasty and Pope of the Catholic Church. Source: Public domain

4 April, 2024 - 22:17 Robbie Mitchell

The Medici Dynasty: Unraveling the Legacy of the Masters of Florence

The Medici family, prominent during the Italian Renaissance, wielded immense power in Florence and beyond. Rising from humble beginnings as bankers, they ascended to become one of Europe's most...

The Procession Picture, c. 1600, showing Elizabeth I borne along by her courtiers. Source: Public Domain

4 April, 2024 - 20:54 Robbie Mitchell

The Strange and Absurd Rules of Elizabethan Manners (Video)

In the late 16th century, during Queen Elizabeth I's reign , England rose as a global powerhouse. The era birthed a peculiar aristocratic code of conduct, diverging sharply from modern sensibilities...

AI image of Anglo-Saxon soldiers fighting in battle. Source: Sarah/Adobe Stock

3 April, 2024 - 21:52 Robbie Mitchell

How Violent Were the Anglo-Saxons Really? (Video)

The Anglo-Saxons , comprised of diverse tribes such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, arrived in Britain during the 5th century, following the decline of Roman influence. While historical narratives...

Aerial view of Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue in Rome, Italy. Now it's a public park but it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome. Source: Stefano Tammaro/Adobe Stock

3 April, 2024 - 00:56 Robbie Mitchell

What Happened in Rome’s Circus Maximus? (Video)

The Circus Maximus , a sprawling amphitheater nestled between the Palatine Palace and the Aventine Hill, epitomized the grandeur of ancient Roman entertainment . Originally a venue for celebratory...

A colorized engraving from 1724 of Bartholomew Roberts (aka Black Bart Roberts), the notorious Welsh pirate. Source: Benjamin Cole/CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

2 April, 2024 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

The Difference between Pirates and Privateers (Video)

In the realm of maritime warfare , understanding the disparity between a Pirate and a Privateer was crucial. While both engaged in seizing ships at sea, their legal standing set them apart...

Face of a woman adorned with intricate facial tattoos a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Source: Old Man Stocker/Adobe Stock

2 April, 2024 - 00:33 Robbie Mitchell

Why Are Humans So Vain Compared to Other Animals? (Video)

Across the expansive chronicles of human history, the pursuit of beauty and adornment has been a deeply ingrained aspect of our collective identity. Dating back to prehistoric times, early humans...

Depiction of Ramesses II slaying one enemy while trampling another, from a rock-cut relief at Abu Simbel Source: Aoineko/CC BY-SA 3.0

1 April, 2024 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

Five Cruelest Pharaohs in Egyptian History (Video)

Egyptian history is replete with tales of pharaonic cruelty, and among the most notorious are the 5 cruelest pharaohs who left an indelible mark on the sands of time. In the First Dynasty, rulers...

Destruction, from The Course of Empire by Thomas Cole (1836). Source: Public Domain

31 March, 2024 - 19:53 Robbie Mitchell

Year 536 AD Was the Worst Year to Be Alive - What Happened? (Video)

The year 536 AD stands as an abyss of despair in human history, marked by an unprecedented convergence of calamities that wrought havoc on civilizations worldwide. Byzantine accounts speak of a...

Facsimile of Diogo Ribeiro's 1529 Carta Universal. Source: Public Domain

31 March, 2024 - 17:29 Robbie Mitchell

History of Maps: From Ancient Artifacts to Modern Marvels

The history of cartography traces humanity's relentless quest to understand and depict the world around us. From ancient civilizations sketching rudimentary maps to modern digital cartography, this...

The Court Jester by John Watson Nicol. Source: Public Domain

30 March, 2024 - 19:48 Robbie Mitchell

What Life Was Really Like as a Medieval Jester (Video)

Life as a medieval jester encompassed more than whimsical performances; it was a complex role integral to the fabric of courtly life. Despite common misconceptions, jesters were often well-educated...

Prehistoric Couple. SpiralStone/Adobe Stock

29 March, 2024 - 23:50 Robbie Mitchell

The Strange Truth About Neanderthal Sex Lives (Video)

Recent genetic research provides compelling insights into the intimate interactions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens , challenging previous assumptions about their isolated existence. DNA...

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, c. 1150, depicting a demon inducing an abortion by pounding the abdomen of a pregnant woman with a pestle. Source: Malcolm Potts/CC BY-SA 3.0

29 March, 2024 - 19:42 Robbie Mitchell

Family Planning in the Ancient World (Video)

In ancient times, family planning methods such as abortion and contraception were integral parts of medical practices and societal norms, particularly in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East...

Representation of the English samurai, William Adams. Source: adrenalinapura/ Adobe stock

28 March, 2024 - 22:10 Robbie Mitchell

The English Samurai - The Story of William Adams (Video)

William Adams , also known as Miura Anjin in Japan, transcended cultural boundaries to become one of the first Western Samurai in Japanese history. Born in 1564 during the Elizabethan era , Adams'...

The excavation site of Herculaneum. Source: Jerónimo Roure Pérez/CC BY-SA 4.0

28 March, 2024 - 19:52 Robbie Mitchell

Wooden Furniture of Herculaneum Preserved by Vesuvius (Video)

The wooden furniture unearthed from the ruins of Herculaneum , preserved by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius , provides an extraordinary window into the daily existence of ancient Romans...

Large pre-Hispanic Olmec basalt carved head in the La Venta archeological park in Villahermosa Mexico. Source: Barna Tanko

27 March, 2024 - 19:52 Robbie Mitchell

What Are the Contributions of the Olmecs to the World? (Video)

The Olmecs , an ancient Mesoamerican civilization predating the Aztecs and Mayas , left a profound mark on history despite the mysteries surrounding their origins and disappearance. Scholars agree...

View overlooking Göbeklitepe Building B. Source: Dosseman/CC BY-SA 4.0

26 March, 2024 - 23:55 Robbie Mitchell

Anatolia: A Cradle of History and Rich Culture (Video)

Anatolia , nestled between the continents of Europe and Asia, is a veritable treasure trove of ancient civilizations and cultural heritage. Despite Herodotus's misconceptions, the region's historical...