Your Weekly Dose of History

Portrait of George Psalmanazar, artist unknown, mid-18th century In the annals of European history, the name George Psalmanazar stands out as a peculiar and fascinating figure. An 18th-century impostor and self-styled “native” of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan), Psalmanazar captivated and deceived the intellectual elite of his time with his elaborate fabrications. This article delves into the life of George Psalmanazar, exploring his schemes, the methods he used to perpetuate his deceptions, and the broader cultural context that enabled his success. It also examines the eventual unraveling of his fabrications and his subsequent life of repentance. George Psalmanazar was born around 1679 in southern France, likely in Languedoc, though details of his early life remain murky due to his tendency for obfuscation. He adopted various aliases and personas throughout his travels in Europe, initially presenting himself as an Irish pilgrim. However, upon arriving in England in 1703, he reinvented him...

The Phantom time theory suggests Alfred the Great was made up In the realm of historical anomalies and conspiracy theories, few are as intriguing and controversial as the Phantom Time Hypothesis. This theory posits that a significant portion of the Middle Ages, specifically AD 614 to 911, never actually occurred. Instead, according to its proponents, these years were fabricated or erroneously dated by medieval scholars for political reasons. While initially captivating, the theory faces substantial scrutiny from historians and archaeologists alike, who argue against its validity with compelling evidence and rigorous analysis. Heribert Illig, a German historian and publisher, introduced the Phantom Time Hypothesis in his 1991 book Das erfundene Mittelalter ( The Invented Middle Ages ), co-authored with Hans-Ulrich Niemitz and Heinrich Zinndorf. Illig argued that the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, along with Pope Sylvester II and Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII, conspired to alter the c...

Photo of the Complaint tablet to Ea-Nasir head on The Complaint Tablet to Ea-nāṣir, an important artifact from ancient Mesopotamia, exemplifies the complexities of social, economic, and legal interactions in early civilizations. This cuneiform tablet, dating back to the Old Babylonian period (circa 2000-1600 BCE), provides insight into the grievances of individuals within a community and illustrates the role of formal complaint mechanisms in maintaining societal order. This article will explore the context of the tablet, its contents, and its implications for understanding Mesopotamian society.

Jerome of Sandy Cove In the quiet fishing community of Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, a mysterious figure emerged one autumn day in 1863, sparking a century-long enigma that still captivates imaginations. Affectionately known as Jerome, this enigmatic man, missing both his legs, appeared on the beach, sparking fervent speculation and whispers among the townsfolk. Despite the passage of time, the identity and origins of Jerome remain unknown, leaving a legacy of intrigue and fascination. On a chilly morning, likely in early September 1863, two fishermen made a startling discovery as they walked along the beach by the Bay of Fundy in Sandy Cove. They spotted a human figure, huddled against a large rock, trembling from the cold. As they approached, they realized it was a young man, apparently in his twenties, with both legs amputated above the knees. He was suffering from exposure, and within his reach were a tin of biscuits, a loaf of bread, and a jug of water. Described as "a well built ...

Soldiers of the Buryat-Mongolian Regiment of the Asian Cavalry In the early 20th century, as Russia descended into revolution and civil war, a peculiar figure emerged from the chaos: Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg, a charismatic and eccentric nobleman of German-Swedish descent. Better known as the “Mad Baron,” Ungern-Sternberg harbored a grand vision—to restore the glory of the Mongolian Empire, once the most powerful empire in the world under Genghis Khan. This article explores Ungern-Sternberg's life, his exploits in Mongolia, and the impact his actions had on the region's history. Roman von Ungern-Sternberg was born in 1886 in Austria-Hungary, into an aristocratic family with a long military tradition. He joined the Imperial Russian Army as an officer and fought in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I. Known for his exceptional bravery and unconventional tactics, Ungern-Sternberg also developed a reputation for cruelty and a disregard for human life, earning him the moni...