Your Weekly Dose of History

Gramota No. 200. In the annals of history, the lives of ordinary people, particularly children, often remain shrouded in mystery. Their stories, if not entirely lost, are typically overshadowed by the grand narratives of kings, wars, and religious movements. However, in the case of a young boy named Onfim, who lived in the 13th century in Novgorod, Russia, we are granted a rare glimpse into the life of a medieval child through an extraordinary collection of birchbark documents. These documents, known as “birchbark manuscripts,” were discovered in the 20th century, revealing a treasure trove of drawings and writings that provide insight into the thoughts, education, and daily life of a young boy living nearly 800 years ago. This article explores the historical context of Novgorod in the 13th century, the significance of birchbark documents, and the unique story of Onfim. Through his drawings and writings, we gain a deeper understanding of medieval childhood, literacy, and the cultural e...

  Le Bal Des Ardents by Georges Rochegrosse In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of France was a place of immense political tension and social unrest. The reign of King Charles VI, also known as Charles the Mad, was marked by his bouts of insanity, which left the kingdom in a precarious state. One of the most infamous events of this turbulent period was the Bal des Ardents, or the Ball of the Burning Men, which occurred on January 28, 1393. This tragic event, meant to be a festive occasion, turned into a night of horror that claimed lives and left an indelible mark on the French monarchy. The Bal des Ardents serves as a microcosm of the dangers inherent in the medieval court, where political intrigue, superstition, and the whims of fate often intersected with disastrous consequences. This article delves into the historical context of the event, the details of that fateful night, and its aftermath, exploring how this episode reflects the broader challenges of the French monarchy du...

Testing the balloon The period following World War II was marked by the division of Germany into two states: the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). This division, enforced by the Cold War's geopolitical realities, created a tangible symbol of ideological conflict—the Berlin Wall. While the Wall was the most infamous barrier, the entire border between East and West Germany was fortified. For many East Germans, these barriers were not just physical but represented a prison, confining them within a state where personal freedoms were severely restricted. Over the years, many attempted to escape from East Germany to the West, using various methods ranging from tunnels to hidden compartments in cars. However, one of the most extraordinary and daring escapes took place in September 1979, when two families—families Strelzyk and Wetzel—escaped across the border using a homemade hot air balloon. This article examines the planning, ex...

 Khalid Sheldrake (1888–1947)   Khalid Sheldrake, born Bertram Sheldrake in 1888, is a fascinating figure in the history of British Islam. His life was a whirlwind of religious zeal, political activism, and global adventures. From his conversion to Islam to his ascension as the King of the remote Islamic Sultanate of Darfur, Sheldrake's story is one of transformation, exploration, and dedication to the causes he believed in.