/r/askhistorians

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Only show posts with narrations

Tenochtitlan was said to be like the “Venice of the new world” when the Spanish saw it. What possessed them to destroy it and fill in Lake Texcoco with dirt to build Mexico City over it?

2590 upvotes • Natbuscus911

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Ancient Greek sculptures were often painted. Were the colors as plain as modern recreations show them?

2589 upvotes • ikarus2k

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Why did an elaborate caste system emerge only in India?

2588 upvotes • Picky_consumer

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How did jeans become the "default" casual pants? Was there ever a competitor?

2588 upvotes • seadev32

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When and why did the word "overmorrow" fall out of usage?

2587 upvotes • ShadowZpeak

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I often wonder what historically has happened near my home, or places I visit. Is there a "Google Maps" of Local History?

2587 upvotes • SuperNintendad

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What is the origin of the novelty car horn and how did "La Cucaracha" become the seemingly default?

2587 upvotes • JuniusBobbledoonary

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[NSFW] During the time when inducing orgasm was considered a medical treatment for hysteria, did the women and doctors sincerely not consider this a sexual activity? NSFW

2586 upvotes • DAL82

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Did 'Population: ' signs actually appear outside towns in the American West? If so what was their purpose?

2586 upvotes • Abrytan

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Why did the Klu Klux Klan, a renowned anti-Catholic organization, co-opt the capirote (the infamous pointed robes) from Catholic Spain?

2586 upvotes • 10z20Luka

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Title	Upvotes	Author	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
Tenochtitlan was said to be like the “Venice of the new world” when the Spanish saw it. What possessed them to destroy it and fill in Lake Texcoco with dirt to build Mexico City over it?	2590	Natbuscus911
Ancient Greek sculptures were often painted. Were the colors as plain as modern recreations show them?	2589	ikarus2k
Why did an elaborate caste system emerge only in India?	2588	Picky_consumer
How did jeans become the "default" casual pants? Was there ever a competitor?	2588	seadev32
When and why did the word "overmorrow" fall out of usage?	2587	ShadowZpeak
I often wonder what historically has happened near my home, or places I visit. Is there a "Google Maps" of Local History?	2587	SuperNintendad
What is the origin of the novelty car horn and how did "La Cucaracha" become the seemingly default?	2587	JuniusBobbledoonary
[NSFW] During the time when inducing orgasm was considered a medical treatment for hysteria, did the women and doctors sincerely not consider this a sexual activity? NSFW	2586	DAL82
Did 'Population: ' signs actually appear outside towns in the American West? If so what was their purpose?	2586	Abrytan
Why did the Klu Klux Klan, a renowned anti-Catholic organization, co-opt the capirote (the infamous pointed robes) from Catholic Spain?	2586	10z20Luka