askhistorians

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I've heard in a Youtube video that medieval peasants had better diets than the nobility since they ate more vegetables, whole grain and fish while kings would prefer meat. Is there any truth to this?	10
The ancient myths of Scylla and Charybdis are often said to have come about from the danger of crossing the strait of Messina; apparently though this supposed "danger" did not really exist. Is there a particular known reason why such dangerous monsters were "placed" in that strait?	8
I've heard countless people say that "prohibition was ineffective" and that it didn't decrease alcohol consumption at all in the US; on the contrary it actually increased it. Is there any truth to this common belief?	7
Why did Kaliningrad remain part of the Russian federation after the dissolution of the USSR? And how did Russian plan on keeping it from being cut off by their enemies?	6
What is the history behind "foreign legions"?	5
The Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland is known in popular culture as being an "embarrassment" for the soviets and a great accomplishment by the Finnish. Is this really true?	4
In my school's history manuals I distinctly remember being taught how Hitler "snubbed" Jesse Owens, even stormed off in anger after his win in the 100 dash in the 1936 Berlin olympic games. In reality Hitler did no such thing. What started this myth in the first place?	4
How did people in the XIX century deal with having a picture taken with their eyes closed?	4
Could American and Japanese troops during WW2 bond over baseball?	3
During the rise of christianity in the Roman empire were there any "gentiles" who believed that the christian God existed without accepting the "exclusivity" of monotheism?	3

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