AskHistorians

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Many modern children are fascinated by dinosaurs. What were children similarly fascinated by before the discovery of dinosaurs?	344
When and where was death first depicted as a robed skeleton wielding a scythe?	151
In the second Arab siege of Constantinople, an Arab Christian navy carrying much needed supplies defected to the Byzantines, arguably influencing the outcome of the siege. What were the consequences of this defection for ordinary Christians living in the Caliphate?	141
How common were warhorses in full plate or mail armour, and were they practical in battle?	120
How many arrows did foot archers and horse archers carry on their person in battle, and how much did the figures differ across place and time?	113
It is said that people used to drink beer more than water because water was often contaminated and beer was sterelized by its alcohol content. Did that also apply to children and pregnant women?	100
In 1261, 3 years after the destruction of Baghdad, the Mamluk sultanate of Egypt allied with the Muslim mongols of the Golden Horde. How was this alliance perceived by the different factions in the Muslim world?	94
In 1261, 3 years after the destruction of Baghdad, the Mamluk sultanate of Egypt allied with the Muslim mongols of the Golden Horde. How was this alliance perceived by the different factions in the Muslim world?	72
It is said that Rome won its wars because it had the ability to produce legions almost as fast as it lost them. How did the Romans manage to keep the demoralizing effects of losing entire legions in check? And how often did they lie to their own citizens about their more serious defeats?	39
Why has blue become the standard colour for ball pens instead of black, red or green or any other colour?	30

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