askhistorians

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Is there a clear link between the homosexual art and literature of the "Floating World" of Edo Japan and the "boys love" or "yaoi" genre that emerged in Japan from the 1970s? NSFW	18
It's frequently claimed by revisionist historians that persecution of Hellenes and other non-Christians in the Post-Constantine Roman empire, suggested by the various harsh penalties described in laws from the times, was actually quite infrequent and mild. Do we have sufficient evidence to say this?	18
Historians say that the adoption of Islam by Mongol rulers such as Uzbeg Khan helped to stabilise steppe politics. However, from what I can see the horde's politics never actually became stable and were as rebellion prone and murderous as ever. What evidence do historians base this judgement on?	17
Did the reforms of the Japanese armed forces following the Meiji Restoration include introducing chaplain-style religious officers? Could soldiers form independent religious study and worship groups?	14
Although it is of dubious historicity, the Brazen Bull torture device seems to have captured the imagination of ancient and medieval authors. Was a comedy element often considered in torture in those time? NSFW	12
Communal meals were a central part of worship in the Ancient world. Would temples, churches, cult centres and the like have maintained professional cooks or would everyone bring things to make a meal?	12
The Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution of Emperor Wuzong of Tang primarily targeted Buddhist monastics, of which the Emperor thought there were too many. Considering that becoming a monastic meant giving up marriage and property, why was it such a popular profession?	12
How much currency does the concept of Oriental Despotism, being that ancient and medieval Middle Eastern and Asiatic rulers ruled absolutely without relying on a wide range of power bases as would occur in the West, have in modern historiography?	12
The Buddhist leader Shinran, was the first Japanese monk to philosophically reject traditional practises such as celibacy, vegetarianism and religious syncretism. How shocking was this change at the time and how did such a radically disruptive sect relate to more traditional schools?	12
In one of Keith Randell's Access to History books, it is mentioned in an explanation of Henry VIII's weight issues that that the concept of excessive eating did not exist in this period. I was under the impression that Temperance was considered a virtue in the Medieval/Early Modern period?	12

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