/u/GrilledCheeseRant's posts in /r/AskHistorians

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[Examples in Text Body] What are some interesting examples of early records describing/depicting something seemingly so fantastical that reviewers viewed these depictions as myth, only for more recent review to suggest that these records may hold some credibility?

998 upvotes

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Read an interesting comment that suggested gold became such a widespread medium of exchange due to relative ease of transport with payment sums, could anyone elaborate further on why gold was embraced over other mediums?

21 upvotes

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Economic historians, one of the most common arguments I hear for why many European states embraced mercantilism was their central desire to have strong gold reserves and therefore be able to pay to maintain a strong army when a war inevitably broke out. Is this correct? Are there other motivators?

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What comprehensive but accessible sources are there that delve into the nuances of belief systems from “lesser discussed” societies and civilizations?

1 upvotes

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What are some religious or cultural traditions/practices/ceremonies/etc. that many history enthusiasts may be overthinking or applying too literal of an interpretation towards?

1 upvotes

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Are there cases of organized crime “families” riding to extreme prominence (perhaps even to the point of holding commanding control within their area of influence) where they did NOT heavily rely on things like blood ties or other similar associations?

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Title	Upvotes	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
[Examples in Text Body] What are some interesting examples of early records describing/depicting something seemingly so fantastical that reviewers viewed these depictions as myth, only for more recent review to suggest that these records may hold some credibility?	998
Read an interesting comment that suggested gold became such a widespread medium of exchange due to relative ease of transport with payment sums, could anyone elaborate further on why gold was embraced over other mediums?	21
Economic historians, one of the most common arguments I hear for why many European states embraced mercantilism was their central desire to have strong gold reserves and therefore be able to pay to maintain a strong army when a war inevitably broke out. Is this correct? Are there other motivators?	5
What comprehensive but accessible sources are there that delve into the nuances of belief systems from “lesser discussed” societies and civilizations?	1
What are some religious or cultural traditions/practices/ceremonies/etc. that many history enthusiasts may be overthinking or applying too literal of an interpretation towards?	1
Are there cases of organized crime “families” riding to extreme prominence (perhaps even to the point of holding commanding control within their area of influence) where they did NOT heavily rely on things like blood ties or other similar associations?	0