askhistorians

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The Christian West and the Buddhist East are vastly different cultural spheres, yet both have strong monastic traditions. What societal, economic, or cultural factors contributed to this development and why didn't monastic tradition emerge in other well established religions such as Islam?	176
In modern culture we often memorialize common rank and file soldiers who died in battle. What practices, if any, were there in medieval Europe to remember those that fought in wars?	58
Why did AEthelstan have trouble gaining support from Wessex?	10
I just read that Joaquin Des Prez's father, a policeman, was once jailed for excessive force in 1400s Belgium. So, what exactly constituted excessive force back then? Was it common? And if I was a victim of it, how would I even go about pressing charges?	9
I just read in a wikipedia page on Roman food that rations of wheat were distributed by the Roman state to as many as 200,000 individuals per month (1st century). What other kind of welfare programs did Rome have in place?	4
Prior to electricity or gas light, candles were often a primary source of light. Are there any instances of artisans making decorative/dyed candles or even scented candles? Or would such a notion be considered odd for something meant to be utilized and used up?	3
I'm a Minoan artist in the 15th century bce and have been hired to paint frescoes in an Egyptian palace. How did the Pharaoh's people find and get in contact with me? Furthermore, was doing such commissions my full-time job?	1
How might authorities in a medieval city identify a newcomer as an outlaw? Did newcomers/travelers have to prove themselves as respectable citizens and if so, how did they do so?	1
I'm a Minoan artist in the 15th century bce and have been hired to paint frescoes in an Egyptian palace. How did the Pharo find and get in contact with me? Furthermore, what was my life as a professional artist in Minoan Crete like?	1

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