askhistorians

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European regnal naming conventions: why did European monarchs choose from such a small pool ofnames? England had 8 kings named Henry and 8 named Edward; France had 28 (!) Louis’ and 10 Charles’ - was it simply a popular custom to select a name of a previous monarch to add legitimacy to one’s reign?	125
How different is the Zoroastrianism practiced today in Iran and other parts of South Asia from the Zoroastrianism of the ancient Persians?	121
When and why did the “Great Man” theory of history fall out of favor amongst historians?	117
Was Aesop an actual historical figure, and were all of the iconic fables he was attributed to write actually composed by him or were they older parables and allegories that he simply compiled together?	114
While Marilyn Monroe is considered to be a beloved cultural icon and tragic figure today, was the American public’s perception of her (as well as her portrayal in the media) as sympathetic around the time of her death as in 1962 as it is today?	108
Why was the “Burned Over District” in Western New York, a seemingly unremarkable rural stretch of the state, such a hotbed of unconventional, heterodox religious and philosophical thought?	102
How expensive would a “Grand Tour” of the world be for travelers during the Victorian Era or other periods in the history of tourism?	99
Mandaeism and Yazidism are non-Islamic religions practiced in Iraq and Iran; how did these religions survive to the present day despite the Islamic Conquest of those areas?	94
How common were pierced ears and earrings in pre-modern Europe?	91
Nushu is a writing system that was used exclusively by women in pre-Revolutionary rural China; what led to the development of this gender-specific writing system?	86

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