askhistorians

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What is the origin of tales of Aladdin and Ali Baba? Was Antoine Gallard their author?	15
Are there recorded instances of actual shotgun weddings - the one under a threat of violence or death - in the US? Have anyone acted on the threats if the groom did not comply? Were such marriages considered valid by law?	15
Have Ancient Greeks ever tried to climb Olympus? Were there taboo against climbing Olympus or being in its vicinity?	15
Iceland volcanos produce geothermal energy enough to heat 90% of houses and generate 27% of electricity. How did Medieval Icelanders use geothermal energy in their daily lives (e.g. heating, cooking, bathing)?	15
It is often claimed - insert a dictator here - had a troubled childhood. What commonalities do comparative studies of dictators childhood show? Is there a truth in dictators generally having an abusive youth?	14
How the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy by a Palestinian influenced the perception of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the US?	14
A factory worker from Thailand was arrested in 2015 and currently facing up to 37 years in jail for a grievous crime of insulting King's dog. What is the origin of extreme lese majeste laws (punishing criticism of royalty) in Thailand? Why criticizing King is seen as a threat to national security?	14
What is the origin of the sentiment of the unquestionable superiority of Japanese katana over European swords? Does it have something to with the use of katana during the WW2 by Japanese officers and subsequent taking those katana home as trophies by US soldiers?	13
Japanese culture notable for once practicing ritualized suicides, seppuku. What were the attitudes toward non-ritualized and non-honor based suicides in Pre-Modern Japan?	13
In James Clavell's novel Tai-Pan set in Hong Kong, many prominent characters including the protagonist are Scottish traders. How prevalent were Scots in East Asian trade? Were Scots renowned as traders in the British Empire?	13

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