askhistorians

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I'm a knight who was injured in a battle/joust/whatever. I think the cause is faulty armor. Is there "blacksmith malpractice?" What's my recourse?	3065
I've read that widowed women in American colonies were the preferred licensees of taverns. Given their limited status, the role of public trust in tavern-owning, and the growing importance of taverns as an epicenter of social and political activity, how did American society reconcile this contrast?	257
I know comedy itself isn't novel, but when did our notions of stand-up comedy become a thing? Is it new-ish, or were there instances of this occurring in other periods?	81
How was Rudolf II's patronage of alchemy (esp. John Dee and Edward Kelley) viewed by his contemporaries? Was the pursuit viewed more favorably (i.e., as a good-faith experiment) or a scam of sorts?	28
In The Iliad, athletic competition and displays of physical prowess are part of the grieving process. How common was this? When did it fall out of favor?	27
The Fenian raids on Canadian outposts, etc. are commonly framed as this almost lackadaisical uprising. Is this accurate, or was the average American/Canadian concerned about the conflict, particularly those situated on the border?	24
Julie D'Aubigny: was she really a cross-dressing, sword-fighting, love-making opera singer who snuck into convents to get her jollies?	7
What are the historical/mythological roots of romanticizing criminals into Robin Hood-like figures?	2
Deputy Housewives in the Revolutionary War: I'd like to know a little more about their role. What was 'a day in the life?' How did they keep from getting muscled out in occupied territory?	1

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