askhistorians

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The US recognizes a "right to privacy." How did we come to recognize this as a right? Did philosophers create the argument for it? Was it a long battle to recognize it as a right?	20
As power shifted back and forth between Greek leagues, Alexander's empire, the Persians, the Roman, and Egyptians, did empires bother conquering and governing sleepy Mediterranean islands like Sikinos (pop 273) and Koufonisia (pop 399)?	20
What was Marcus Aurelius referring to when he wrote: "But how worthless are all these poor people who are engaged in matters political, and, as they suppose, are playing the philosopher! All drivellers."	20
Hebrew ceased to a utilitarian language around the 2nd century A.D., and was used only for religious rituals. Today, millions speak it as their first language in Isreal. How did this happen? Why didn't Jews moving to Isreal communicate in Arabic or Yiddish?	20
In De Re Militari, Vegetius bemoans the fact that the late Roman army "forgot" the ancient art of fortifying their nightly camps. When and why did the Romans stop entrenching? Did it cease to be useful against their foes?	20
What sort of diet were US slaves given in the southern US? How much food did they eat to support their heavy agricultural labor?	20
The Greeks and Romans used mnemonic techniques to perform astounding feats of memory and recall political speeches and lines from Homer. Is De Oratore the only surviving work that covers the topic?	20
Ancient Romans seemed to be split between adoring Greek culture or being venomously against it. What was so attractive and repellent about ancient Greece?	20
Were some medieval monasteries just retirement homes for rich aristocrats?	20
When the revolutionary electric lightbulb hit the market, did it offer significant monetary savings over lighting a room with candles or gas lanterns?	20

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