askhistorians

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Bosnia is almost landlocked, but it has a narrow, 12-mile long piece of land on the Adriatic Sea. How did it get this sliver, and how has it kept it, despite it cutting off a piece of Croatia? Why isn't the strip built up as an industrial port for Bosnia?	1296
Did the ancient Romans really only eat one meal a day?	1233
Christian monks and nuns began to form communities not long after the religion began to spread. But what about Jesus's message led people to think monasticism was a path he would approve of?	1205
Soy is extremely popular in much of Asia, but never became a major crop in India, nor did it spread along the silk road to Europe. Do we know why such an important crop stayed regional?	1172
Ancient Roman roads are useable 2,000 years after their creation. Our asphalt roads get replaced every 18-20 years. The Arkadiko bridge in Greece functions 3,100 after it was built. Modern bridges are designed to be replaced after 50 years. Why'd we stop building infrastructure that outlasts us?	1065
Two maxims inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi are famous — "Know Thyself," and "Nothing in Excess". But the third is rarely mentioned and opaque — "A Pledge Brings Trouble." Do we know what was behind this third cryptic maxim, and why the Greeks thought it was important?	1038
The first subways were pulled by steam engines. Were passengers choking on smoke in poorly ventilated tunnels? Were the tunnels well lit? Would it have been a good experience to use these early subways?	992
Americans dressed to the hilt until the 1960s, and put effort into even their casual attire. After this society seemed increasingly less concerned about dress. What brought about this transformation?	975
England's elite noble families gathered in London each summer for "the season," finding matches among themselves for their children and generally hobnobbing. This went on into the 20th century. What happened to the season? How did it fade away?	974
Sigmund Freud is known as the father of psychology, and his ideas are immersed in our culture. But it seems like Freud was a disaster for every patient that ever worked with him. Were his ideas actually useful for treating patients, or was he just a good marketer of his ideas?	958

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