AskHistorians

Title	Upvotes	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
What statistics did ancient societies use to measure the size and growth of their economies, like how GDP is used today?	7
War movies often show military personnel travelling to a house to inform a dead soldier's relatives of the soldier's death. When did this become standard practice? Before official adoption by militaries, did a dead soldier's comrades often perform this task on their own initiative?	7
What statistics did ancient societies use to measure the size and growth of their economies, like how GDP is used today?	6
The Japanese Empire was infamous for treating its POWs poorly because of their belief that it was dishonorable to surrender. Conversely, did Japanese soldiers hold enemies killed in combat in any esteem, believing they died a worthy death?	5
Is it known whether any veterans of the 1812 French invasion of Russia actually attended Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture in concert?	5
It’s often mentioned how young people used to look much older in the past compared to today. Was there ever a time, such as after a traumatic event like the 30 Years War, when contemporary accounts noticed that their current generation of young people looked older than before?	4
How dangerous was it to be a medieval or Renaissance town bell ringer when enemies attacked? Did they have time to get themselves to safety?	3
The Japanese Empire was infamous for treating its POWs poorly because of their belief that it was dishonorable to surrender. Conversely, did Japanese soldiers hold enemies killed in combat in any esteem, believing they died a worthy death?	2
When was the last time a country’s ruler/monarch did not speak the native language when they came to power?	1
Who was the first person to suggest there might be a link between smoking tobacco and getting cancer?	1

« < > »