askhistorians

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I am a foot soldier in a medieval army that's about to clash in an even battle. Will standing in the front be suicide? Can I choose to be in the back?	973
European dragons and East Asian Dragons represent different symbols and features yet are undoubtedly similar. Did they have influence one over each other, or are similarities a matter of coincidence?	371
The battle of Stalingrad is often considered a turning point of WW2. Why did the Germans enter the streets in the first place rather than surround it like Leningrad? Wouldn't they have an advantage on a field?	52
Movies usually depict armies of archers or early rifleman firing in waves. Why was this done? What is the advantage over 'free fire'?	11
Pre-19th century was there any known discourse about extraterrestrials? (Excluding religious context) If so, how early does it go?	9
A WW2 story running in the family tells of a Germany fort in Italy that held the allies for days. It's said all attempts failed until a small group of barefoot Indians with knives cleared it in one night. Was this a known tactic?	9
In the golden age of piracy - was pirate slang and dialect distinct from the rest of the sailor communities?	9
The diseases brought to America by Europeans killed the majority of the natives. Did anything similar happen when they came in contact with oceana traders or greenlanders with the Norse?	5
Organized terror and militia groups often do not wear uniform. What was the historic purpose for military uniform and has it changed over time?	4
The Bible details some progressive social laws for it's time, such as Slave treatment and addressing poverty. How well were they actually followed in ancient Jhudia? Do we have any indicators they were enforced?	3

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