AskHistorians

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Prior to the Visigothic domination over the Iberian Peninsula, the region was settled by other Germanic peoples - like the Vandals and the Suebi - that seem to have been completely erradicated by the Goths. Did they leave any lasting heritage at all in Iberia?	52
I've read that Anarchist forces during the Spanish Civil War were fully democratic, with promotions and even orders being decided by direct vote among each unit. Is this true? And how did this affect their performance on the field of battle?	49
Before the 16th century, Western historical writing had been dominated by Catholic thought for about a millenium. How did the Reformation impact contemporary historiography? Did it introduce radical new interpretations of past events and innovative ways to think about history and historical sources?	48
When in 996 it was decided to marry future Byzantine Empress Zoe to Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, was a personal union between the Byzantines and the HRE ever considered?	45
The Battle of the Lines of Elvas in 1659 reportedly involved huge trench fortifications. What did 17th century trench warfare look like?	36
Did an Indonesian identity exist prior to independence?	21
What is the origin of crowns? How did a golden circle with spikes come to represent royalty?	21
Did Aztec and Incan fashion change as fast as European fashion did? If not, how did they interpret the fact that each generation of European conquerors was dressed and equipped differently?	20
The dictators Franco (Spain) and Salazar (Portugal) seem to have had similar views on many things, and both gained power after the defeat of Republics which had overthrown their respective monarchies. Why then did Franco restore the Spanish Kingdom, but Salazar kept Portugal as a Republic?	18
The imperial regalia of Maxentius is the only surviving regalia from the Roman Empire that survives today, being found some years ago inside a box buried in Rome. But how did archaeologists conclude that these objects are the imperial regalia, specifically that of Maxentius (who ruled only 6 years)?	15

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