AskHistorians

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There are accusations in some circles on Saudi Arabia raising the cost of the Hajj (annual piligramage) for it's own profit. Is there any analysis on the historic cost of the Hajj over the centuries? How closely was the historic economy of the city of Makkah tied to the trade with pilgrims?	52
When did astronomy/technology become sophisticated enough to calculate the birth of the new moon? Or calculate the moon set and moon rise time for a given day? As a muslim this topic is discussed quite often but there is no clear answer.	18
Were sword sheaths generally one size all or were they made custom to fit a particular width or a particular sword?	12
A scene in Peaky Blidners shows the British Army deployed to Brimingham to fight the communists. How much truth is in that?	10
In early Islam, 1400 years ago, how did people calculate 2.5% of their wealth to be given to Zakat (almsgiving,)?. Did they get salaries? Was the average man that good at mathematics?	5
Where did the concept of putting flower garlands over the head to celebrate or welcome start from?	3
English letters have an upper case and a lower case whereas langiuages like Urdu and Arabic make no distinction between the two. Is there a particular reason some languages have an upper case and lower case whilst others dont.	1
When was the title of Pharoh instead of a King start and what is the historical significance of the word?	1
How did the idea of the bow and arrow spread around a multitude of cultures?	0
Why is the use of bow and arrow nearly ubiquitous in medieval movies across the world? Did different people come up with the idea independently? A sword/speak makes sense because it's pointy and you stab people with it but a bow and arrow is unique in its design.	0

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