/u/rip_ripley's posts in /r/AskHistorians

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Why do you we say "a double edge sword" as if it was an exception? When did this expression originate? Was it common to only sharpen one side of the blade?

168 upvotes

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Was cannibis consumed in medieval Europe? If not when did it become a thing? What was the church's view on it?

100 upvotes

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It is said that English monasteries were a prime target for viking raids because of their lack of fortifications and the riches they contain. Are there any documented raids by the locals during this period?

59 upvotes

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I've just read that the Jesuits ruled in a semi-autonomous state in Paraná under Spanish' America intending to protect the Guaraní people from slavery. They didn't use money and created a six hour workday. Is this true? How did it work and how did it end?

54 upvotes

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Why siege a castle at all? Couldn't they just go around it instead and ignore it? What were the disadvantages?

35 upvotes

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Did the quality of life of the average peasant increase after the fall of the Roman Empire in let's say Hispania or Italia?

30 upvotes

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What was Simón Bolívar stance about the treatment of native populations?

26 upvotes

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The harsh treatment of Jewish populations by the Romans was due to religious or mostly political reasons?

25 upvotes

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I've just read that the Ancient University of Nalanda in India had "9 million text", how accurate is this number? How were they catalogued?

22 upvotes

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Was Martin Luther influenced by the Hussites or were their movements completely independent?

14 upvotes

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Title	Upvotes	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
Why do you we say "a double edge sword" as if it was an exception? When did this expression originate? Was it common to only sharpen one side of the blade?	168
Was cannibis consumed in medieval Europe? If not when did it become a thing? What was the church's view on it?	100
It is said that English monasteries were a prime target for viking raids because of their lack of fortifications and the riches they contain. Are there any documented raids by the locals during this period?	59
I've just read that the Jesuits ruled in a semi-autonomous state in Paraná under Spanish' America intending to protect the Guaraní people from slavery. They didn't use money and created a six hour workday. Is this true? How did it work and how did it end?	54
Why siege a castle at all? Couldn't they just go around it instead and ignore it? What were the disadvantages?	35
Did the quality of life of the average peasant increase after the fall of the Roman Empire in let's say Hispania or Italia?	30
What was Simón Bolívar stance about the treatment of native populations?	26
The harsh treatment of Jewish populations by the Romans was due to religious or mostly political reasons?	25
I've just read that the Ancient University of Nalanda in India had "9 million text", how accurate is this number? How were they catalogued?	22
Was Martin Luther influenced by the Hussites or were their movements completely independent?	14