/u/samwaytla's posts in /r/askhistorians

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In 1604 there was a supernova that caused a star to be bright enough to be seen during day time. How was this interpreted at the time? Did any figures or groups try to capitalise on it for political or spiritual influence?

3840 upvotes

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The Pope suppressed the order of the Jesuits in 1773. Why?

18 upvotes

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Listening to Mike Duncan's history of Rome podcast, he makes mention of war chests (Cleopatra and Antony's). Would this have consisted of coins? Various luxury goods? How big was this collection that they were hauling around.

15 upvotes

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In the book Sapiens the claim is made that "in ancient times there were memory professionals who could store in their heads the topographies of whole provinces." What evidence is there of this? Were there state employees employed purely as memory banks?

14 upvotes

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Were there any ancient cultures who domesticated or utilised elephant labour? What was the attitude towards them if yes.

5 upvotes

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When did the practice of wine being served almost exclusively in stemed glasses start? Why?

5 upvotes

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Do any ancient sources talk about looting or crime sprees after significant natural disasters in urban areas?

2 upvotes

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Romans loved wine. Were there wine snobs in Rome? Was the value of wine based on the distance it had traveled before arriving in Rome or were there the equivalent of ancient sommeliers who would appraise vintages based on taste, colour, body etc?

1 upvotes

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Title	Upvotes	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
In 1604 there was a supernova that caused a star to be bright enough to be seen during day time. How was this interpreted at the time? Did any figures or groups try to capitalise on it for political or spiritual influence?	3840
The Pope suppressed the order of the Jesuits in 1773. Why?	18
Listening to Mike Duncan's history of Rome podcast, he makes mention of war chests (Cleopatra and Antony's). Would this have consisted of coins? Various luxury goods? How big was this collection that they were hauling around.	15
In the book Sapiens the claim is made that "in ancient times there were memory professionals who could store in their heads the topographies of whole provinces." What evidence is there of this? Were there state employees employed purely as memory banks?	14
Were there any ancient cultures who domesticated or utilised elephant labour? What was the attitude towards them if yes.	5
When did the practice of wine being served almost exclusively in stemed glasses start? Why?	5
Do any ancient sources talk about looting or crime sprees after significant natural disasters in urban areas?	2
Romans loved wine. Were there wine snobs in Rome? Was the value of wine based on the distance it had traveled before arriving in Rome or were there the equivalent of ancient sommeliers who would appraise vintages based on taste, colour, body etc?	1