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

Year:

Only show posts with narrations

Modern depictions of Cerberus often look like a three-headed Rottweiler. Is this a result of modern perceptions of "tough" or "guard" dogs, or did the Romans have a specific breed in mind when they described this creature?

4332 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

The Confederacy only lasted for 5 years. What happened since then that would make it acceptable to remain loyal to the losing side of a war, 150 years later?

1157 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Kanye West recently claimed that Harriet Tubman never freed any slaves. How correct is this claim?

388 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Did Hitler's Reich have any comedically embarrassing things go public while they were still in power? If so, how did the public react?

275 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

How did 4/4 and 3/4 become the standard rhythms in music in the Western world?

242 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

When Romeo and Juliet debuted, was it received as a groundbreaking romance, or did people see it as the story of selfish and arrogant teen lovers?

70 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

How long have we associated red and blue with hot and cold?

62 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

It's the Middle Ages, and I'm a pretty good at the lute. My cousin has a tambourine, and there's a lad on the neighboring farm who has a great voice. Could we form a traveling band and make a living on music alone?

58 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

How are fairies, dwarves, gnomes, etc. so prominent in the folklore of England, but practically absent from the folklore of the United States?

46 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Would a Roman have ever pronounced 3,000 as "mmm"?

45 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Title	Upvotes	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
Modern depictions of Cerberus often look like a three-headed Rottweiler. Is this a result of modern perceptions of "tough" or "guard" dogs, or did the Romans have a specific breed in mind when they described this creature?	4332
The Confederacy only lasted for 5 years. What happened since then that would make it acceptable to remain loyal to the losing side of a war, 150 years later?	1157
Kanye West recently claimed that Harriet Tubman never freed any slaves. How correct is this claim?	388
Did Hitler's Reich have any comedically embarrassing things go public while they were still in power? If so, how did the public react?	275
How did 4/4 and 3/4 become the standard rhythms in music in the Western world?	242
When Romeo and Juliet debuted, was it received as a groundbreaking romance, or did people see it as the story of selfish and arrogant teen lovers?	70
How long have we associated red and blue with hot and cold?	62
It's the Middle Ages, and I'm a pretty good at the lute. My cousin has a tambourine, and there's a lad on the neighboring farm who has a great voice. Could we form a traveling band and make a living on music alone?	58
How are fairies, dwarves, gnomes, etc. so prominent in the folklore of England, but practically absent from the folklore of the United States?	46
Would a Roman have ever pronounced 3,000 as "mmm"?	45