Articles

St David’s Day: A Celebration of Welsh heritage and culture

On 1 March each year, Wales comes alive with a vibrant celebration of its patron saint, St David (Dewi Sant in Welsh). This cherished holiday represents not just a religious observance, but a profound …

The Desert Fathers: Origins, beliefs of early Christian monasticism

In the harsh, unforgiving landscapes of the Egyptian desert, a remarkable movement emerged in the 3rd century CE that would profoundly influence Christian spirituality and monasticism for centuries. …

Genghis Khan: The making of the Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan, born Temüjin around 1162, endured a brutal childhood that shaped his later actions. After his father was poisoned by rival Tatars when Temüjin was only 9, his clan abandoned his family, …

The rise and fall of Prohibition in America: A social experiment gone awry

On 16 January 1920, the United States embarked on one of its most ambitious and controversial social experiments: a nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic …

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: Chicago’s bloodiest gang hit

On the morning of 14 February 1929, Chicago witnessed one of the most notorious gangland killings in American history. Seven men were lined up against a brick wall and gunned down in a garage at 2122 …

Sudan: From ancient kingdoms to independence

The region that comprises modern Sudan has been home to some of Africa’s most sophisticated civilisations, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Nubia and Kush The ancient …

The history of the Zoroastrians: A journey through time

Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest known monotheistic religions, traces its origins to ancient Persia, present-day Iran. The faith was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in the …

Don Cornelius: The visionary behind Soul Train and the cultural revolution it inspired

Don Cornelius, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking television show Soul Train, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the cultural landscape of America. From his modest …

McCarthyism and the Cold War: America’s Second Red Scare

In the aftermath of World War II, as tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated into what would become known as the Cold War, America experienced one of its most controversial …

The First Red Scare: America’s post-WWI fear of Communism and radical change

In the aftermath of World War I, America experienced a period of intense social and political upheaval that would come to be known as the First Red Scare (1919-1920). This tumultuous time emerged from …

Paul Robeson: A voice for the ages

Paul Leroy Robeson was born on 9 April 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, to a lineage marked by resilience and determination. His father, William Drew Robeson, was a former slave who escaped to freedom …

The history of Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūnjié), is one of the oldest and most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. Its history spans thousands of years and is deeply …