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Leo Africanus
Leo Africanus (al-Hasan ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Wazzan al-Fasi al-Granati, 1485-1554) was a diplomat, merchant traveller and scholar who famously voyaged from Timbuktu to the Niger River and wrote 'The Description of Africa' (La Descrittione...

Definition
Galla Placidia
Galla Placidia (388-450 CE), the future empress, was the half-sister of the Westen Roman emperor Flavius Honorius (r. 395-423 CE), and the daughter of Theodosius the Great (r. 379-395 CE). She was taken hostage by Alaric during the sack of...

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Pope Joan Giving Birth
A c. 1450 illustration showing Pope Joan giving birth during a procession. Pope Joan was a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. Her existence is disputed. (Spencer Collection)

Video
King Henry VIII and His Six Wives
Henry VIII is one of the most famous Kings in history, and that has a lot to do with his six wives and his quest for a male heir. King Henry VIII was born on June 28 1491, and was the son of King Henry VII of England. Henry VIII ruled as...

Definition
Thomas Cromwell
Thomas Cromwell (l. c. 1485-1540 CE) served as chief minister to Henry VIII of England (r. 1509-1547 CE) from 1532 to 1540 CE. With his king and the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer (in office 1533-55 CE), Cromwell masterminded the...

Definition
Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn (c. 1501-1536) was the second wife of Henry VIII of England (r. 1509-1547). Anne, sometimes known as 'Anne of a Thousand Days' in reference to her short reign as queen, was accused of adultery and executed in the Tower of London...

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Pope Joan
A 15-16th century manuscript illustration of Pope Joan, a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. Her existence is disputed. (Bibliothèque nationale de France).

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Michael VIII Palaiologos
Michael VIII Palaiologos (r. 1259-1281 CE)
Miniature from the manuscript of Pachymeres' Historia, 14th century CE. Munich, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek.

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Byzantine Hat Worn by John VIII
This medal depicts John VIII Palaeologus during his visit to Ferrara in 1438 CE, as drawn by Pisanello. Extravagant hats were popular among Byzantine Royalty.

Video
Henry VIII and the English Reformation Explained
Did you know that the Protestant Reformation started in England because the king wanted a divorce? This video is all about the establishment of the Protestant Church of England by Henry VIII in the 16th century, best known as the English...