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Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the highest order of knighthood in Britain and the most exclusive with traditionally only 24 knights as full members at any one time, along with the reigning monarch and the Prince of Wales. Created by...
Definition
Medieval Heraldry
Heraldry, which is the use of inherited coats of arms and other symbols to show personal identity and family lineage, began on the mid-12th century CE battlefield as an easy means to identify medieval royalty and princes who were otherwise...
Article
Egyptian Gods - The Complete List
The gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt were an integral part of the people's everyday lives for over 3,000 years. There were over 2,000 deities in the Egyptian pantheon, many whose names are well known - Isis, Osiris, Horus, Amun, Ra, Hathor...
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Daorson Ruins, Ancient Illyria
The ruins of Daorson, ancient Illyria (modern Bosnia). The region was inhabited by the Daorsi tribe who flourished in the region c. 300-50 BCE. They fell under the control of Queen Teuta (r. 231-227 BCE) and were most likely involved in Illyrian...
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Coat of Arms of John Hawkins
The coat of arms of John Hawkins (1532-1595 CE). It was granted in 1565 CE following his second successful expedition to transport slaves from West Africa to the Americas.
Article
Hesiod on the Birth of the Gods
The Greek poet Hesiod (c. 700 BCE) is most famous for his works Theogony and Works and Days. In this passage from Theogony, Hesiod relates the birth of the gods from cosmic Chaos and follows the lineage through the great Zeus, King of the...
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Chaucer's The Book of the Duchess Full Text & Summary
The Book of the Duchess is the first major work of the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer (l. c. 1343-1400 CE), best known for his masterpiece The Canterbury Tales, composed in the last twelve years of his life and left unfinished at his death...
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English Buff Coat for Cavalry
A typical buff coat worn by cavalry in the English Civil Wars (1642-51). The thick leather was much lighter than armour but could protect against sword slashes. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
Article
The Life of Diogenes of Sinope in Diogenes Laertius
Diogenes of Sinope (c. 404-323 BCE) was a Greek Cynic philosopher best known for holding a lantern to the faces of the citizens of Athens claiming he was searching for an honest man. He was most likely a student of the philosopher Antisthenes...
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Coat of Arms of Sheffield
The coat of arms of the city of Sheffield, England, granted in 1875. A representation of Thor stands on the left and Vulcan on the right, indicating the city's heritage as a world-famous steel manufacturer. The legend can be translated as...