I was reading through some history files on CK2 and it claims that a number of Wessex kings up until about 600-700 AD were Norse, and then they converted to Christianity.

Is this true? I thought they converted to Christianity almost instantaneously when they migrated from Saxony so I didn't expect this.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good book or three on the Yugoslav Wars, and especially on how the specifics of the Dayton Accord were worked out. I'm specifically interested in how the precise final borders were decided on, and how rump Yugoslavia influenced the outcome and felt about it.

I'd also be happy to get recommendations for books about Yugoslavian history in general, but my particular interest is the Dayton Accord.

I would imagine some tribes would use the opportunity of the civil war to raid settlements, escape reservations, or steal supplies. Is there any evidence of native Americans supporting either side for the promise of reclaiming their lost territories?

So I’ve been reading on innocent iii (a badass) and learned that he started diplomatic relations with Norway. So I’m wondering what did the papacy influence in Scandinavia? In England and France a major factor were the sanctioning of invasions (like William the conquerors), crusaders and investiture crisis. What happened in Scandinavia?

Paine speaks of this in chapter 7 "Examination of the Old Testament". Paine claims that the use of these words in their original intention "strips it of all religious meaning". This is the first I have ever read about any contention over the meaning of a prophet and I would appreciate any information on how this statement is currently viewed by historians. Thank you.

Especially considering they fought arguably more formidable opponents than in the time of Augustus or the five good emperors”. I’m interested in regards to post Constantine emperors.

Basically the title. If the social status was against black people as the norm, could slavers forcibly take this person again? Could a freed former slave defend themselves legally if this were to happen?

It seems to me that Babylonians were far more advanced in math than described in old science history books and that the Egyptians are portrayed as math predecessors of Greeks which seem to be very inaccurate since their contribution in math theory is very dubious.

I understand that this is a very niche question. Please delete if it is encroaching on territory not covered by the fine folks at Ask Historians.

To avoid the winter doldrums I read about plants I can place in my garden for the following spring. As an added bonus I get to see lots of pretty floral ads on my browsers and mobile device (make the most of a bad situation, right?)

My latest object of interest is the marigold, in latin Tagetes. I've read that the common name of 'marigold' is supposedly derived from "Mary's Gold", 'Mary' of course being Mother Mary. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Tagetes is native to the Americas and wasn't introduced to Europe until the 16th century! Once across the Atlantic the marigold seems to have grown in popularity in Europe and became naturalized in Africa and earned the common name "African Marigold". Strange story for a flower indigenous to the Americas.

My question is admittedly vague but could best be reduced to, What value did the marigold have to earn two trips across the Atlantic?

Was it an important flower to European visitors or colonial Americans? What other flowers have a similar story of worldwide travel? Why name the flower "Mary's Gold" if it wasn't even introduced to Europe (and the rest of the world) until the 16th century?

I'll take whatever you've got!

Over a work lunch break, co-workers described a trip they took to Canada to get a fruit, lanzones, which they claimed was legal in Canada but not just south of the border in the US. None of them could give an answer as to why it’s banned here other than “exotic fruit”. So, is there a story here as to why this fruit has been banned as opposed to durian or other exotic fruits? And when did this happen?

We hear heart warming stories about "truces" during The Great War but what about during the American Revolutionary War?

Responses about the Nepoleonic Wars or others would be interesting as well!

At my University there is usually a visiting or local PhD professor giving seminars of Christianity having taken from non-christian sources. How true are the claims and to what extent does Christianity take from others? (Some examples - trinity is from egyptian God Amen/rha/ptah trinity of seperate but inseperable entities. The saints being Gods of other religions and customs/traditions like Easter/Christmas being taken from ancestors.)

Reading suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My relative ignorance of this important piece of modern history is a bit of an embarassment to me, and at some point I intend to rectify it. So, I need some suggested reading.

I'd be hoping for something along the lines of

• A book (or several) providing an overview of the history Qing government, to better understand its development, workings, sources of legitimacy, chronic issues, etc.

• A book (or several) on the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the conflict itself.

• and, though I imagine this might not be available in English, something focusing specifically on the human toll, atrocities, etc both during the rebellion itself and the surrounding unrest of the 19th century. Journal articles would be fine too.

I hope this gives an idea of what I'm looking for! Any similar suggestions, or even particularly good works on other conflicts/times of unrest in other eras of Chinese history would be welcome too! Thanks!

How does ancient Christianity and modern Christianity compare to one another, and what are major differences between them? How did one branch surpass another and maintain supremacy? (E.g Arianism vs trinity Christianity)

Lately, a lot of media sites have popped up evidence of Female Warriors of what we would call the Viking Age and Viking Peoples. The most recent story I can think f is a recent excavation of a Viking Warrior woman, buried with weapons and shield. (IIRC I read it in a National Geographic a year ago) However in the past, most Historians have been dismissive of the idea and point to the Sagas as the only evidence.

What is the Current Archaeological / Historical view? The Pro-Shield maiden sources seem pretty sketchy and often are tied to History Channel's Vikings series, while the Anti-Shield Maiden sources seem to be old and none take into account the most recent archaeological digs that my news/media sources are reporting.

Has there been changes in how we view past data/evidence?

Is there now more evidence for (or against) the idea of Female Warriors in this era/culture?

Can you provide any current books or documentaries that are scholarly regarding this concept?

I'm a freelance writer working on a piece about the history of modern conveniences, and how people washed clothes/traveled/cleaned themselves/prepared food/etc before all the modern appliances we have today.

I'm looking for a historian who can speak specifically about these processes and tasks.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I got into watching the popular Viking shows and movies lately and am looking for a book I can read to get some accurate information about what they were like and what is known of their impact on history. I recently did the same with the Mongols after watching Marco Polo; I read Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford which I found both highly informative and entertaining enough to keep me interested. I have no idea where to start with Viking history. I would appreciate any good suggestions! (nothing too dry please, I'm not an academic!)

Hello, and good afternoon. I was curious as to how houses were bought for the average person? or in Rome perhaps, say for example, a man who married and wanted to find a home for them both. Do they buy houses, build a new house using indentured servitudes? what would the average civilian in the ancient world or perhaps Roman world as well, do to find a home to live for himself and wife?