Brazil, upon securing its independence from Portugal, seems much like the United States. Both countries could probably be considered the strongest independent forces in their respective regions. Both countries were on the Atlantic coast. Both countries had vast amounts of natural resources. Both countries had obstacles to western expansion, the Rockies and Amazon, respectively. Both countries were safe from European aggression or meddling. Both countries seem every very similar. So, what was the difference that caused Brazil not to be just as powerful as the United States?

Especially hotter climates like Africa. Was this even an issue?

In all the books there are descriptions of the various styles of togae, this one for a triumph, this one for a senator, this one for a boy who had not achieved majority and so on. Yet, these apply specifically to the city of Rome and generally there is very little discussion of the provinces. It is my general assumption that a provincial or Roman citizen on his way to the local forum in say Lugdunum to transact business would wear a toga but what about Roman magistrates dispensing justice in the provinces? The two examples that come into my head are Pontius Pilate judging Jesus and Verres during his false accusation that slaves were going to run off and join the rebellion. Would such men have worn togas while dispensing justice?

After a quick search on this subreddit and online, I found to my disappointment there doesn't seem too many popular books on historiography, at least not on the popularity level of some pop-history books. This isn't too surprising considering the subject requires an extensive knowledge on specific history told from multiple perspective which like relegates it to smaller academic circles. I should mention my knowledge of history is limited compared to most here since my studies are in engineering but I've recently been making time for myself to get into other subjects and I was hoping to find a book on historiography, preferably on american history since it's a topic of familiarity.

Also, I heard somewhere that the Mongols catapaulted diseased bodies, as a form of "bio terrorism". Is this true, and how significant was it?

Do we find any historical reference to the problems that must have developed when sailors got to port? Did countries take any steps to deal with these problems?

Would you be middle or upper middle class? Location: Bay Area Peninsula Currency: USD

I know many Sogdians settled in Chinese cities and the Chinese had frequent contacts with the Sogdians through their trade on the Silk Road. But what did the Chinese actually think of the Sogdians and their culture? Was it a positive or negative opinion? Were they viewed as barbarians or a sophisticated people?

Also, is there any descriptions as to what the Sogdians may have looked like?