I've wondered a lot recently about middle names and how now a days, they are almost just part of our naming tradition (at least in western countries). Was there ever any significance or function to middle names in Europe/other parts of the world? Was their only purpose to simply further identify a person to a particular clan/family line?

I'm writing a research paper on Sept. 1, 1939, the beginning of Germany's invasion of Poland and start of WWII. It got me thinking if there were any rebels that would try to mess up the Germans, and if we have a record of them.

Could anyone speaking modern greek understand the inscriptions in Athens, Ephesus, Pergamon or any ancient greek cities?

I can find plenty of resources for other eras (including the present of course), but not much about the era just before WW 2. Basically, I'd be interested in learning a bit about differences in typical attitudes, cultural assumptions, etc. between pre-war and modern Japan. Possibly with an emphasis on day-to-day things.

I have epilepsy, I have never once said anything profound/prophetic/intelligent after a seizure. I can't imagine people back then did either, so where did that saying come from?

So far I have learned that the uses for it went from and everyday use, such as an herb grinder or pots used for carrying water, to more of a distinguished art form that was made for showcasing rather than use in everyday chores. I just want to know exactly how it changed and what roles Spanish culture affected this. Anyways thank you for any help you can give!

What made it special to them? Is it a matter of Rommulus and Remus along with other mythology and being destined to settle there? Because the hills and Tiber made it a lot easier to defend than other alternatives? Trade?

Just seems like Rome is always in trouble and getting burnt down or invaded or sacked there must have been some drive to say yep out city is in ruins but its fine lets start rebuilding.

It said "If this offends you, you need a history lesson". I don't mind the shirt at all, but I don't know much about the flag. Why shouldn't I be offended?

Because they were, at the time, the most predominate minority race by a wide margin, most of the histories on American racism focus on the plight of the black community. How were Americans from the middle east seen in the early 20th century (and 19th century while we're at it)?

By the end of the war, as far as I know, Japan's navy was essentially obliterated. I'm wondering if the possibility of a blockade would have been feasible, assuming it was even considered.

And if it was considered - and obviously decided against - why? I feel like casualties on the American side could have been drastically reduced by not invading the home islands, and just 'laying siege' to Japan. Were the Americans simply war weary by then and wanted it over? Did the kamikazes play a role in deciding against it?

Thanks.

It seems to me like they should have been blown out of the sky by either AA guns or fighters...

I'm interested in reading about the general geopolitical development of Europe from 1815-1914, and just wondering if anyone knows of a good book that surveys this whole period. I want to get a view into the political, social, and ideological developments that shaped this period and contributed to how the century played out, although I recognize that it may be tough to find something that rolls all those elements together, so I'm happy to take on multiple books if necessary. I like to read beyond very "general public" history so it's fine if it's a bit more advanced/academic than that.

I'm also interested in reading something that describes the long-term trends and events that lead up to the outbreak of WWI, so if you have any good suggestions on that I'd be very grateful as well!