I've been studying for my AP European history test and the book's definition of humanism is more or less "Its hard to explain"

I'm not really looking for a straight up definition, more of how the philosophy affected the Renaissance.

I've heard this mentioned by many people in the past. They basically tick off. Babylon, Egypt, Minoan, Greece, Rome, France/England, the US and now China is emerging as the largest economy in the world.

To a complete lay person like me it looks like the location of the dominant culture of the world is generally westward moving. Is there any truth to this, and if so, are there any theories as to why? If not, what disproves this concept?

I'm doing a research project, and I've been struggling to find sources on how slavery affected the slaves' minds, emotions, etc. Any information, or links to any sources would be greatly appreciated.

The US had reconstruction after our civil war. Did Vietnam have any programs to reintegrate society?

It is strange and extremely convenient that Caesar left his fortune to, and posthumously adopted, Octavian. Octavian was later a master of propaganda. It seems to me to involve the fewest assumptions if one assumes that Octavian did forge the will rather than assuming that Caesar left so much to an untried youth- and a sickly one at that- on the strength of one shared journey.

Also, if Caesar had been in heavy debt his whole early career, how did his inheritance by Octavian represent the greatest fortune in Rome?

According to the Historia Augusta, right before Commodus's would be assassin stabbed him, he exclaimed, "Hunc tibi pugionem senatus mittit" or "This dagger, the senate sends for you". Are there other famous instances of assassins stating the source who had sent them? Was there any clear reason for such an exclamation?

In many movies, documentaries, and photos it appears that the troops did not use their straps. Considering the fact that so many pictures depict this, even in combat, there has to be a good reason. I read somewhere that the straps were too strong, so a large explosion could cause he helmet to rip off the head and cause serious damage with the strap on, but I can't find much more on this.

For the sake of narrowing the scope of my question, let's say "did Scottish nobles from the Highlands actually speak Gaelic before the Act of Proscription (1746)?" Or, were nobles mostly absentee landlords of the kind seen in France and England who spoke court French or English and left the management of their Highland estates to stewards, and therefore had no use for Gaelic as a language? If they did speak Gaelic, how fluent were they? Are there any books on this topic that I can pick up?

For instance, if there's a meeting at noon, how did this work for travellers to plan? Did they just wait around a long time? Did they have some calculation for it?

I've recently given some thought to my future pursuits in grad school and have come to the conclusion that I am interested in military history. I recently messaged a few flared members and moderators regarding this question and was told to make a post, so here it is. I, essentially, would like to know what schools have the best programs in the field, and if there are any particular professors which are well known. My particular interest is in the ancient world, that is, the militaries of ancient Greece and Rome. I have not yet thought of a particular thesis which I would like to pursue but am in the process of doing so. I am just looking for schools and profs at this point. I am located in Canada but would have no problem at all with going to the states. I am currently undertaking a double major in the liberal arts and classics. The classics program I am in emphasizes archeology and history rather than linguistics.

As a side not, I was wondering if it is possible to include archeology with military history. Is there a way to study the archeology of war?

Thank you for any help or advice

What were their plans for the people and the land? Mass deportation? Another Genocide? Establishing a puppet jewish state?

Today I'm starting The Prince from Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought (edited by Quentin Skinner and Russell Price). In his introduction, Skinner shares his thoughts on how Machiavelli's position as secretary to Florence's Ten of War greatly influenced his political ideals. In no way am I downplaying his experiences, but I can't help but feel that his thoughts were too easily dependent on the volatile nature of Italian city-state politics of the day. I've also made note of how his sudden and unexplained dismissal from Chancery in 1512 and his torture/imprisonment in 1513 could've influenced his cynical attitude on his subjects.

Also, how did his relationship with the powerful Medici family influence his writings? I get the impression that he's trying desperately to appeal to the newly reinstated family once they returned from exile. Hell, The Prince begins with a letter to Lorenzo de' Medici that's absolutely laden with apparent ass-kissing and praise, as if The Prince was written to curb their favor with him following his imprisonment.

By no means do I have the experience to be called a political philosopher, but I feel like it's healthy to approach a 500 year old book with some skepticism. I'm really interested in his straightforward discussion, and I welcome yours as well. Thanks for any insight into the subject.

Discounting the migration across the land bridge from thousands of years ago, did anyone from northeast Asia cross into what is now Alaska and explore North America? I know Russia set up a colony there in the 18th century, but had it between explored before then? Say anytime between 1 AD and the 18th century?

I heard on Revolutions podcast that Marie-Antoinette's corpse was dumped in the same mass grave as Louis XVI. During the restoration they were exhumed and properly reburied, how were they able to identify their bodies from a mass grave, especially if they were covered in lye?