For this, I specifically reference stuff like "Good Guy Rommel" or "superior German weaponry." It ignores larger issues like poor German planning and logistics as well as the differences between the tactical doctrines of the different nations.

Why are people quick to defend the German military?

Between 1919 and 1939, what events influenced, resulted in, and were the result of, the aggressive actions and methods taken by Hitler and Mussolini?

I know this is a very specific question, but in the mid to late 18th century, flaxseed was the second largest export from the middle colonies (according to McCusker and Menard, The Economy of British North America, 1607-1789), albeit far behind what and gran products, and all of it was going to Ireland. I understand that linen (which is made from Flax) was one of Ireland's major industries at the time. I also get why Americans would want to grow flax, which can be used to make linen and also linseed oil. But what I don't understand is why would the Irish need to purchase flax seed from abroad? It seems like the Irish were actually growing the flax in Ireland, so wouldn't they be able to just use the seeds from last years crop? I know it's a long shot that anyone will be able to answer this question, but I can't figure it out!

It seems like realistic portrayals of people, places, things, etc is a very recent phenomenon (<500 years). Why is that?

For example, why is there not a realistic contemporary portrayal of the pyramids and what they were actually used for?

If I remember right, the Basilus ordered that the chain in the harbor be raised, so I'm curious as to how Hardrada got out of there.

Hi, I am currently reading a book which claims that the Byzantine Empire never went into debt because they never abandoned the Gold Standard. Their coins became valuable the world over because of this, apparently. The source is a quote of a quote, and unfortunately that original book is in German, which I do not read, and very old. I have asked my classicist friends, and one says that she believes that Byzantine coins were rather worthless. Anyone know the answer? Thanks a lot!

Some populations of Aurochs (the wild version of modern domesticated cows) had a shoulder height of six feet. All else being equal, a larger animal raised for its meat seems preferable. Why are domesticated cows significantly smaller?

Muslim countries are famous for the fact that some of their slaves -- owned by the sovereign or the state -- could end up holding high position, both civil and military. The best known and more extreme example are probably the mamluk dynasties in Egypt.

Slaves holding high civilian position existed elsewhere in the world, more or less openly, and it is easy to understand that their dependency can make them more loyal to the ruler than other contenders, and the possibility to select them ignoring political reasons can make them more competent.

Military units, especially elite military units, composed of slaves seem rarer, and stranger as they have a power which is not just delegated. Are there other examples than in the Muslim world? Is there something specific to Islam which helped that situation to occur?

IR student here, looking to specialize in Russia. Requesting some titles on Russian history, no time frame in particular, all I want is a good overview on the whole thing. Thanks a bunch.

Accounting has said to been born in 1494 after the first publishing of Luca Pacioli's book, where the double-entry accounting was created.

Considering business has existed long before accounting, and considering Ancient China is deemed as one of the most advanced societies, how did they keep track of their business transactions and records?

My roomate and I were having a discussion about Europe's opinion on the American Military after the Civil War. I believe that Europe did not think of the US as a threat or a serious World Power, and thought of our military as laughable because USA was such a young nation and just went through a civil war. On the other hand, my roomate stated that America (right after the Civil War) had the largest standing army in the world, and the European powers knew of this. Can anyone cite some sources proving either one of us correct? Or if we are both wrong, show us the correct answer. Thank you!

Does anybody know where Slavs migrated from, and why? We're they included in texts from any civilisations such as maybe China ?

Is it possible for a historian to write a history of, say, France, up until the French Revolution, without falling prey to finalism? You can't just 'present the facts', we know as historians that you cannot but give your interpretation to events. Moreover, you have to select the events you write about on the basis of some kind of criterium. That criterium is your choice, and it shapes the story.

I don't really see how you would go about writing a history without having at least some degree of finalism in your narrative. But I am quite sure that there is a way and that I am missing the point big time. Can anyone explain?

I want to learn more about Germany, its history, what's formed German perspectives. It seems most books only focus on 20th century, 'Mein Kampf' stuff. Can someone point me to one or two books going back to the rise and fall of Prussia (or even Francia, history's cool) coming to modern Germany?

I'd like to be able to hold a conversation about their history, but really I'd like to have context for their perspectives.

Please add if you think it may in face be something different as well

Why was Catharism which came more than 3 centuries before Protestantism not as succesful as the latter? If I recal correctly Catharism was reasonably widely spread it formed mostly around rich harbor towns (?) like Protestantism (?). What are the main differences between the two? Oh and I would also like to know which social groups where mostly likely to be atracted to the 'heretic' religions?

How creditable are claims that Hitler could have survived the war? Seeing a new article making the rounds on Facebook that he could have faked his suicide and gone to Argentina and while I am extremely skeptic, I figure there is no harm in asking.