It seems like life in Nazi Germany gets all the love in history circles, and it struck me how little I know about fascist Italy.

Tell me what you know, historians!

Was there a certain process to their warfare?

Heard this theory a few times, sounds like the kind of thing Churchill would do but never seen any proof. Basically according to the theory he was worried about communist fighters in Mediterranean countries and their post war influence, and wanted to make sure as many as possible were dead.

Thanks in advance.

Hello people of reddit. It may seem like a stupid question but the other day I was thinking how were early medieval battles REALLY fought? See I know how the ancients fought such as the Romans with there legions and the Greeks with there phalanxes but in the movies medieval battles are usually depicted by each side just charging each other. Did early medieval armies usually consist of heavy infantry like the Romans or were they more cavalry based? did they use shield walls? I also know that late medieval armies usually consisted of pikemen, longbow men and mounted knights but what about the early ones that were say around 1066-1300 and how did they play out? Any answers will be appreciated, Thanks.

Edit: Thanks for all the great answers guys!

I've been reading Colleen McCullough's book The October Horse, where she makes frequent references to "junior" and "senior" consuls. What's the difference between them? I always thought there was only one title -- consul.

We read about how in the past London had thick fogs created by air pollution from burning coal. These days we see air pollution from coal in Beijing. Was air pollution in London or other European cities in the past worse than in Beijing now? Or is Beijing the worst pollution the world has ever seen?

I see in numerous photographs (1920 and 1930s) that people used to wear leather shoes more often than today, and i wonder how they were able to walk around all the time in them without their feet killing them? Some sort of insole, or did they just have harder feet than us from callouses?

Aside from the legendary conquests of Frederick, where the German infantry really that disciplined and elite compared to the other European nations? Even up to World War 2, if they really were that strong, how did they become that skilled and elite compared to the rest of the world? What training and policies did the government do to ensure that result?

I'm a bit confused as to why Chechnya and Dagestan stayed a part of the Russian Federation while Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan gained independence. Why did the Northern Caucasus remain Russian?

I swear this isn't a homework question. I read Goldhagen and Browning as an undergraduate years ago, but I'm curious about how the debate has developed since their work was released. I also would love a refresher on the exact nature of the original debate.

I'm asking this from their viewpoint. I understand that because the fall of the Roman Empire it was now possible for them to invade Britain, but why, from their standpoint, did they leave to do this? Was there overpopulation? Did they just feel like gettin' out and stretching their legs after the Romans receded? Are there any known reasons why?

In writing or the oral tradition when was the first time this concept appeared and what was the method of traversing it?

I was asked this question in my interview at Oxford. How have these two words been used historically? Have the meanings of these two words been manipulated to suit their user's political ends?

There are too many examples of anti-semitism for me to even begin posting examples. As a historian, I'm sure you are aware of plenty yourself. My question is why? Where did the hate for jews begin?

Obviously we know that people like Goebbels and Goering were found guilty due to their ranks in the government and by extension, their degrees of responsibility that ultimately cause the deaths of millions.

To try and be clearer, how high of a rank could I get with minimum risk (not no risk) of being charged with war crimes later?

Because I read a few articles here and there of some lucky few, despite having high power, got away scot-free or with minimal penalties.