I was reading The Rule of Four recently, and the prologue contains the following paragraph:

For it wasn't the seals that would undo Rodrigo and Donato. It was the heavy black wax in which those seals had been pressed. When they arrived at San Lorenzo, the messengers were met by a mason who knew what was in the wax: an extract from a poisonous herb called deadly nightshades, which, when applied to the eyes, dilates the pupils. Today the compound is used medicinally, but in those days it was used by Italian women as a cosmetic drug, because large pupils were considered a mark of beauty. It was this practice that earned the plant its other name: "beautiful woman," or belladonna. As Rodrigo and Donato melted and re-melted each seal, then, the smoke from the burning wax took hold. Upon their arrival at San Lorenzo, the mason brought them to a candelabra near the altar. When their pupils failed to contract, he knew what they had done. And though the men struggled to recognise him through their unfocused eyes, the mason did as he'd been told: he took his sword and beheaded them. It was a test of trust, his master said, and the messengers had failed.

I googled whether this was something that actually used to happen (using belladonna, not the beheading) or not, but could not find any answers.

Would Army officers come to take me at a random day? Would I go to a recruitment centre of my own volition? How long would i spend in training and transit to the front? Any Information would be much appreciated, Thanks.

That Europeans had advantages vs Native Americans during the period of the colonization of the Americas is obvious. Their advantages over Arab and local traders in the Indian Ocean aren't so obvious though. Could anyone explain their success?

I saw a documentary on the BBC regarding Stonehenge, apparently, modern pagan societies visit the site during events like the autumn equinox and perform ceremonies. Are these pagan societies strongly or weakly linked to the ancient pagans? Or are they completely different entities?

I'm specifically interested in how the golden horde came into power and how they maintained vast areas of lands.

I don't mind materials on Mongolian culture and customs at the time as well.

I'm also looking for materials regarding Subutai.

I assume that the Saxons being Germanic had similar arms and armour to Scandinavia and other Germanic nations but was there any specific difference or was it all Padded wool tunics, Leather scales and chainmail (for nobles) like the Vikings and Danes. Also what was the typical tactics for battle and did they commonly fight among themselves?

At the moment I'm leaning towards a film or possibly a book. I was thinking Schindler's list or maybe Elie Wiesel's night. Ideally it would be something we could both read/watch together and talk about afterwards. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Also, I'm unclear about whether this kind of question is within the bounds of what is allowed on this subreddit. If it isn't, please let me know so I can remove it.

My main ponderance is because the first "English" kings like Athelstan and Alfred weren't Angles but were of Wessex. Why Didn't their half of the Island become an insular Saxony?

I know the holocaust involved more than just Jewish people, but why did Hitler feel so strongly about eliminating Jews from existence? What did they do to make him feel this way (if anything)?

Like Dutch East India, British East India

Also, are there any early accounts of gunfights by civilians?

I understand the Catholic Church's anti-communism sentiment, which would seem to push for support of American intervention in Vietnam, as well as the concept of just war that could be used to oppose it, since the US did not have much of a chance at winning.

I've also read that the Berrigan Brothers, having opposed the war, were part of the Catholic left, so was there a Catholic right which supported the war?

Hi guys,

Two-pronged question:

I really enjoy post-war American history. Can someone recommend me the best books on modern American history? I prefer books focusing on cultural history. I am really looking forward to reading Rick Perlstein's Invisible Bridge!

Does anyone have any good books on the 1980s? How about the 1990s? Has that one been written yet? If not, is anyone here working on one?

I am also moving to Columbus, Ohio -- after living in NYC since 2008. Does anyone know any good books on the history of Ohio, or Columbus, specifically?

Thanks!