From what I understand, "ninjas" as thought of in popular culture, were in fact specialized samurai. I do know however, that ninjutsu is a valid martial art. Thank you to anyone who helps with this question.

When did solid projectiles (cannonballs) become obsolete for artillery guns?

I've been reading the Count of Monte Cristo, which is set in 19th century France and Italy, and features a few duels. So, I guess I'm mostly wondering, what were they like in real life? Is the image in my head from books and movies likely to be wrong?

EDIT: It should be obvious, but of course the title refers to the Christian Orthodox Church, as opposed to Catholicism and Protestantism.

I'm exploring the Orthodox Church and the big "selling" point seems to be, "It's the most original form of Christianity, as set up by the Apostles!"

How accurate is that statement?

I know we don't have much about the Church from the 1st century (other than throwaway lines in Paul's Epistles), and I realize that a lot of doctrine was defined by the Ecumenical Councils beginning in 325. But, other than that...?

Did Sherman purposely let the Confederate garrision in Savannah escape? Sherman's army reached the outskirts of Savannah by Dec. 10, 1864, and found it defended by a garrison of 10,000 men commanded by Gen. Hardee. Despite a Confederate attempt to stop him, Sherman managed to make contact with the USN by going around Savannah. That enabled the navy to supply him with the artillery that Sherman's army hadn't been able to bring with them on the March to the Sea, as well as ammo, etc. Sherman had the city surrounded, yet on the night of Dec. 20 the entire Confederate garrison managed to escape, a process that included crossing a hastily built pontoon bridge across the Savannah River.

It seems incredible that 10,000 men could escape without Sherman's forces noticing it. Hence there has long been a theory that Sherman chose to let them escape. Other than speculation, is there any historical evidence that Sherman purposely let them escape? If so, why?

Right now I can think of two common pictures used to depict God in Christian art. The old man with a beard (with/without angels, tablets of law, crown etc.) and the triangle with an eye at the center.

The old man image seems ancient, since it's present in Byzantine art. The triangle seems more modern, but I can't pinpoint it.

Did other epochs see the use of other symbols ? Do we know anything about the symbols' origins, their use by specific Christian sects? Were they borrowed from other religions?

Last week at school we watched a documentary film, and I'm gutted that I don't remember its name, it focuses on and re-enacts the stories of various soldiers in the battle.

One lied about his age to get in - he was 15, one was someone who went out into no man's land to mobilise troops - he was shot, one was an officer who was killed, there was General Haig (who had several scenes of himself in the map room, and one where he got on a plane to get a bird's eye view of the German trenches), another memorable bunch were the German soldiers who were holed up in their bunker and ate nothing but bread during the artillery siege.

It also talked about how the French made progress at Mametz in the south while the British in the north were hampered and reached the German trenches but didn't make any real progress.

I also remember that it was impressive cinematically, and had very good character development, it wasn't lacking in special effects either. I think it was quite high budget.

I'm probably taking a stab in the dark here but if you guys have any suggestions just let me know.

I remember hearing a while back that a ruler of a state, I believed it was one of the Latin American states, had studied Alexander the great and tried to be like him by declaring war on all his neighboring states. Sorry for being vague but its been a while since I heard this and I can't remember much of the details

Where there ever any rangers in history? Like Faramir and Aragorn from Lord of the Rings or Will and Halt from the Rangers Apprentice series. If you haven't heard of them basically they are exceptional archers that are superb at remaining unseen using there skills and a mottled green cloak, to be general. If there weren't any "Rangers" were there any people that were similar to them?

I am curious because I remember reading there were instances where there was a push to annex all of Mexico, going even as far south as Panama after the Mexican American War. Likewise I have read that during the civil war, many prominent southern politicians sought to integrate parts of North America, the Caribbean (Cuba specifically) and again Mexico as slave states to counter the expansion of the non-slave states.

I remember reading the only serious attempt to exert direct control over Canada was during the war of 1812.

It seems interesting to me given the relative power of the U.S. and the concepts being pushed during it's younger years as a country (like manifest destiny) that it did not make a serious move to control more territory.