I've been investigating the history of Mali to try and determine how current events and their economic situation could be compared to previous struggles in regions nations. National sovereignty and stability/legitimacy of government is what I have been looking at. Was that was an issue during this period?

In general my understanding is that the former empire was split up among the former emperors offspring. I feel that my understanding of those separate kingdoms is uninformed and thought maybe there is a lack of historical information from that period. I know that Timbuktu had been a center of knowledge and culture for the region before becoming a part of the former empire. Did it carry on doing so after?

I'm curious because my grandpa is one of these captains, but with my currently 5th grade level Chinese, I'm bad at understanding all the things he talks about. I'd like to know some more background about the things that happened during this time, and especially objective history about the battles that the Chinese Navy fought in world war 2.

I'd have thought they'd want to down play the positive aspects of those who came before William

Aside from it being a hub for entertainment. One would think such a location would be a handicap to growth.

Any other info about the Barbary Corsairs and on their main ways of making money is wanted, please.

I just started working towards my Masters in History and have always been pretty bad with names. I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share any tools or tricks you've come across in your career that have made it easier to remember names and dates?

There's nothing more frustrating in a class sitting there either: a. not answering, or b. saying "I can't remember his name", even though I just read about the person a couple hours previously.

What was their temperament before? Also, were other animals given a trial as well?

And what does Joseon's literacy rate look like maybe 50 years after the script was adopted? It is my understanding that before Sejong the Great adopted the Hangul in 1446, most Koreans were effectively illiterate.

It seems like they are already loaded, so why are they coming to America? I know many marry into wealthy families but why are they there?

I know he made some serious reforms in the republic trying to bring back the aristocracy to power, but he struck me as an ambitious man: why give up your power?

EDIT: I realize I'm talking as if everybody knows him. Sulla was a Roman states who eventually became dictator. (this was about a generation before Julius Caesar or at least in his younger years) After reforming many laws in Rome he would retire and I'm curious why he did this.

Hi, I have some questions about medieval weapons and combat that I haven't been able to find the answers to online yet:

• First, I've already found that real medieval sword fighting was nothing like the way we normally imagine/depict it today. What are some examples (if they exist) of movies, TV shows, or video games with more realistic or historically accurate sword fighting?

• Did medieval European archers often fire burning arrows or crossbow bolts during battles, and in what situations would they most likely do that? What about poisoned arrows or bolts?

• I've read that some armies used to catapult severed human heads into cities as a form of psychological warfare. Are there any specific recorded examples of this being used successfully?

• What's the difference between halberds, poleaxes, battle-axes, and other weapons of that sort?

Any answers will be appreciated, and I might add some more questions if I think of them.