Nestled in the western part of Sudan, Darfur has a history as diverse as its landscape. Characterized by its vast deserts, fertile savannas, and diverse ethnic groups, the region has been a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and historical events that have shaped its narrative. The history of Darfur dates back to ancient times, with…
In the annals of ancient history, few military leaders stand as tall as Hannibal Barca, a Carthaginian general renowned for his unparalleled strategic brilliance and audacious military campaigns during the Second Punic War. Born in 247 BC into a prominent Carthaginian military family, Hannibal was destined for greatness from an early age. His father, Hamilcar…
The late 19th century witnessed a scramble for Africa, as European powers sought to establish colonies and expand their imperial influence across the continent. Amidst this period of geopolitical upheaval, a little-known yet extraordinary battle unfolded in the highlands of Ethiopia — the Battle of Adwa. This conflict would ultimately redefine the narrative of African…
History is full of all kinds of fascinating tales, mysterious events, and unexpected twists of fate. Obviously, when you’re in school studying the subject, many of those biggest events are edited down to answering the ‘who, what, where, when, why’ questions. And because we all only have so much time to study thousands of years…
The Spanish had one of the most powerful naval forces the world had ever known (or, in some ways, would ever know) in the 16th century. King Philip II of that Iberian nation had designs on building an empire for himself and his people, and he knew the Navy could help him do it. So,…
Humans aren’t the only creatures that have fought in war. Animals have been used in battle down throughout the centuries, as well. Many militaries and expert strategists have experimented with using various birds, mammals, and reptiles to wage war on enemies. The vast majority of those experiments haven’t made it out of the testing stages,…
In many senses, the Korean War is America’s forgotten war. It occurred not long after World War II, of course. And historically, it’s often forgotten since much of the focus in recent decades has been placed on the Vietnam War after it. But Korea was a critical site of many important battles. For one, it…
War is hell. But war is also innovation heaven! At least it was in certain instances throughout history. The brutal and jaw-dropping realities of war all throughout human existence have necessitated that soldiers, generals, and world leaders think on their feet and adapt to the terrible realities of battle. That has brought plenty of death,…
The Vietnam War was a relentless beast tearing through the veins of American history. It pulsated with tales of bravery, self-sacrifice, and an unyielding spirit. While the battlegrounds were claimed mostly by men, a contingent of women emerged from the shadows. These women cast their own impression upon the bitter conflict. In this list, we’ll…
The military lives by its own rules, regulated by military courts. Their justice system operates separately to deal with internal matters. In some cases, military investigators focus on potential threats to national security and military integrity. However, they also delve into the strangest and most unexpected investigations you can fathom. Related: Killer Creatures You Would…
War in movies is usually portrayed as organized and predictable. And yet real war is anything but that. It’s full of surprises and constant changes. To outsmart the enemy, unconventional thinking is key. In the chaos of war, strategies go beyond the norm. The unexpected becomes the norm. These innovations pushed the boundaries and showcased…
During World War II, the US government joined forces with influential entities like Hollywood and Madison Avenue to rally support for the war. Propaganda seeped into every aspect of American life. It saturated newsreels, films, radio broadcasts, newspapers, and magazines. Across the Atlantic, Churchill’s inspiring speeches ignited patriotic fervor among English-speaking people. To look at…
You may have heard about Oskar Schindler from the movie “Schindler’s List.” And there are plenty of other Holocaust heroes who did the right thing when World War II took its darkest turn for the Jewish people in Europe. A critically important series of unsung heroes, who were not Jewish themselves, risked everything during the…
The United States likes to brag about its military history and presence, and for (mostly) good reason. Not only does the country spend an unbelievable amount of money on their national defense and security, it has quite the track record. Incredible American military achievements from its own revolution in the late 18th century to World…