Aug 22, 2017 | Did You Know?
The Scots spell it whisky and the Irish spell it whiskey, with an extra ‘e’. This difference in the spelling comes from the translations of the word from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic forms. Whiskey with the extra ‘e’ is also used when...
Oct 13, 2013 | Did You Know?
Archaeological examination of Viking ships and stave churches suggest a substantial mastery of woodworking and engineering in Viking culture. Steeped in Viking history, these churches derive their name from its post (stav in Norwegian) and lintel construction. The...
Oct 7, 2013 | Did You Know?
These bodies of water surrounding fortresses reduced the risk of tunneling. One of the most serious forms of attack was to undermine part of a castle. The ‘miners’ were called Sappers. They would dig a tunnel underneath one of the corners using timber...
Oct 6, 2013 | Did You Know?
Did you know that the Moors, who ruled Spain for 700 years, introduced new scientific techniques to Europe, such as an astrolabe, a device for measuring the position of the stars and planets? Did you know that the Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita) is still one of...
Oct 4, 2013 | Did You Know?, Far Horizons
Sited along Hadrian’s Wall, the massive defensive fortifications that delineated the northern border of the Roman Britain, Vindolanda was one of the garrisons built to house soldiers. Excavations here have uncovered many exciting finds – officer’s residences and...
Oct 2, 2013 | Did You Know?
Using computerized tomography (CT) scans of his mummified body, scientists have conducted a “virtual autopsy” of Tutankhamen, the boy king who ruled Egypt some 3,300 years ago. The scan suggests that he suffered from numerous deformities and ailments, caused in part...
