World History Encyclopedia

Written by Mark Cartwright and narrated by Lianne Walker. Support our work on Patreon: https://www.worldhistory.org/patreon/

Food and drink in the Elizabethan era was remarkably diverse with much more meat and many more varieties of it being eaten by those who could afford it than is the case today. Storage of food was still a problem and so fresh produce was grown at home or regularly acquired at local markets. Thick sauces with strong flavours were popular and made even more varied as ingredients became more readily available from Asia. Pastries, cakes, and other sweet goodies of all kinds were greatly appreciated and often eaten between the savoury courses. A healthy distrust of water meant that ale and beer were the most popular drinks, with wine a welcome addition for the better off. While some commoners struggled, as ever, to feed their families, especially in the long winters of the 16th century CE, foreign visitors did often remark on how well-fed the Elizabethan peasantry was and how overfed the rich were compared to their continental neighbours.

Written by Harrison W. Mark and read by Lianne Walker. Support our work on Patreon: https://www.worldhistory.org/patreon/

The trial and execution of Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), formerly the queen of France, was among the opening events of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution (1789-1799). Accused of a series of crimes that included conspiring with foreign powers against the security of France, Marie Antoinette was found guilty of high treason and executed on 16 October 1793.

Children were widely used as labour in factories, mines, and agriculture during the British Industrial Revolution (1760-1840). Very often working the same 12-hour shifts that adults did, children as young as five years old were paid a pittance to climb under dangerous weaving machines, move coal through narrow mine shafts, and work in agricultural gangs.

Read by Lianne Walker and written by Mark Cartwright. Support our work on Patreon: https://www.worldhistory.org/patreon/

Anne reigned as Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702 and then, following the 1707 Act of Union, over a united kingdom as Queen of Great Britain until her death in 1714. The last of the Stuart monarchs, Anne's reign witnessed the Spanish War of Succession which helped Britain establish itself as a major world power.

Narrated by Lianne Walker, written by Mark Carwright.

The British Industrial Revolution transformed life at work and at home for practically everyone. Noise, pollution, social upheaval, and repetitive jobs were the price to pay for labour-saving machines, cheap and comfortable transportation, more affordable consumer goods, better lighting and heating, and faster ways of communication.

Article written by Mark Cartwright and narrated be Lianne Walker.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of women in ancient Persia, revealing their significant roles and freedoms within society. Listeners will learn about notable Persian women like Cassandane Shahbanu, Atusa Shahbanu, and Artemisia I of Caria, who were queens, military leaders, businesswomen, and more. The episode highlights how Persian women held positions of power, managed businesses, and even led military campaigns, enjoying rights and autonomy unparalleled in many other ancient cultures. We also discuss the decline in women's status following the Arab Muslim conquest and how modern Iranian women continue to resist restrictions. This episode offers insights into the enduring legacy of Persian women's contributions to their society and culture.

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Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1493/twelve-great-women-of-ancient-persia/

In this episode, we explore the fascinating role of women in ancient Persia, highlighting their high status and autonomy across various empires. Listeners will learn about the rights and responsibilities of women during the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian periods. Discover the influential roles of royal women, their participation in business, and even their presence in military ranks. We'll also discuss the decline of women's rights following the fall of the Sassanian Empire and how Persian women resisted this oppression. Join us as we delve into the stories of remarkable women who shaped ancient Persian society and continue to inspire today.

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Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1492/women-in-ancient-persia/

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Ancient Egyptian mythology, exploring the pantheon of over 2,000 deities that shaped the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of the Egyptian people for more than 3,000 years. Listeners will learn about some of the most prominent gods and goddesses, such as Isis, Osiris, Horus, Amun, and Ra, as well as lesser-known but equally intriguing deities like Qebhet and Seshat. We'll discuss how these gods were worshiped and their roles in various aspects of life, from state deities to regional patrons and ritual figures.

The episode also covers the evolution of Egyptian religious beliefs from animism to a complex anthropomorphic system infused with magic, highlighting the significance of Heka, the god of magic and medicine. We'll explore how the Egyptians syncretized gods to reconcile differing beliefs and how worship practices evolved over time.

Additionally, we'll touch upon key cultural concepts like ma'at (harmony and balance) and explore mythological stories and transformations involving deities such as Set and Serket. Join us as we journey through the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology and its lasting impact on culture and religion.

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Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/885/egyptian-gods---the-complete-list/

Clothes in the Elizabethan era (1558-1603 CE) became much more colourful, elaborate, and flamboyant than in previous periods. With Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE) herself being a dedicated follower of fashion, so, too, her court and nobles followed suit. Clothing was an important indicator of status so that those who could afford it were careful to wear the correct colours, materials, and latest fashions from Continental Europe. Heavy brocade, stockings, tight-fitting doublets, long billowing dresses embellished with pearls and jewels, knee-length trousers, stiff linen collars or ruffs, and feathered hats were all staple elements of the wardrobes of the well off. The commoners, meanwhile, attempted to follow the new designs as best they could using cheaper materials, but those who tried to dress beyond their station had to beware the authorities did not fine them and confiscate the offending item.

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Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1577/clothes-in-the-elizabethan-era/

The Black Death is the 19th-century CE term for the plague epidemic that ravaged Europe between 1347-1352 CE, killing an estimated 30 million people there and many more worldwide as it reached pandemic proportions. The name comes from the black buboes (infected lymph glands) which broke out over a plague victim's body. The cause of the plague was the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was carried by fleas on rodents, usually rats, but this was not known to the people of the medieval period, as it was only identified in 1894 CE. Prior to that time, the plague was attributed primarily to supernatural causes – the wrath of God, the work of the devil, the alignment of the planets – and, stemming from these, “bad air” or an unbalance of the “humors” of the body which, when in line, kept a person healthy.

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Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1540/medieval-cures-for-the-black-death/