WARNING: This article contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of the murder of five innocent people. Introduction Late May 2000… I had turned 14 just three weeks earlier, and I was getting ready to graduate from elementary school. My thoughts during… Read More ›
History
January 1 – The Kalends of January
Happy New Year, everyone! All over the world on the first day of the year, there is drinking, feasting, and fireworks. This day also marks the last day of many people’s holiday vacations, and they are all in for having… Read More ›
November 13 – The Feast of Feronia, Patron Goddess of Freed Slaves
With the harvest season in full swing, it’s time to give thanks to the gods for the bounty that they provided. In ancient Rome, one such festival took place on the Ides of November (November 13) and it was dedicated… Read More ›
March 14 – The Equirria Martia: The Chariot Race of Mars
A Roman Chariot Race, by Alexander von Wagner (1882). Manchester City Art Galleries. Manchester, UK. In ancient Rome, March 14 was the date for the Equirria Martia, a chariot race dedicated to the ancient Roman war god Mars. The Equirria… Read More ›
The Jamaica Draft Riot of 1863
Depiction of rioters and police during the New York City draft riots of 1863. Harper’s Weekly (August 1, 1863). Public domain image, Wikimedia Commons.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_York_Draft_Riots_-_Harpers_-_beating.jpg. Anyone who has basic knowledge of the American Civil War or who has seen the Martin… Read More ›
Slavery in Flushing, New York
It’s well known, or at least it should be, that New York, and New York City specifically, were actively involved in the bartering of human chattel for two hundred years. It began with the first bold yet tremulous ventures of… Read More ›
New York City’s War against Dogs, 1811-1894
“Broadway, New York. From the Western Union Telegraph Building, looking North”. Hand-colored lithograph, published by Currier & Ives (1875). The New-York Historical Society. People have a certain conception of what the past was like. They like to think that things… Read More ›
Happy Ten Year Anniversary to “Dinosaurs and Barbarians”!
Well, this is certainly a shocking and sobering milestone. On July 1, 2013, I started the blog “Dinosaurs and Barbarians”, named after my two favorite subjects of study. This day marks the official ten year anniversary of its existence on… Read More ›
Martello Towers within the United States of America
Martello Tower #74, located in Seaford, England. Public domain image, Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Martello_Tower,_Seaford.JPG. Introduction General George S. Patton once said “Fixed fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity”. That was certainly true in the 1940s with aerial bombardment and long-range heavy… Read More ›
May 10 – The Rosalia: The Ancient Roman Festival of the Roses
A wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Photograph by Connor Kurtz (June 10, 2007). Public domain image, Wikimedia Commons.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tomb_of_the_Unknowns_crack.jpg. In ancient Rome, a festival known as the Rosalia, “the Festival of the… Read More ›