Most people have an image of the medieval chivalric knight: the hero with impeccable grace and courtesy, saving damsels in distress while jousting for sport. The chivalric code guiding the conduct of knights was embodied in a wide range of literary sources. Investigate the genre of chivalric literature, from “courtesy books” to romances. […]
How should you begin a study of Ancient Egypt? Gain insight into how to investigate one of the world’s most interesting civilizations. […]
The Celtic invasion of Europe began in Italy, and then spread to Greece and Spain. Discover how the Celts became so synonymous with terror and intimidation, that they were hired as mercenaries around the Mediterranean. You’ll also explore some aspects of Celtic culture that remain mysteries to this day. […]
The historical view of ancient Celtic culture necessarily passes through the lens of Greek and Roman writings. Though rife with stereotypes, many of these stories are quite entertaining. Explore the many facets of the Celts as fierce warriors and fitness fanatics who may have indulged in the occasional human sacrifice. […]
Few primary sources exist to educate historians about the ancient Celts. Thus we must rely on the writings of the Greeks and Romans, which are filtered through their biased perceptions. Learn how the Celts were often stigmatized and portrayed as barbarians. […]
The Anerican Civil War is so vast, complex, important, and engaging, that it has inspired literature that conservatively runs to more than 50,000 books and pamphlets. More than one book or pamphlet a day has been published about the conflict since April 1861, when the firing on Fort Sumter helped precipitate it. Review the background of the war, and learn what was happening in the North and South before the first shots were fired. […]
Slavery may have been the key issue that ignited the American Civil War, but a series of political battle lines, compromises, negotiations, and institutional challenges all served as catalysts for war. Take a look at the political storms of the mid-19th century and examine the politics of the American Civil War. […]
Like any good civilization, Egyptian art tells us a great deal about the people who made it. Investigate the “art historical” approach to ancient Egyptian history. […]
![Abraham Lincoln's Presidency Campaign Banner. H. C. Howard [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Lincolns-path-victory_FeaturedThumb-326x245.jpg)
The campaign of 1860 was an interesting spectacle. Four men with different platforms and constituencies offered their arguments for leading the United States. Learn how the campaign—and the 1860 election results—illustrated the degree to which the North and South were divided on the nation’s future. […]
![Political Cartoon. Storming the Castle. Currier and Ives [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1860-presidential-candidates_FeaturedThumb-326x245.jpg)
What made 1860 such a volatile electoral year? One reason was the wide range of presidential candidates put forth by America’s major political parties. Follow the path to four potential candidates, including Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. […]
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