Lessons
That Time When Humans Nearly Went Extinct
The human race experienced a population bottleneck where nearly 98% of people disappeared and things were difficult for them for more than a hundred years. Although the exact cause of this is unknown, it is likely the result of massive changes in Earth's climate. With more than 8 billion people on the planet today, it is difficult to imagine a time when there were so few humans that they nearly went extinct. This happened about 900,000 years ago when our ancient ancestors faced a crisis. Recent studies tell us there were only about 1,280 of them left, which is an incredibly small number. It's like just one village or very small town left alone on the entire planet.
By SIMON FUCHAKA LUNANI2 years ago in History
Exploring Myanmar
Myanmar's shift from seclusion to accessibility has been a swift one since 2011, with the country embracing reforms and opening up to the world. The IW River serves as a vital artery for transportation in Myanmar, linking significant historical sites. Living in a Buddhist nation along the river brings a unique perspective. The river's constantly shifting navigable channel is due to the large amounts of sediment it carries from the mountains. In a riverside village, the tradition of domesticated elephants with personal trainers is deeply rooted. Women spend long hours working barefoot in the cold water, amidst the deafening noise of pumps. Gold is transported on ramps with flowing water. The influence of British writer George Orwell can be seen in Qatar, particularly in his novel 'Burmese Days,' which highlights the British elite's elitism and arrogance. Tin Andai's business relies heavily on the river and the famous Napier fish found in Qatar. Mr. U Tin Tang, a fisherman, shares a house with his extended family of 28 people. The presence of dolphins in the river uniquely aids fishermen. Bamboo is a crucial commodity transported widely on the river, with families journeying downstream on rafts. Mandalay, the former royal capital of the Burmese Kingdom, now presents a modern facade. British troops dethroned Mandalay in 1885, and the city, with a population of 1.6 million, remains deeply influenced by Buddhism. Monasteries in Mandalay offer free education and internet access to young monks and orphans, with the Fang Dau monastic school being renowned for its dedication to providing education to those in need.
By Isaac Ekow Anyidoho2 years ago in History
why the dark ages were the wrong time to be alive
The Dark Ages were a brutal period, marked by marauding knights, scholarly killers from Oxford, staggering homicide rates, Viking savagery, and impoverished peasants driven to madness, sometimes literally dancing to their deaths. In this harsh era, even hairdressers doubled as amateur surgeons, performing grisly amputations.
By Shinzou Wo sasageyo2 years ago in History
Sir Isaac Newton
A list of the most influential people of all time wouldn't be complete without Sir Isaac Newton. Newton's laws are tied to almost everything we see in everyday life. They help us understand how cars work, how baseballs move, how anything moves. Yet there was a secret side to the 17th-century scientist, which will become clear by the end of this story.
By Horace Wasmore2 years ago in History
No I's allowed
Our expert/master apparel used to have bold colors and a rhythm that marked our own style. We could be both neat and show care. Maybe even better care because we seemed to be a happy lot back then. Women had overcome much of the bondage of the past. The 1980's! A new era...
By Shirley Belk2 years ago in History
Mr. Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was born as Rolihlahla Mandela in a village in the Cape Province to a local chief and a descendant of native royalty. His upbringing was a mix of traditional Xhosa customs and Western social influences. The early 20th century in South Africa was marked by the formation of the Union of South Africa and power struggles fueled by British colonial expansion due to the discovery of gold and diamond mines. This led to conflicts with native tribes and Boer descendants, mainly Dutch, German, and French settlers who controlled wealth and political power. Mandela married Evelyn Mase during a period of increasing struggle for black rights in South Africa, with the couple having a modest wedding due to financial constraints. The rise of the anti-black National Party and the implementation of the Apartheid policy further exacerbated tensions in the country, leading to segregation and limited civil liberties for the black population. Mandela's political involvement increased before 1948, culminating in his role in the overthrow of ANC President Xuma. Embracing Communist ideologies in the 1950s, Mandela became a prominent figure in the ANC movement, opposing the Pan-Africanist Congress and expanding the ANC network.
By Isaac Ekow Anyidoho2 years ago in History
Japan
Japan resisted two Mongol invasions, with the ruler Hojo Tokimune defending the country. The role of Japanese mythology and propaganda in justifying imperial rule is evident, as well as the arrival of new people and the influence of other civilizations. Queen Himiko played a significant role in ruling Yamatai and had diplomatic relations with China, and her burial mound, the Hashihaka kofun, is located in Nara Prefecture. Women held high status and repeatedly entered the chronicles as monarchs in ancient Japan.
By Isaac Ekow Anyidoho2 years ago in History
"Contrasting Cultures: Aztecs and Mayas in Mesoamerica"
Can you pronounce the name of the Aztec capital city? Yes, it's quite difficult to say in English and above my pay grade. Okay, okay, it's Tenochtitlan. Mayan cities are hard to pronounce too. Consider Chichen Itza. They must be part of the same language, right? Well, not really. The Aztecs and the Mayas were among the most famous Mesoamerican peoples, present-day Central Americans, but they didn't speak the same language and they weren't even the same civilization. The two nations lived in different eras; the Aztecs dominated the region from the 14th to the 16th century, near the end of the Middle Ages in Europe. The Mayas came before the Aztecs; historians believe they started building city-states in the 3rd century. Their peak lasted until the 10th century.
By Nerisa Serina2 years ago in History
A Dog is Man's First Friend
The historical narrative of the partnership between humans and canines is a remarkable one and interesting to say. Dogs have been instrumental in various aspects of human life, including hunting, traveling, safeguarding, and guiding. They have seamlessly become part of our households, offering solace and companionship. Contrary to popular belief, the domestication of dogs did not originate from humans but was kickstarted by a timid and vulnerable she-wolf, marking a significant milestone in human evolution. Initially possessing warning instincts, wolves gradually transformed into dogs, serving as loyal companions and protectors. Over time, dogs have adapted to accompany, safeguard, and provide companionship to humans, ultimately evolving into a distinct species that is friendly towards humans and is part of their adventure and lonely survival.
By Isaac Ekow Anyidoho2 years ago in History
The Sing Sing Prison (USA)
During the 19th century, prisoners were subjected to strict silence and isolation rules as part of the penology system. The belief in complete isolation for inmates to reform and confront their criminal past was emphasized by penologists, which is reflected in the design of prisons. Sing Sing prison, for example, was constructed using high-grade marble from stone quarried from the Hudson River banks. The conditions for inmates were rigorous, with small and unsanitary cells, and labor exploitation for profit was common. The prison system employed brutal methods of control, with guards quick to shoot inmates during riots and various forms of repression, discipline, and torture used to instill fear. Cruel punishments such as water torture and bucking, severe beatings, starvation, and dismal living conditions led to despair and death among prisoners. The introduction of electrocution as a method of execution in New York was initially met with shock and skepticism, but Sing Sing became the central execution site in the state, marking a significant shift in execution practices. New York was a pioneer in capital punishment in the Western World, with the executioner at Sing Sing responsible for carrying out executions for over 600 convicts.
By Isaac Ekow Anyidoho2 years ago in History
