History
Kill the Body to Save the Soul
“He strove by every means to lead them into the true path, now by gentle persuasion, now by forcing them to it by the impact of war.” […]
10th Century AD
Orient
Bringing the Demons to Heel
“, “Don’t kill us, we can teach you something new and highly profitable.” The king granted them their lives on condition that they reveal their secrets to him, and when he had freed them from their chains they had no choice but to obey him.” […]
Viking
Viking in their Victim’s Eyes
“They didn’t know the strength of the Rus, and thought they would behave like Greeks or Armenians. An hour after battle was joined, the Rus launched an attack that routed the army of Bardha’a. The volunteers and the rest of the soldiers turned and fled. Only the Daylamites stood their ground; they were all killed except for those mounted on horses.” […]
Eastern Europe
Barbarians of the North
“They never go off alone to relieve themselves, but always with three companions to guard them, sword in hand, for they have little trust in one another.” […]
Viking
Hostage Negotiations Gone Bad
. Ibn Sam’un therefore broke off negotiations. The Rus put off their massacre, hoping to get at least this small amount. When it was not forthcoming, they put them to the sword, and slew them to the last man.” […]
Eastern Europe
How Foreigners Get Clean
“The steam released warms the room and the inhabitants take off their clothes and live in this shelter till spring.” […]
Viking
Respect in Death
“The beardless youth was the last survivor. When he saw that he was going to be captured, he climbed a nearby tree and stabbed himself in vital organs until he died.” […]
Humor
No! Not the Bees!
“But the latter is said to have had at hand many hives of bees, which he broke open and let loose against the duke’s horsemen. The bees tormented the horses with their sings, and made them mad, so that their riders began to be imperiled.” […]
Supernatural
Strange Omens
“Also, the left hand of a certain man which had been cut off with a knife was, after a lapse of a year, restored almost whole to him while he was asleep.” […]
Violence
Victory for the People
“Some reached the ships again, but in their terror they missed their footing and plunged into the water, while others overloaded some of the boats and capsized them so that as a result only a very few survived.” […]