Britons and Celts
A God-Blessed Land
“There no reptile is wont to be seen, no serpent can live. For, if serpents are brought thither from elsewhere, as soon as they begin to scent that air, they die.” […]
Issues
Greek and Roman
The Emperor Addicted to Vegetables
“He ate sparingly, being very addicted to his native vegetable, sometimes found of wine, often abstaining from meat.” […]
History
Prester John and the Golden King
“It happened one day that the Golden King went out for his sport with only a handful of followers, and among them were these seven traitors. When they had crossed a river about a mile distant from the place, and left their companions on the farther bank, the seven henchmen, seeing that the kind had no one to protect him, resolved to carry out the purpose for which they had come.” […]
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.” […]
Britons and Celts
Origin of Stonehenge
THE SCENE: Whether it is true or not, this 12th century description of how Merlin founded Stonehenge (with African rocks stolen from the Irish) provides us with a lively portrayal of him as a character […]
Uncategorized
Those Who Look Extra Virile
“He made a public bath in the palace and at the same time made the baths of Plautianus available to the people, so that he might thereby collect paramours from among men with large organs.” […]
History
Etiquette for the Great Khan
“Next, every baron or nobleman continually carries with him a little vessel of pleasing design into which he spits so long as he is in the hall, so that no one may make so bold as to spit on the floor; and when he has spat he cover it and keeps it.” […]
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.” […]
Britons and Celts
The Royal Poisoner
“The King immediately obeyed the advice of the man who had betrayed him, and dropped off to sleep, imagining that he was about to recover his health. The poison ran quickly through his veins and the pores of his body; and thus death, which has the trick of sparing no man, came to him while he slept.” […]
Greek and Roman
Strange Punishments for Everyday Crimes
“When the facts had been established, he ordered two oxen of extraordinary size to be cut open suddenly, while still alive, and the soldiers to be thrust one into each, with their heads protruding so that they could talk to each other. ” […]