Britons and Celts
Some Medieval Welsh Jokes
“I have only one thing to hold against her,” he said. “She puts too little butter in her salt.” […]
Peoples
History
Fearful Stupidity
“They sail in ships, and whenever two of their boats meet, the sailors lash the two together, and then they draw their swords and fight. This is their form of greeting.” […]
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
Origin of an Alphabet
” Whosoever condemns the Slavic writing shall be excluded from the Church until he mends his ways. For such men are not sheep but wolves; by their fruits ye shall know them and guard against them. ” […]
Eastern Europe
Honor Thy Daughter-in-Law
“The Derevlians, on the other hand, existed in bestial fashion, and lived like cattle. They killed one another, ate every impure thing, and there was no marriage among them, but instead they seized upon maidens by capture.” […]
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
The Cruelty of Beauty
“They warm them to extreme heat, then undress, and after anointing themselves with an acid liquid, they take young branches and lash their bodies.” […]
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.” […]
Greek and Roman
Luxury-Loving People
“He remarked after a visit to Sparta that he used to wonder at the bravery of the Spartans, but that now, after witnessing what a frugal and utterly miserable life they led, he could only conclude that they were no better than the lowest of men.” […]