The History Today Blog
Looking for some new takes on how history is relevant to the world today? Want to know what our history experts are working on in their own research? Or want to check out some advice for good reads, good watches, and good study practices? Read more below!
What was the Florentine Republic?
The Republic of Florence was at the center of the Renaissance—learn more about this powerful Italian state in the latest addition to our ‘Ask a Historian’ series!
What was the Holy Roman Empire
What was the Holy Roman Empire? And how did it relate to medieval and early modern European history? Find out more in the latest post in our ‘Ask a Historian’ series!
What was the Cult of Reason?
What was the Cult of Reason? And where does it fit into history?
The Vinland Map and Historical Counterfeits
What is the Vinland Map and why is it in the news?
What is the Doomsday Book?
What is the Doomsday Book and how is it useful to historians? Our latest post breaks down one of the most famous books in English history.
No Seriously, What was Prussia?
What was this country called Prussia and why does it come up so often in AP Euro? Clear up the confusion in our latest blog post, brought to you by Circa’s history experts.
What was the Great Chicago Fire?
What was the Great Chicago Fire and why is it important? Circa’s expert historians break down the event.
Long and Short Centuries
The 19th century was long, and the 20th century was short. Find out why in the continuation of Circa’s ‘Ask a Historian’ series.
Where Does the Metric System Come From?
Who invented the metric system and why? Learn about this unit system and its connections to the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.
The Time When 10 Days Disappeared from the Calendar
In early modern Europe, countries suddenly lost 10 or 11 days all at once. Where did these days go? Read our latest post to find out!
A Brief History of Art Theft
Why do art heists capture so much public attention? And how have reactions to art thefts changed?
The Curious Case of Franz Josef Land
Why is there an Arctic archipelago named after an emperor of Austria-Hungary? Circa’s history experts explain why!
What Happened in the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius?
Why is the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius so famous? And what happened to Pompeii? Our history experts weigh in!
What was the Berlin Wall?
What was the Berlin Wall? And why does it remain a symbol of division and competition?
What were the Witch Trials?
What encouraged the early modern witch hunts? And how do historians think about them today?
What is the Role of Climate in History?
How has the climate affected the course of human history?
Where do the Olympic Games Come From?
Where do the Olympic Games come from? Read about their fascinating history here.
What is the European Union?
What is the European Union and where did it come from? Circa’s history exerts break down this economic and political union.