World History Encyclopedia

The Early Dynastic Period in Egypt (circa 3150 to circa 2613 BCE) is the beginning of the historical era of the country during which the regions of Upper Egypt (south) and Lower Egypt (north) were united as one country under a centralized government, and kingship was first established. During this period, the divine rule of the kings began, and a recognizable Egyptian culture, i...

Hara Castle was originally built in 1496 as a subsidiary fortification to nearby Hinoe Castle, with upgrades made from 1599 to 1604. Later dismantled and abandoned by the then daimyo (lord) Matsukura Shigemasa (1574-1630), it was briefly occupied by the rebels who took part in the Shimabara Rebellion (1637-38). It now exists as a series of ruins accessible by bus from the city o...

Assur (also Ashur, Anshar) is the god of the ancient Assyrians who was elevated from a local deity of the city of Ashur to the supreme god of the Assyrian pantheon. His attributes were drawn from earlier Sumerian and Babylonian deities, and so he was, at once, a god of war, wisdom, justice, agriculture, and kingship, among others.

Mahmud II was one of the most influential sultans of the Ottoman Empire. As a radical reformer, he strove to implement military and governmental reforms to prevent the empire from collapsing. His removal of the Janissary corps, the establishment of new government institutions, and new measures regarding appearance brought about radical changes in the Ottoman army and society, an...

The Fourteenth Amendment is one of the most important and consequential additions to the United States Constitution. Ratified in 1868, it defines American citizenship as belonging to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States" – i.e., 'birthright citizenship' – and guarantees "equal protection of the laws" and "due process" to all citizens. The amendment was drafted a...