World History Encyclopedia

In 1952, a terrible, violent phase began in the long-simmering movement for Kenyan independence. Rebels, based in the forests and hills of southern-central Kenya, essentially attempted to sabotage anything connected with Europeans. Members of the Mau Mau movement swore an oath of allegiance which not only reinforced a common identity among them but also ensured discipline and, a...

Shulgi of Ur is regularly credited with either initiating or encouraging the rebirth of Sumerian culture known as the Sumerian Renaissance. While his father, Ur-Nammu, had presented himself to his people as a father-figure and guide, Shulgi claimed the status of a god. His reign is well documented as he had many scribes making inscriptions of his accomplishments, but this docume...

With its thick walls, high ceilings, large rooms, and wide verandahs, the colonial bungalow was constructed to meet the challenges of hot climates. Designed to keep cool air in, hot air out, and provide plenty of airy shade, the bungalow was so successful that it became the standard colonial residence across the world, from British India to French Polynesia. Access by local peop...

The poem The Death of Ur-Nammu is frequently cited for its depiction of a great banquet in the underworld, which is usually described as dark and silent. Another interesting aspect of the piece is the depiction of the gods and Ur-Nammu's charge that he was betrayed by them. He trusted the most powerful of the gods, Anu (An) and Enlil, to protect him, but, instead, they let him d...

In September 1326, a fleet of ships landed on the shores of England, intent on ridding the kingdom of the 'evil counselors' whispering wicked advice into the ear of the king. They were led by Queen Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer - a violent, cunning Marcher lord who was out for vengeance, ever since his imprisonment in the Tower of London a few years earlier. Mortimer ha...