Tag: 16th Century

An engraving showing the view of the siege of Esztergom, 1595

The Battle of Strigonia

Sixteenth century Europe was ablaze with one war after another. The epoch-defining conflict was the one between the Ottomans and the Hapsburg Empire. This changed European, and Middle-Eastern history. One of this war's battles included a contingent of Maltese fighting forces. This article explains how they came to be there and the story of that siege.
A photo of the road leading to Andorra from France

Andorra

Microstates are fascinating. There’s always a story behind them, and their continued existence in today’s world for that matter. Andorra, sandwiched between Spain and France, is one such microstate. For that, we've a strategic masterstroke born of military need and religious pragmatism.
A painting of the French fleet in the grand harbour

When Napoleon Conquered Malta in 72 Hours

Think the fall of powerful nations takes months? Napoleon Bonaparte dismantled 268 years of Knights' rule over Malta in three days. If you want to understand how empires truly fall, keep reading.
A portrait of Pope Sylvester II

The Phantom Time Hypothesis

There are dark corners of the internet where I've found mentions of "The Phantom Time Hypothesis". This suggests that the years between 614 AD and 911 AD didn't exist. But how can that be? How can human history have misplaced 300 years of history?
A photo of the landscape behind the Abbey - Bourgeuil, France

The Abbey of Bourgueil

In 990, Emma of Blois leveraged her dowry and family alliances to found an abbey in Bourgueil, France. The abbey grew into a regional powerhouse over the next 500 years influencing daily life.
A photo of Ħal-Għargħur parish church

The independence of Ħal-Għargħur

In the 16th century, the rural village of Ħal-Għargħur became an independent parish for 3 brief years. It’s unusual that someone thought it should be independent and changed their mind a few years later. This article explains the village politics behind the situation, and how Ħal-Għargħur became a parish.
A photo of Selimiye mosque - Nicosia, TRNC

The lost Cathedral of St Sophia

In occupied Cyprus, across the demilitarised zone in Nicosia, the French gothic cathedral of St Sophia is now Selimiye mosque. The building was at the heart of Cypriot crusader history, with many stories in its past. Today, tourists wonder at something that looks like European architecture is a mosque. This article explains the cathedral history, its significance and the current mosque.
A photo of the modern stained-glass windows in Saint-Jean de Montierneuf - Poitiers, France

A church for a cousin

In the 11th century the Duke of Aquitaine built an abbey in exchange for permission to marry a relative of his. It sounds like the ultimate form of privilege but is this fair, and what is the real story behind William's motives? This article explains the context behind this transaction and what the abbey looks like today.
volcano erupting at night under starry sky

How the 1602 famine hit Malta and Sicily

We often don't think of how explosive and violent Mother Nature can be. In 1600 a volcano exploded in Peru, affecting life around the planet in many ways. In Malta, it led to a diplomatic spat with Sicily and caused a riot in the south of Malta. This article explains how one led to the other.