Tag: Lazio

A photo of Barbastro today

The siege of Barbastro – the pre-crusade

In the 11th century, Musim-controlled Spain was under attack from Roman Catholic Europe. One key siege was a turning point in how the church viewed war as a tool of foreign policy. This article explores the impact of the siege, and how it influenced the Crusades.

Who would rule Italy?

In 1024, Italy tired of German rule and wondered if French nobility would like to be the King of Italy. Would this have been good for France, or would it have been a bad idea?
A photo of a statue of the rape of Proserpina

The Temple of Proserpina

There are few Roman remains on the island of Malta. Not far from Rabat in the village of Mtarfa, the Romans had built the now-lost Temple of Proserpina.
A photo of the Drahotuše forest

The Great Moravian Empire

I grew up with a Mediterranean-centric view of history, so I'm fascinated by stories of Central and Eastern Europe. Learning them for the first time is part of the fun. Weaving the thread of history through the ages is incredible. This article describes the beginning of the region now called Moravia, in eastern Czechia.
A photo of St Peter's basilica in the Vatican, as seen from Fort St Angelo - Rome, Italy

Why did the Pope want to move to Malta?

In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be under the control of an earthly ruler. It even considered moving the seat of the Holy See to Malta.
A photo of Piazza di Spagna - Rome, Italy

Spanish steps

Rome’s Spanish steps are an iconic image of the city. People have loitered on the stairs since the 16th century. Not everyone knows the reason behind the name. Why would it be the Spanish steps when it’s in Italy?

Churches that are not sanctuaries

There are a few chapels and churches around Malta which sport an intriguing Latin sign: “Non gode immunity ecclesiastica” ("Doesn't provide ecclesiastical immunity"). I wanted to understand why a church would not be a place of refuge, and why some other churches still were.
A photo of Capua Palace - Sliema, Malta

In exile in Malta

The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of days gone by. Few talk about the Prince of Capua and the Russian connection.