Sammy Tran articles

VIDEO

Queen Tamar is something of a puzzle to historians. They have trouble believing that someone could be so pious and kindhearted, but also responsible for so many gruesome battles. To which I say: Can’t it be both? Her piousness actually seemed to help make her such a powerful, successful Queen, in battle and otherwise. And I like to think the most brilliant people are also the most paradoxical. But we'll let you decide for yourself.

PEOPLE

Recent DNA analysis from excavations in China, Central Asia, and Hungary has uncovered the origins of the marauding Huns who swept across Eurasian steppes into Europe in the days of the Roman Empire.

VIDEO

The weight of Napoleon III's name hung over him for his entire life. Convinced he was heir to his uncle Napoleon Bonaparte's empire, Napoleon III plotted and schemed from exile for decades—until his moment finally came. However, "The New Napoleon" had more flaws than we could count. His countless affairs, unhealthy habits, and questionable judgment all eventually ensured this upstart emperor faced a horrible fate in the end.

PEOPLE

Queen Ranavalona is now called a bloodthirsty tyrant. But for modern historians, her bad reputation is only half of the story.

MSN VIDEO

Field Marshal Bernard Law “Monty” Montgomery was instrumental in defeating the Axis forces during WWII. His strategic brilliance, however, was second only to his massive ego and total lack of tact. More people need to know about Bernard “Monty” Montgomery, the man who Winston Churchill himself described as, “In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable”.

VIDEO

Field Marshal Bernard Law “Monty” Montgomery was instrumental in defeating the Axis forces during WWII. His strategic brilliance, however, was second only to his massive ego and total lack of tact. More people need to know about Bernard “Monty” Montgomery, the man who Winston Churchill himself described as, “In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable”.

THINGS

In 2023, archaeologists working near the town of Nördlingen in Bavaria made the extraordinary discovery of a 3,000-year-old sword so well-preserved that it gleamed when removed from the earth. The discovery is a fascinating look into the metallurgy and ceremonial customs of ancient Central Europe.

THINGS

In 2025 archaeologists announced the identification of the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II near Luxor’s famed Valley of the Kings. Buried deep in the Theban hills, the tomb is being recognized as the most significant royal tomb discovery since King Tutankhamun.

THINGS

Ancient canal systems discovered in Arizona have transformed our understanding of the early civilizations of the American Southwest.



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