Welcome to our History Questions Thread!

This thread is for all those history related questions that are too simple, short or a bit too silly to warrant their own post.

So, do you have a question about history and have always been afraid to ask? Well, today is your lucky day. Ask away!

Of course all our regular rules and guidelines still apply and to be just that bit extra clear:

Questions need to be historical in nature. Silly does not mean that your question should be a joke. r/history also has an active discord server where you can discuss history with other enthusiasts and experts.

Hi everybody,

Welcome to our weekly book recommendation thread!

We have found that a lot of people come to this sub to ask for books about history or sources on certain topics. Others make posts about a book they themselves have read and want to share their thoughts about it with the rest of the sub.

We thought it would be a good idea to try and bundle these posts together a bit. One big weekly post where everybody can ask for books or (re)sources on any historic subject or timeperiod, or to share books they recently discovered or read. Giving opinions or asking about their factuality is encouraged!

Of course it’s not limited to *just* books; podcasts, videos, etc. are also welcome. As a reminder, also has a recommended list of things to read, listen to or watch

When we think of Alexander the Great, images of swift cavalry charges, daring sieges, and legendary conquests come to mind. But did you know he also encountered one of the ancient world’s most formidable weapons: war elephants?

During the epic Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC), Alexander faced off against King Porus of India, whose army included a battalion of elephants. These towering creatures struck terror into the hearts of Alexander’s soldiers—many of whom had never seen elephants before. Despite this, Alexander emerged victorious, and in true visionary fashion, he didn’t just defeat the elephants—he made them his own!

 A Game-Changing Encounter
Impressed by their battlefield impact, Alexander incorporated the war elephants into his own ranks. They became a symbol of his ability to adapt and innovate, blending Greek and Eastern military traditions. These elephants later marched in his campaigns, demonstrating the fusion of cultures that defined his empire.

Want to dive deeper into this fascinating history?

1. "Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army" by Donald W. Engels – This book provides incredible insights into how Alexander’s army, including his elephants, operated across diverse terrains.
2. "In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: A Journey from Greece to Asia" by Michael Wood – A brilliant narrative of Alexander’s campaigns, including his encounters with Indian forces.

This moment wasn’t just a clash of armies—it was a meeting of cultures and technologies, showcasing Alexander’s genius as a military leader and his openness to learning from those he conquered.

Have you heard of Alexander’s war elephants before? What do you think about this incredible moment in history?

Welcome to our History Questions Thread!

This thread is for all those history related questions that are too simple, short or a bit too silly to warrant their own post.

So, do you have a question about history and have always been afraid to ask? Well, today is your lucky day. Ask away!

Of course all our regular rules and guidelines still apply and to be just that bit extra clear:

Questions need to be historical in nature. Silly does not mean that your question should be a joke. r/history also has an active discord server where you can discuss history with other enthusiasts and experts.

The activities of Barbary pirates, or corsairs, from North Africa during the 16th to 19th centuries have had a significant impact on European and Mediterranean history. Operating from the Barbary Coast—encompassing modern-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya—these pirates targeted European coastal towns and ships, often raiding inland villages as well. Their operations resulted in the abduction of men, women, and children, who were subsequently sold into slavery in North African and Ottoman markets.

According to historian Robert Davis, author of Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters, between 1 million and 1.2 million Europeans were enslaved by Barbary pirates during this period. This raises fascinating questions about how such large-scale maritime raiding influenced the economies and societies of the affected regions.

To further explore this topic, I referred to the following sources:

1. Robert Davis' Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters: White Slavery in the Mediterranean, the Barbary Coast, and Italy, 1500-1800, which provides a detailed account of the scope and impact of Barbary piracy.

2. Pirates of Barbary: Corsairs, Conquests, and Captivity in the 17th-Century Mediterranean by Adrian Tinniswood, which discusses the socio-political dynamics of the Barbary Coast during this era.

These sources shed light on the motivations and consequences of Barbary piracy, including its influence on European naval policies and the eventual decline of these operations.

Hi everybody,

Welcome to our weekly book recommendation thread!

We have found that a lot of people come to this sub to ask for books about history or sources on certain topics. Others make posts about a book they themselves have read and want to share their thoughts about it with the rest of the sub.

We thought it would be a good idea to try and bundle these posts together a bit. One big weekly post where everybody can ask for books or (re)sources on any historic subject or timeperiod, or to share books they recently discovered or read. Giving opinions or asking about their factuality is encouraged!

Of course it’s not limited to *just* books; podcasts, videos, etc. are also welcome. As a reminder, also has a recommended list of things to read, listen to or watch