In historical and fantastical drama, few tropes are as omnipresent as the Great Wall. The Great Wall divides civilizations. Often, inhabitants on one side of the wall… Read more “The Great Wall: Breaking Down The Trope”
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How Historically Accurate is Hearts of Iron IV?
Not many game designers would dare to create a video game that purports to simulate the entirety of World War II, from high politics to economics to… Read more “How Historically Accurate is Hearts of Iron IV?”
Military Effects of D&D Magic
Last week, I discussed how the spells in Dungeons and Dragons might totally reshape the politics and economics of a D&D world. Today, I’ll dive into how… Read more “Military Effects of D&D Magic”
Remembering the Alamo(s)
As dawn broke on March 6th, 1836, a Mexican army led by President Antonio Lòpez de Santa Anna stormed the Alamo, a small compound defended by several… Read more “Remembering the Alamo(s)”
How Historical Films Misuse Color
In the 1930s, film developed color, and would never be the same again. Now, I wonder if some film genres are unconsciously reverting back to black and… Read more “How Historical Films Misuse Color”
Fake History: A Practical Guide to Inventing the Past
Over the past week, I’ve amused myself with George R. R. Martin’s newest book, Fire and Blood. For those of you without the inclination to read a… Read more “Fake History: A Practical Guide to Inventing the Past”
How Not To Measure a Country’s Power
How can we quantify the power of a country? Putting so many demographic, economic and military factors into a single number may seem like a daunting task,… Read more “How Not To Measure a Country’s Power”
The History of Happiness: Are People Getting Happier?
Over the last few centuries, the lives of people have improved in almost every quantifiable way. Education, lifespan, living standards, hygiene, and countless other factors have steadily… Read more “The History of Happiness: Are People Getting Happier?”
What the Swedish Empire Tells Us About History
As long as humans have studied history, we have tried to simplify its broad sweep into theories. Great man theory, first articulated by Thomas Carlyle in the… Read more “What the Swedish Empire Tells Us About History”
Middle Earth Isn’t Medieval: Part II
Welcome back to Part II of my two part discussion on whether J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth qualifies as a medieval world (Part I here). Last… Read more “Middle Earth Isn’t Medieval: Part II”
Tragedy and Farce 