Tag Archives: History

Africa: ‘An Economic History Of Egypt’ (Video)

The Egyptian Economy was the only one in the Middle East North Africa region to avoid a recession in 2020. Being a good reflection of the economic rollercoaster Egypt routinely finds itself on. One driven by inflation rates of up to 30% a year, a halving of its currency and a painful IMF bailout in 2016. But how did Egypt’s Economy find itself in this situation? What impacts did Five Year Plans, spending nearly 20% of GDP on the military and widespread nationalisation have on its economy? Why is Egypt the world’s largest importer of wheat? And perhaps most importantly, what has its post 2011 revolution delivered?

Egypt, a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs. Millennia-old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza’s colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor’s hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities. 

History Of Food: ‘Where Vegetables Came From’

Vegetables are parts of plants that are consumed by humans or other animals as food. The original meaning is still commonly used and is applied to plants collectively to refer to all edible plant matter, including the flowers, fruits, stems, leaves, roots, and seeds.

Europe: ‘An Economic History Of Spain’ (Video)

The Spanish economy is one of extremes. At one point a focus of the eurozone crisis, at another the largest contributor of growth, and more recently, suffering the greatest economic hit of any Advanced Economy in 2020. Spain’s economic problems are often confused. In the years leading up to the Great Recession it posted consistent budget surpluses. However, a huge real estate bubble was lying in wait. The question… is why? Why did Spain go from a seemingly safe level of debt to one larger than it’s economy? How was the housing bubble encouraged? And since then, has Spain’s economy ever truly recovered? Or in what ways?

Ancient Architecture: ‘Temple Of Purtunus’ In Rome, Italy (4K Video)

The Temple of Portunus or Temple of Fortuna Virilis is a Roman temple in Rome, Italy, one of the best preserved of all Roman temples. Its dedication remains unclear, as ancient sources mention several temples in this area of Rome, without saying enough to make it clear which this is.

Train Travel: ‘Kyushu – Southern Japan’ (Video)

Kyushu is said to be the wellspring of Japanese civilization. Yet few tourists visit the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. This documentary contrasts modern Japanese cities with traditional customs in the countryside.

The rail journey begins in Fukuoka – a city with a metro population of 2.5 million – and ends at the southern tip of the island, in the city of Ibusuki. As the train rolls along, it travels through time – and reveals the amazing diversity and contrasts of the most southerly of Japan’s four main islands. The trip provides spectacular landscape views, as well as deep insight into a foreign culture, and its ancient traditions and modern lifestyles. In the West, Kyushu is one of the lesser-known regions in the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Even for the Japanese, the green, mountainous island is seen mostly as a holiday spot. Europeans rarely visit this part of the country – but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that have names like “Wolfgang,” “Bavaria,” or “Côte d’Azur.” Travel guides say that these words sound “European” to Japanese.

The family of the emperor, or Tenno, comes from Kyushu as well. This is also where the dynasties of the proud warrior class, the samurai, have their roots. And there are a number of active volcanoes on Kyushu. One of the most famous is Mount Aso. Its caldera – the cauldron-like hollow at the top — has a circumference of about 120 kilometers.

Tours: ‘Museum Of The Great Plains’ In Oklahoma

Experience a visual history of the life and people of the Great Plains on display at the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton. From 11,000 years ago to a strong focus on Lawton and southwest Oklahoma and the southern plains in particular. Through all the interactive exhibits, one can not only learn about the fascinating history but also have fun. From life on the cattle trail to Native American artifacts and exhibits, you can immerse yourself in the culture of this special area in the state.

Walking Tour: ‘American Revolution Landmarks In New York City’ (Video)

New York City LIVE: Downtown Manhattan in the American Revolution with Karen Q’s Patriot Tours.

Karen Q is a Revolutionary War and Founding Era historian. She is the author of Theodosia Burr: Teen Witness to the Founding of a New Nation, 21st Century Imprints, Lerner Books. She also appears in area Revolutionary War reenactments as “Mrs. Q”. Karen is a regular cast member of the Travel Channel’s *Mysteries at the Museum* and has appeared on more than twenty episodes. You can see a full list of episodes here.

Asia: An Economic History Of Thailand (Video)

The Thai economy is the second largest in southeast asia. Being right in the centre of one of the most vibrant economic clusters on the planet. Famous for its sun, sea and sand, Thailand is so much than just a tourist hot spot. Thailand’s Economy went on an incredible growth run during the second half of the 20th century. However, economic growth has slowed since the 2000’s, leading some to suggest Thailand’s economy is stuck in a middle income trap. What are the factors behind this in Thailand’s case? How did rice pledging impact the economy? And why Thailand pinning its’ economic hopes on the Eastern Economic Corridor?

Travel In The Cotswolds: ‘Minchinhampton’ (Video)

Minchinhampton is a Cotswold village on the western side of the Cotswolds, near Stroud. Its ancient 580 acre common offers far reaching views across the severn estuary and into Wales. This classic English village is well worth a visit for any Cotswold traveller.