Rameses the Great

Thanks Divi Filius it is much appreciated! I was just wandering then how did they defeat the French, British, and ANZAC troops in World War I at the Battle of Galliopoli? Was it that they were trained by German generals and had German weapons at their disposal? Also throughout the course of their history how did their military fair against the European powers and how did it manufacture their weapons? Did they need European help or did they know how to modernize weaponry beforehand?

I have just taken great interest in the Ottoman Empire, nothing new I've been interested in them for almost 2 years now. The thing that fascinates me with them is their ability to stay up to speed with the Western Imperialist powers. Although their power slowly declined through the course of their history, it never fell behind the west. Despite invasion attempts by Russia and Austria it seems that they were able to soundly defeat them in many battles. In World War I they allied with the Central Powers. In the Battle of Gallipoli, my great grandfather actually fought for the Ottomans in that battle but my parents don't tell me anything, they were able to defeat the British, French, and ANZAC forces. My question is that how did the Ottomans keep up with the rest of Europe? Did they modernize their technology and military themselves or did they take a similar approach to Japan by adopting Western ways?

Had not the Mamluks won, the Mongols would have taken the whole of the Middle East and likely went into the rest of North Africa. This battle also liberated Syria after the Battle of the Homs. Had the Mongols won, their influence would have been much greater over the Middle East and Europe would be in a lot of trouble. After that battle it was the beginning of the end for the Mongol Empire, the largest empire in history. It also marked the end of the expansion in the East (Japan) and the end of the expansion in the West (Egypt.)

There are so many big battles out there that had taken place but some seem to get little attention. These battles are usually things that can change the outcomes of the world. It is usually disregarded but are the most important battle ever to have been fought. My vote goes to two battles: the Battle of Ayn Jalut and the Battle of the Homs. The Mamluk sultanate faced off against the undefeated Mongol army. It marked the beginning of the end for the Mongol domination over the world. It was also the only time ever their cavalry was defeated, and fairly soundly, by the Mamluk heavy cavalry. The Mongols were unable to conquer Egypt and Syria was then liberated after the Battle of the Homs. It marked the end of how far the Mongol Empire would expand, the other was in Japan. Do you have any battles that are not well known and deserve more credit?

One of our mods is celebrating his birthday today. Happy Birthday Ursus!

DocofLove: Veni, Vidi, Vici. Keeping with the old traditions of your ancestors I see! Congragulation!

The stirrup was invented in India around circa 1 AD? So it would make sense that the Huns had stirrups by the virtue of being in Asia, adopting the invetntion.

Enjoy yourself.

Caligula (the mad)

Who was screaming at who?

The Islamic world is taking the Middle East by storm. I remember the day of the pharaohs when you can only marry one woman and if you wanted that could be your sister. Either way you look at it Egypt is one of the more westernized nations of the Middle East. It just seems that now having sex there needs to be heavily influenced by Islam to.

Well Theravada Buddhism believes Buddha (aka Siddhartha Gautama) was just a man and that there is no deity. This form of Buddhism is mainly found and practiced in Southeast Asia. Mahayana, Maharays, Whoosh you mama? Buddhism is usually found and practiced in East Asia which believes that when Siddhartha reached enlighenment he became a God and whomever becomes elightened is also a God. Hope that helps.

I would still think that most Europeans would be more agressive given their harsh envirionments and constant war amongst each other. Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't there periods of time, in Europe, when nations sought to conquer all of Europe? Indians were usually agressive because of land and in the plains trying to survive on buffaloes and whatever food they can get.

They say the West Coast style of play is 'superior' to the East Coast style. What a bunch of mularkey its just more boring and less exciting. I think everyone will get bored by the 6th period anyways. I hate West Coast start times I mean who cares if it creates 'atmosphere' for them. They should now hockey was created on the East Coast and that 7:00 ET should be standard for the whole of North America. I mean in the West Coast you have great weather what do we have here? I say 7 pm start times!

I'm not trying to be militant, but I'm genuinely curious. How does one study the nature of something that refuses to make itself tangible? You can't observe god, or at least, sadly, I can't. Why do we work for the glory of god-- who does god show off to? That of course depends on your religion. Different religion perscribe to different characteristics in their God or Gods. I think that would be getting a bit to personal and inevitably a bit too controversial.

Well lets not forget religion is God's relationship in relativity to man, it is theology that is the study of the nature of God himself.

As long as Rameses the Great is safe and sond, I'm cool. In all seriousness though it is good for the Egyptian government to protect and preserve their history. Perhaps the Persians should learn from them? Either way these ancient mummies are an integral part of Egypt and having it disappear for future generation would be awful. Although it is quite ironic how these very people sold these artifacts and now they want them preserved and back in Egypt.

Is this supposed to depict any historical accuracy? I'm pretty sure the contact between the Assyrians and Bedhouins were dismal.

I would have never pictured the Canucks moving on into the next round and beating Dallas after being down 1 considering how their games have went. The second round is set and some more good hockey to come ladies and gents.

Orthodox...

ouch! 18 inches then 70 degree weather must mean some flooding around your area I assume.

The thing I don't understand is that if the Vikings were so big, bad, and ferocious why weren't they able to withstand rather peaceful natives? If you can force your way to the middle of England with angry folks and can't push through a land of friendly natives, then I think that this is somewhat weird.

I'm wandering what type (or types) of bread would be in use in Rome. If I'm not mistaken Egypt seemed to be the nation's 'bread basket' so would the bread they ate be predicated on the area or personal preference? Some bread is more filling then others such as pita for example.

Happy Birthday Antiochus of Seleucia! He is now 17 and aiming for 18 soon! It must be lonely living in Wisconsin! Happy Birthday!

The Romans, as with most people of the Mediterranean, used bread as their staple food. It is filling so all you really need is something to eat along side of it to satisfy your body.