In 1949 Robert Cummings pioneered the study of the Ice Trade with his book, The American Ice Harvests. In his introductory chapter he mentions the trade of natural ice taking place in Charleston, South Carolina as early as 1799.[1] Under closer inspection, one can pinpoint the trade of natural ice to Charleston as early as … Continue reading The Southern Ice Trade
Greek & Roman “Ketchup”
Garum is a fermented fish sauce used by ancient Greece, Rome and even Byzantium. Liquamen is similar to garum and they were sometimes considered the same thing. Garum is made from fish intestines and salt to create a "liqueur." It in many cases was used to salt foods, because it would add moisture instead of … Continue reading Greek & Roman “Ketchup”
Carte Pisane, C. 1290
The featured image is a photo reproduction of Carte Pisane, circa 1290, made by an unknown Italian cartographer. It is the oldest Portolan chart on record. It is named after the family that found it. Little is actually known of it. The original is currently housed in Paris, France.[1] Its caption at the Mariner’s Museum … Continue reading Carte Pisane, C. 1290
What is an Astrolabe?
The Astrolabe was originally invented by Greek astrologers around 150 BC. This particular astrolabe is a Persian Planispheric Astrolabe from Hajji Ali, Isfahan, Iran, that dates back to 1790. The plaque that accompanies this item at the Mariner’s Museum states that during the late 13th century it became widely used by Mediterranean mariners for navigation. … Continue reading What is an Astrolabe?
Roman Merchant Ships
The featured image is a picture of a ¼” to 1’ scale model of a Roman Merchant Ship found In the Mariner’s Museum’s “The Miniature Ships of August and Winnifred Crabtree” exhibition. The documentation attached to the ship tells that ships such as this one were used to carry grain, wines, oils, cloth, and passengers … Continue reading Roman Merchant Ships
The Eiffel Tower
The concept of the Eiffel Tower began in 1884, when the idea to build a 300 meter tower on Champ-de-mar was conceived. The tower was to be part of the 1889 Worlds Fair. The tower also marks the 100th Anniversary of the French Revolution. On September 18, 1884, Gustave Eiffel submitted a patent which contained … Continue reading The Eiffel Tower
Medieval Society: Quick Overview of Feudalism and Manorialism
Medieval society was divided into three groups, those who work which consisted of serfs/peasants, those who fight which consisted of knights, vassals and their lords, and those who pray which consisted of all positions related to the church. There were three main kingdoms of Medieval Europe the French, the English and the Holy Roman Empire. … Continue reading Medieval Society: Quick Overview of Feudalism and Manorialism
Wu Zhao, Selfless or Selfish
Order your copy of Wu Zhao: China's Only Woman Emperor now! Wu Zhao was an extremely well educated women with an uncanny ability to twist ideals and people to her advantage. She used those abilities to better herself, and create a prosperous and unified society. During Wu Zhao’s time as Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, … Continue reading Wu Zhao, Selfless or Selfish
Mosaic Fragments, Roman 300-500 CE
Mosaics were a prominent art form in ancient Greek society made with small natural stones set in mortar. Over time, the natural stones were replaced with tiny tiles, called tessera. Tessera were made using stone, glass, ceramic, wood or bones. As time passed, mosaics became more decorative and intricate. Since both Greeks and Romans desired … Continue reading Mosaic Fragments, Roman 300-500 CE
Why Study History?
Several authors have covered the topic of "Why Study History?" Here is an overview of the article by William McNeill from 1985. The subject of history is not limited to a topic taught in schools. People fail to realize that the subject of history is taught from an early age and isn’t limited to reading … Continue reading Why Study History?
Mrs Mac's History 