Military History

Erik the Red became the first Viking to settle in Greenland, while his son Leif Eriksson may have been the first European to visit North America.

Military History

Viking Father & Son: Erik the Red & Leif Eriksson

by Michael Haskew

While they are primarily remembered as fierce warriors, who raided far and wide from their homes in Scandinavia, the Vikings were also some of the earliest European explorers who ventured across miles of trackless ocean to previously unknown corners of the world. Read more

During the Battle of Roncesvalles, Charlemagne's Franks were frustrated at their inability to punish the Basques for robbing their baggage train.

Military History

Charlemagne’s Shame: The Battle of Roncesvalles

by William E. Welsh

Lost to history is what really occurred at the Battle of Roncesvalles in 778 when Christian Basques, thirsting for the loot in the Frankish baggage train, attacked the rearguard as it withdrew following Charlemagne’s short invasion of northern Iberia. Read more

The Vikings worshiped a pantheon of Gods, and a body of Norse mythology and lore developed around them prior to their conversion to Christianity.

Military History

Norse Mythology & Viking Gods

by Michael Haskew

The warlike pagan Vikings were introduced to Christianity on many occasions as they raided and settled Western Europe during an era that spanned more than 300 years. Read more

The Triple Alliance brought Germany into World War I following Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war against Serbia, an ally of Imperial Russia.

Military History

Austria-Hungary and the Triple Alliance

by Michael Haskew

The emergence of Germany as the dominant power in Central Europe in the 1870s and the unification of Italy in the mid-19th century despite Austrian efforts to prevent it combined to quell the immediate territorial aspirations of the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary on the Italian peninsula and in the Balkans. Read more

Despite its participation in the Triple Alliance, Italy declined to support Germany and Austria-Hungary during World War I.

Military History

The Kingdom of Italy & the Triple Entente

by Michael Haskew

When the Triple Alliance was concluded between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy in the spring of 1882, Italy was, like Germany, a young nation recently unified after years of military conflicts and occupation by various European powers. Read more

The descendants of the Viking raider Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy, settled in Northern France and later conquered England.

Military History

Rollo the Viking, First Ruler of Normandy

by Michael Haskew

Roving bands of Viking seafarers raided extensively in Western Europe from the Eighth to the 11th centuries, looting and sacking settlements and population centers including London, Paris, and Hamburg. Read more

Viking wood and metalworkers fashioned durable weapons of high quality steel for their warriors, including spears, battleaxes, and swords.

Military History

The Spear, Axe & Sword: Viking Weapons

by Michael Haskew

The fearsome Vikings who pillaged and colonized throughout Western Europe and much of the known world from the Eighth to the 11th centuries were armed with weaponry that served them well in combat. Read more

Russia, Great Britain, and France formed the Triple Entente as their common interests were threatened by the emergence of the Triple Alliance.

Military History

Russia in WWI’s Triple Entente

by Michael Haskew

By the time Imperial Russia and Great Britain concluded the Anglo-Russian Convention on August 31, 1907, effectively establishing the alliance known as the Triple Entente, the Russian Empire was in the midst of decades of upheaval. Read more

At the Battle of Gisors in 1198, French King Philip II was made to drink from the River Ethe when a bridge collapsed beneath him and his knights.

Military History

The Battle of Gisors: Richard the Lionheart Chases His Prey

by William E. Welsh

King Richard I of England, known as “The Lionheart,” was imprisoned in spring 1193 in Germany on his return from the Third Crusade by Duke Leopold V of Austria for alleged crimes and insults that occurred when they were participating together in the crusade. Read more

During WWI, Great Britain, France, and Imperial Russia sought to contain the threat of German expansion around the world with the Triple Entente.

Military History

Great Britain & WWI’s Triple Entente

by Michael Haskew

The old proverb that states, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” gained significant meaning for the government and people of Great Britain at the turn of the 20th century. Read more

Fierce seafaring warriors from Scandinavia, the Vikings raided across the known world and explored regions from the Middle East to North America.

Military History

Who Were the Vikings?

by Michael Haskew

The word “Viking” conjures up images of fierce, seafaring warriors, armed to the teeth and wearing horned helmets, descending upon defenseless villages in Western Europe and the British Isles to rape, murder, and pillage. Read more

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