By José Carlos Palma* Ancient Roman concrete, renowned for its exceptional durability and longevity, continues to mystify engineers and historians alike. How did the Romans craft a material that outshines modern counterparts even after more than 2,000 years? Let’s delve into the fascinating chemistry and construction techniques behind this enduring
- May 8, 2024
By José Carlos Palma* The Age of Exploration, a period roughly spanning the 15th to 18th centuries, witnessed a dramatic shift in global power dynamics. European nations, particularly Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands emerged as dominant forces, embarking on voyages of discovery and establishing vast empires across the
- May 3, 2024
By José Carlos Palma* The rise and unparalleled success of the British Empire throughout history remains a compelling subject of analysis, encompassing a myriad of factors and historical intricacies. To comprehend the empire’s triumph, one must delve into the multifaceted dynamics that propelled a resource-limited island nation to global dominance.
- May 3, 2024
By José Carlos Palma* Throughout world history, significant cultural divides have shaped societies, politics, religions, and economies, leaving enduring legacies that continue to influence global dynamics. Let’s explore some major cultural divides across different regions and eras, examining their profound impacts and underlying factors. 1. East-West Divide: Roman Empire
- May 2, 2024
By José Carlos Palma* In the annals of military history, the valor and sacrifice of ancient Roman soldiers stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of service. Yet, amidst the glory of conquest and the grandeur of empire, there lies a lesser-known tale – the fate of disabled Roman
- April 22, 2024
The first Turkish president Mustafa Kemal in 1918, at the time still commander of the Ottoman army. By José Carlos Palma* In the annals of history, few events carry the weight of seismic transformation like the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent reforms ushered in by Mustafa Kemal
- April 22, 2024
By Smartencyclopedia Staff A rare historical artifact, known as a “pilgrim’s badge,” dating back to the Middle Ages, has recently been discovered in Wólka Nieliska, Poland, with the assistance of a metal detector. This object has sparked significant interest among scholars as it is believed to have served as a
- March 21, 2024
By José Carlos Palma* Introduction The Cold War era was marked by intense geopolitical tensions, with the Soviet Union and the United States engaged in a precarious nuclear standoff. Strategic command and control played a crucial role in shaping the course of events, and the Soviet General Staff developed intricate
- March 12, 2024
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff In the throes of the 1960s, a tumultuous era marked by the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a figure synonymous with the fight for racial equality, found himself at the intersection of activism and electoral politics. In 1967, as
- February 11, 2024
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff Moscow, Russia — The enduring legacy of Vladimir Lenin, a polarizing figure in Russian history, continues to spark debate and reflection on the nation’s complex past. From hero to symbol of totalitarianism, Lenin’s imprint on Russia’s trajectory is undeniable. As discussions persist on whether to consign
- January 31, 2024
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff Cairo, Egypt — In a monumental endeavor described as the “project of the century,” archaeologists in Egypt, alongside a Japanese archaeological mission, have initiated a colossal mission to reconstruct the exterior of Giza’s smallest pyramid, the Pyramid of King Menkaure. Dating back over 4,000 years, the
- January 31, 2024
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies OSWIECIM, Poland (AP) — A solemn ceremony unfolded in southern Poland as survivors of Nazi death camps gathered to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau during World War II. Approximately 20 survivors from various Nazi camps across Europe participated in the
- January 28, 2024