History

February 7, 2021

What Is Hagia Sophia? Learn How This Sacred Space Has Evolved Over Its Long History

The lofty minarets of the Hagia Sophia stand over the skyline of Istanbul, Turkey. The magnificent stone basilica has been a fixture of the ancient city for 1,500 years—with frequent additions and renovations. The spiritual structure has survived empires and transitioned religions. What began as an early Christian basilica eventually became a mosque, then a museum, and is now once more a mosque. An architectural wonder, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “holy wisdom” in Greek)

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December 24, 2020

Gingerbread: The Romantic Medieval History and Its Festive Use Today

For centuries, gingerbread has been an important part of holiday tradition. It has also provided an opportunity for creatives to impress friends and family with intricate cookies or edible structures. Dabbling in an artistic baking experiment is always fun, but at the end of the day, gingerbread is best when shared with loved ones. Did you know that intricate gingerbread cookies in the shape of your partner symbolized romantic love in medieval times?

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November 28, 2020

Explore the “Exploded” Inner Workings of the Ford Model T, the Car That Changed America

The Ford Model T car is an American icon. Billed as the country's first affordable vehicle, it was released in 1908 by the Ford Motor Company under the direction of Henry Ford. Sold for between $260 and $850 (about $7,300 and $24,000 in 2020), the car allowed the middle class to become motorists. American daily life adapted itself to this new mobility, and the U.S. still remains a nation of drivers.

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