In the 12th and 13th centuries, the era of the plague killed an estimated 20 to 30 million people in Europe alone. Some cities were almost completely wiped out [source: AVMA, Knox]. Historians suspect an earlier plague that occurred in the 5th century (the Plague of Justinian) may have ...
How did the Columbian Exchange affect the Aztecs and Mayans? How did the Columbian Exchange affect biodiversity? How did the demand for sugar impact the Columbian Exchange? How did the Columbian Exchange get its name? How did Europe become so powerful through the Columbian Exchange?
Nearly 400 years ago, as much of Europe was still involved in naval exploration of the world, Johannes Kepler proposed the idea of exploring the galaxy using sails. Through his observation that comet tails were blown around by some kind of solar breeze, he believed sails could capture that wi...
Western Europe—beginning in the 15th century—succeeded in spreading its peoples, languages, and cultures across a greater expanse of the globe than any region in world history. But why exactly did Western Europeans explore and colonize to such an extent? Simply having the capability to explore ...
However, our guide did not know if these pups were old enough to survive without their mother. Mother’s milk provides pups with nutrients, but at this age, water is very limiting during the dry season. So even if the pups could be adequately fed, it is not clear if they would be hy...
Basically any part of Europe, Africa, or Asia that isn’t covered in ice has bees, and thus honey. There are no bees in the Americas, though, so their sweeteners are syrups from trees, agave nectar from cactus, or mashed fruits. People eventually domesticate bees, so instead of happening...
According toMarketWatch: "The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban has led to grave concerns about the safety of Afghan citizens and foreigners alike, but also raised questions about the future of the nation’s vast mineral reserves, once valued at as much as $3 trillion. ...
1600s: At this point, coffee, tea, and chocolate have made their way to Europe. Their arrival drastically increases sugar consumption, making sugar more popular than alcohol ever did, and increasing demand—with lower prices—means a greater reliance on slavery. During the 17th century alone, ...
Nearly 400 years ago, as much of Europe was still involved in naval exploration of the world, Johannes Kepler proposed the idea of exploring the galaxy using sails. Through his observation that comet tails were blown around by some kind of solar breeze, he believed sails could capture that wi...
and depleted soil and deforestation. Importing sugar is easier than growing and producing it. When the Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople in 1453, the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, they also take control of, and disrupt, the major trade routes. Looking for ways to circumvent...