The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

Overthrowing Fate: Barbarossa Revisted

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
💾 History Military History World War II Political strategy Historical Analysis
  1. Germany could have improved its chances in World War II by better managing its resources and reacting faster to the situation on the ground. They had more people and supplies available than they used.
  2. The idea that Germany lost because they delayed their attack on Moscow isn't accurate. They faced new Soviet forces earlier than expected that complicated their plans.
  3. Better leadership and decision-making could have changed the course of the war. If Germany had acted on its manpower and supply needs sooner, it might have created a stronger position for future battles.

Jews in the Roman Bathhouse

Classical Wisdom • 1670 implied HN points • 30 May 23
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Religion
  1. Public bathhouses in ancient Rome were a central part of life for people from all backgrounds.
  2. The interaction between Jews and Greco-Roman culture in places like the Roman bathhouse shaped Western civilization.
  3. Professor Yaron Eliav's new book 'A Jew in the Roman Bathhouse' explores this relationship and challenges perceptions.

The Kingdom of Kush 𓎡𓄿𓈙𓈉

Cosmographia • 1238 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
💾 History Ancient Civilization Art Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is about The Kingdom of Kush and is part of the Atlas' Notes series which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, showcasing a full map of Cosmographia and offering a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.
  3. The content offers a blend of visuals and written material, creating an immersive experience for those interested in exploring The Kingdom of Kush.

Rome’s miserable fate

Wrong Side of History • 242 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Epidemics Cultural analysis
  1. Farming led to more people living close together, which made it easier for diseases to spread. When humans and animals are close, they can share illnesses, causing epidemics.
  2. Rome had big cities that were perfect for outbreaks of disease. These epidemics were a major reason why the Roman Empire eventually fell apart.
  3. The fall of Rome was a complicated topic with many reasons given, but one strong argument is that a number of deadly diseases wiped out a large part of its population.

Truth in the old myths

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Mythology Cultural Studies Historical Figures
  1. Ancient myths, like those of Troy and Agamemnon, might have some truths behind them. Archaeological discoveries are showing that these stories could be based on real events.
  2. Visiting historical sites like Mycenae can inspire strong feelings about the past. It makes you think about the legends and heroes that might have lived there.
  3. New findings in DNA and archaeology challenge our view of old myths as just stories. They suggest that some of these legendary tales might have a basis in reality.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

When the Mosquito Fleet Ruled

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 259 implied HN points • 30 May 24
💾 History 19th century Transportation Cultural impact
  1. The Mosquito Fleet was a group of small, steam-powered boats that traveled across Puget Sound, significantly improving transportation in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  2. These boats acted like a lifeline for isolated communities, providing essential services like mail delivery and cargo transport, which helped settlers connect with the outside world.
  3. Despite many boats failing due to various issues, the Mosquito Fleet was important because it adapted and continued to meet the needs of people living in hard-to-reach places.

Flying Squad: 90 Years Since London's First Police 'Helicopters'

Londonist: Time Machine • 239 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💾 History Police London Aircraft Events Technology
  1. The concept of police helicopters has roots dating back to the 1930s in London, with the use of autogyros for aerial surveillance and traffic management.
  2. Autogyros, precursor to helicopters, were notable for their innovative design, flight capabilities, and utility for police operations.
  3. The early days of police autogyros involved significant milestones such as monitoring public gatherings, assisting in traffic control, and capturing aerial images for police work.

Age of Invention: Does History have a Replication Crisis?

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 4468 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History Research Replication Meta-analysis Historiography
  1. Replication and reproducibility crises exist in science and history, leading to widespread inaccuracies.
  2. Historical myths and inaccuracies can persist for years, even when proven wrong.
  3. There is a need for historians to improve transparency by making archival sources more accessible to reduce errors and biases.

A language family of one, a land beyond conquest

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 657 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💾 History Genetics Language Europe Anthropology
  1. The Basque language, Euskara, is unique as it is the only surviving indigenous non-Indo-European language in Europe. This makes it a fascinating subject of study, as it has no known relatives.
  2. Basques have a distinct genetic profile, with a high frequency of RH-negative blood type. This unusual trait contributes to theories about their origins and historical isolation in Europe.
  3. Recent genetic research suggests that the Basques may not be the oldest inhabitants of Europe as previously thought, but instead, they are descended from human populations that lived before the introduction of agriculture.

The Peace of Westphalia as a Lesson in Solving Religious Wars Past Present or Future.

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1434 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
💾 History Colonialism
  1. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 transformed world history by setting the foundations for the concept of sovereign nation states.
  2. The Treaty of Westphalia aimed for a perpetual, true amity among nations while promoting forgiveness for past transgressions - principles applicable to all civilizations.
  3. The economic developments following the Treaty of Westphalia, such as infrastructure projects in Europe, demonstrated the vitality and benefits of peace among nations.

DISCOVERED: NEW TEMPLAR GRAVES!!!

History, etc • 1454 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
💾 History Archaeology Historians
  1. A local newspaper reported about graves in Enville, Staffordshire, believed to hold Templar knights' remains, could've been an old story.
  2. Multiple times earlier, the same newspaper had reported similar claims about Templar graves, casting doubt on the credibility.
  3. There is not much compelling evidence online to definitively prove that these are indeed Templar graves.

My Sunday With The Amber-Eyed Hare

Daily Dreher • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💾 History World War II Nazism Holocaust Totalitarianism Communism
  1. The story reflects on the rise and fall of a Jewish banking family through generational possessions and the impact of war
  2. The deep-rooted anti-Semitism in European society is highlighted through historical artifacts and experiences
  3. The narration urges vigilance against totalitarianism by drawing parallels between Nazi and Communist regimes, emphasizing the importance of learning from history

JANUARY Q&A - WATCH NOW!

History, etc • 766 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History General
  1. January Q&A is out now, check it out!
  2. The content creator appreciates the subscribers' questions and plans to do it again next month.
  3. Consider subscribing to support the creator's work and receive new posts.

The Berlin Wall Never Fell

Thinking about... • 567 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💾 History Cold War Communism Political resistance
  1. The Berlin Wall did not actually fall; it remains a symbol rather than an event. People rushed to cross it in 1989, but the wall itself stayed standing.
  2. The story around the wall simplifies a complex history. It ignores the important protests and the teamwork that helped end communist rule in Eastern Europe.
  3. Thinking the wall fell suggests freedom just happens without effort. True change comes from people cooperating and working together towards freedom.

The Medieval Monks Who Lived on Top of Giant Pillars

weird medieval guys • 1395 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💾 History Medieval
  1. The history of medieval monks living on top of pillars goes back to the mid-third century with figures like Anthony
  2. Monasticism evolved from early hermit communities to more permanent monasteries, but some monks like Simeon Stylites continued extreme isolation on pillars
  3. Living on pillars was a challenging lifestyle with atrophied legs, but it spread widely across the Middle East and was popular for a while before declining

Seattle's Most Remarkable Day

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
💾 History Local history Transportation Economic Development Civic engagement Cultural Events
  1. Seattle's citizens wanted a railroad to connect them to the rest of the country. After being rejected by the Northern Pacific Railroad, they decided to build their own railroad instead.
  2. On a notable day in 1874, the community came together to start building the Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad, marking a moment of pride and determination.
  3. Although the railroad never reached its ambitious goals, it opened new opportunities for Seattle, particularly in coal supply, showing how local efforts can make a big impact.

I come from the Isle of Ghouls

Experimental History • 2176 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
💾 History Mystery
  1. The post discusses a mystery about people's perceptions of happiness in extreme circumstances.
  2. The writing mentions a previous mystery about happiness being stable worldwide.
  3. To access the full post, readers need to be paid subscribers.

Why the Jews of Khazaria, the Himyarites and GokTurk Empire are Keys to Universal History

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1297 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💾 History Middle East
  1. The Khazar Kingdom in Central Europe had a significant role in uniting different faiths and cultures under one alliance for centuries.
  2. The GokTurk Empire played a major role in facilitating Silk Road trade routes between Asia and Europe.
  3. The ecumenical alliances between Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Confucian leaders in history helped maintain peace and preserve trade routes, but eventually faced challenges from Venetian and Byzantine powers.

Who Was The German Resistance?

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💾 History World War II Resistance Movements Historical Figures
  1. There was a German resistance against Hitler that started as early as 1938, surprising many after the war. They actively tried to kill him and faced many challenges.
  2. Key figures like Henning von Tresckow and Admiral Wilhelm Canaris played important roles in the resistance. They took great risks and attempted several assassination plots.
  3. Their failure to kill Hitler and the skepticism from the Allies about their intentions limited their impact. Despite their courage, history could have been very different if they had succeeded.

Reconstructing Spengler's Prehistory

The Oswald Spengler Project • 259 implied HN points • 16 May 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Historical Figures Research Analysis Cultural impact
  1. Oswald Spengler had planned a series of essays on various topics related to the history of the second millennium B.C., showcasing his unique perspectives and insights into different ancient civilizations.
  2. Despite his early death, Spengler was able to complete and publish some of the planned essays, such as 'Tartessos and Alaschia' and 'The War Chariot and its Significance in World-History.'
  3. Spengler's work focused on the significant shifts and developments in human spirit and culture during the second millennium B.C., particularly highlighting the Indo-Europeanization of Eurasia and the emergence of Greco-Roman, Indian, and Chinese cultures.

A Spy Among Friends

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💾 History Cold War Espionage Intelligence Biographies Conspiracies
  1. The series _A Spy Among Friends_ explores the relationship between Kim Philby and Nicholas Elliott, highlighting their deep friendship and how it complicated the betrayal Philby committed against British intelligence.
  2. There is a debate about why Philby became a spy for the Soviets. Some think it was ideological, while others believe it was more about seeking elite social status or personal connections.
  3. The idea of intelligence sharing among spies suggests that they may have operated more like a close partnership rather than strict adversaries, raising questions about loyalty and the nature of espionage.

MEDIEVAL SUPER BOWLS

History, etc • 628 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💾 History Pop culture Celebrities Tournaments
  1. The Super Bowl is not just about football, but also a big pop concert, reflecting America's influence on global popular culture.
  2. Celebrity relationships and events like the Super Bowl mirror medieval tales of love, adventure, and chivalry.
  3. The medieval concept of tournaments bears resemblance to modern glitzy celebrity-sporting events.

City of the Parisii

Cosmographia • 1178 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
💾 History Paris Maps
  1. Nicolas Delamare's work on Parisian history through maps provides a detailed snapshot of the city's evolution from ancient times to 18th-century Paris.
  2. The Parisii, a Celtic tribe, built a prosperous settlement on the banks of the Seine River, minting their own gold coins before Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul.
  3. Julius Caesar's strategic battle against the Parisii, involving alliances and tactical maneuvers, exemplifies Roman military prowess in conquering ancient settlements.

Very Local History

So Here’s a Thing • 1278 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
💾 History Local Events Folklore Community
  1. The post shares little-known historical events from Santa Cruz, revealing intriguing stories about individuals and unique happenings in the region's past.
  2. Each image in the post is accompanied by a caption detailing an unusual event, focusing on peculiar individuals and occurrences in Santa Cruz's history.
  3. The narratives in the post blend elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural, adding layers of fascination to the stories.

THE 'OTHER' PRINCES IN THE TOWER

History, etc • 1100 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
💾 History Royalty Revolution
  1. Two young royal claimants, Edmund and Roger Mortimer, were locked up years before Richard III's nephews to protect a usurper's rule.
  2. A plot led by Lady Constance Despenser aimed to free the Mortimer boys and unite them with rebels to challenge Henry IV's throne.
  3. By connecting the Mortimer boys with Welsh freedom-fighter Owain Glyndwr, there was hope to spark opposition and remove Henry IV from power.

The Anglo-American Hand Behind The Rise Of Fascism Then And Now

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1277 implied HN points • 09 May 23
💾 History World War II Fascism Banking International relations Eugenics
  1. The integration of leading Nazis into Anglo-American intelligence complex after WWII led to the rise of fascism then and now.
  2. Modern expressions of fascism seen in Ukraine and other post Soviet nations glorify Nazi collaborators.
  3. The financiers and industrialists of the 1920s -1940s were key in fueling fascism with their support and resources, showing that Hitler and Mussolini were not 'their own men'.

The Worst Year Ever

Wrong Side of History • 261 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💾 History Pandemics Epidemics Societal Impact Public Health
  1. The Black Death was a huge historical event that many people don't like to talk about because it was so depressing. Unlike wars, pandemics don't usually have inspiring stories attached to them.
  2. Most pandemics, including the Black Death, tend to be forgotten over time. This happens because, unlike wars, they don't create heroic narratives or national pride.
  3. The author originally wanted to write a book about the Plague, but felt that no one really wanted to read about pandemics due to their grim nature. Instead, they decided to share their findings as a series of posts.

It's 1178 BCE and the Bronze Age Has Never Looked Stronger. No, I Won't Lift My Eyes to the Horizon Right Now

The Chatner • 1218 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Literacy
  1. Bronze was a key material in the Bronze Age, highly valued for its durability and versatility.
  2. Linear A script was highly effective for communication and widespread literacy in ancient civilizations.
  3. The strength and stability of various empires and civilizations during the Bronze Age are highlighted.

What's Left From the 1851 Great Exhibition?

Londonist: Time Machine • 479 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💾 History Exhibition
  1. The 1851 Great Exhibition in London was a significant cultural event that attracted millions of visitors showcasing treasures like diamonds and clockworks.
  2. The profits from the exhibition were used to build the museums of South Kensington.
  3. The iconic Crystal Palace, which was a highlight of the exhibition, had an enduring legacy.

Eternal 1942

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
💾 History World War II Military History Political History Cultural History Geopolitics
  1. The research and writing process can feel like stepping into another time, as the author immersed himself in 1942 to better understand that historical period. This experience helped him connect with his characters and the events they were navigating.
  2. In 1942, many believed that fascism showed efficiency and strength compared to liberal democracies, but by the end of the year, perspectives shifted as victories by the Allies began to change the tide of World War II.
  3. The legacy of understanding Nazism as a unique evil has shaped modern politics, leading to a focus on identifying and combatting extremism, something that continues to influence current political discussions.