The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Top History Topics

JANUARY Q&A - WATCH NOW!

History, etc • 766 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
đź’ľ 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 Medieval Monks Who Lived on Top of Giant Pillars

weird medieval guys • 1395 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
đź’ľ History Medieval Monasticism
  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
đź’ľ 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.
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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
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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.

A Century of UFO Psyops Exposed Part 2: Dulles, the CIA and Contradictory Messaging by Design

Matt Ehret's Insights • 668 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
đź’ľ History UFOs CIA Psychological Warfare Disinformation
  1. There was a policy of contradictory messaging regarding UFOs by governmental agencies.
  2. The CIA got involved to influence the narrative around UFO phenomena.
  3. Certain individuals, like William Moore and Richard Doty, manipulated UFO research groups with disinformation tactics.

Reconstructing Spengler's Prehistory

The Oswald Spengler Project • 259 implied HN points • 16 May 24
đź’ľ 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.

The Problem of Longitude and Social Coordination

SP-AND-EX • 33 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Maritime Navigation Exploration Cartography Technology Economic History
  1. Portable chronometers solved the longitude problem and turned ocean navigation from guesswork into precise, repeatable global mapping, massively accelerating trade and exploration.
  2. Large-scale civilization depends on shared measurement and coordination systems—like common timekeeping, language, and record-keeping—and improvements in those systems can dramatically boost social and economic coordination.
  3. Crypto and distributed ledgers are presented as a planet-scale method for inscribing state and value tied to time, but the big question is whether they represent a true paradigm shift or merely an incremental improvement.

A Spy Among Friends

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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.

Why did White Australia end?

Kvetch • 55 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Race relations Political History Colonialism Cultural Identity
  1. White Australia was a foundational, widely supported policy aimed at preserving a predominantly British, racially homogeneous nation. Political leaders defended it as essential to national character and self‑preservation.
  2. The policy was dismantled gradually and somewhat muddled from the postwar period into the late 1960s, driven by decolonisation, international pressure, growing ties with Asia, and changing Western (especially American) racial norms. Reforms opened the door to more non‑European immigration even as governments insisted newcomers must assimilate and that a multiracial society was not the goal.
  3. Ending White Australia left an identity gap that successive leaders struggled to fill coherently; efforts to pivot toward Asia and promote language study didn’t produce a clear new national story, and other identity currents—like increased focus on Indigenous identity—grew to occupy that space.

The day the world didn't end

Experimental History • 1934 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
đź’ľ History American history Cultural Studies Social Impact
  1. On October 22, 1844, many people believed the world would end and gathered to witness it, demonstrating the power of apocalyptic beliefs.
  2. This event led some individuals to make drastic life changes, like quitting their jobs and selling their belongings, reflecting deep faith and hope for a promised event.
  3. Despite the predictions, nothing happened that day, which caused many to feel lost or confused, highlighting the impact of failed prophecies on people's lives.

Very Local History

So Here’s a Thing • 1278 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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'.

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
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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
đź’ľ 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.

A (NEW, TRUE) MEDIEVAL GHOST STORY

History, etc • 1081 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
đź’ľ History Medieval
  1. A chronicler visits a French castle and encounters strange events and stories.
  2. The count of Foix has a mysterious ability to know things instantly, possibly thanks to a ghost named Orton.
  3. Raymond, a lord from a neighboring land, strikes a deal with the ghost Orton, leading to unexpected consequences.

When did medieval Europe overtake Rome?

Wrong Side of History • 455 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
đź’ľ History Ancient Rome Medieval Europe Military History Population Growth Technological Advances
  1. Medieval Europe advanced in military technology earlier than Rome, primarily due to innovations like the stirrup that changed how warfare was conducted. This new technology allowed for more effective cavalry charges that Romans couldn't achieve.
  2. Population in medieval Europe began to rise significantly after the Dark Ages, eventually reaching levels that matched or exceeded ancient Rome. By the 12th and 13th centuries, cities like London were growing rapidly, highlighting the increase in urban life.
  3. Medieval architecture and other technologies improved considerably after the Roman era, marking a period of advancement. Buildings like cathedrals began to tower over Roman structures, showcasing medieval ingenuity and development.

Book Review: 22 Cells In Nuremberg A Psychiatrist Examines the Nazi Criminals

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
đź’ľ History World War II Political History Intellectual history Biography Legal history Totalitarianism
  1. Ordinary people with ambition, weak morals, and a willingness to exploit fear can commit mass crimes when conditions let them; atrocities don’t require monstrous psychopathy.
  2. Authoritarian politics work by stirring emotion, manufacturing enemies, and shutting down critical thought, and those tactics can appear in any democracy, especially during crises.
  3. Preventing authoritarianism depends on strong civic habits: broad voting access and participation, resisting divisive demagogues, robust institutions, and education that promotes critical thinking.

The Long Shadow of Soviet Dissent

ChinaTalk • 474 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
đź’ľ History Soviet Union Political Movements Legal history Cultural Commentary
  1. The Soviet dissident movement showed great courage, with people boldly challenging a system that seemed almost impossible to change. Even in bleak situations, they found ways to resist and speak out.
  2. Humor played a significant role in the Soviet dissent, helping people cope with tough realities and build a sense of community. Jokes and stories became important tools for expressing dissatisfaction and fostering connection among dissidents.
  3. Learning from the past, the dissidents’ experiences can inspire hope in contemporary situations. They remind us that even in dire circumstances, perseverance and a commitment to justice can lead to meaningful change.

An uncivil civil war

Wood From Eden • 2016 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
đź’ľ History Civil War Political Conflict Cultural History Social movements Nationalism
  1. Civil wars often have deep political or ideological divides. In Finland's case, it was the working class versus the upper class, which led to a very intense conflict over power.
  2. The formation of armed groups was crucial in the lead-up to the Finnish Civil War. Both the workers and the upper class created their own forces, which escalated tensions.
  3. Post-war, Finland struggled with the aftermath of the violence but eventually unified. A process of reflection and an amnesty helped rebuild society despite longstanding divisions.

The Curious Case of Karl Marx's 1859 "Preface"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 53 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Intellectual history Political Thought Economic History Social theory Historiography 19th century
  1. A compact formulation of historical materialism and the base–superstructure idea has proved durable, even though the fuller work it accompanied offered little detailed critique or practical guidance.
  2. That formulation bundles six related claims: a near-millenarian end to old domination, a stage theory of modes of production, a Hegelian sense of historical progress, the idea that ideology reflects material conflict, and the view that relations of production both constrain and must adapt to technological change.
  3. Being a meaningful Marxist means taking one or more of those claims and developing them into rigorous, testable theory with clear implications for knowledge, politics, and human flourishing; without that development the claims remain largely rhetorical.

Tuesday Economic Growth Blogging: The Pre‑Modern Treadmill Was Real on Necessities, Not on Technology, or Luxuries, or Culture, or Means of Domination

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
đź’ľ History Economic History Demography Ancient History Social history Cultural History
  1. For necessities and conveniences that affect reproductive fitness, average living standards stayed near subsistence from about 3000 BCE until the 19th century, leaving people nutritionally stressed and population growth very low.
  2. The Malthusian treadmill applied to necessities and reproductive outcomes, but it didn’t necessarily constrain luxuries, culture, or the technologies and institutions of domination, which follow different dynamics and matter for overall welfare.
  3. Human technological capacity for producing necessities rose a lot long before living standards visibly improved, so technology expanded steadily even while material wellbeing stayed near subsistence until the Industrial Revolution.

January 18, 2026

Letters from an American • 46 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
đź’ľ History American history Civil Rights Biographies Social movements Leadership
  1. Heroism isn't about being perfect or doing something spectacular; it's ordinary, flawed people choosing to put others before themselves, often quietly and at great personal cost.
  2. History shows this in many forms—leaders taking responsibility, people hiding to save others, signing risky declarations, defending others' rights, or refusing to give up a seat—and none of them set out to be heroes.
  3. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work for racial and economic justice, including standing with striking sanitation workers despite knowing he was in danger, shows that heroes still live among us and keep working for a better world even when the outcome is uncertain.

The Story of the Ice Balloon

Cosmographia • 1078 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
đź’ľ History Exploration Tragedy Discovery Adventure Mystery
  1. The story highlights the fine line between courage and folly. Andrée's bold expedition to the North Pole by hot air balloon ultimately ended in tragedy.
  2. The late 19th century was the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration,' with individuals like Scott and Shackleton driven by a fervor to conquer the poles.
  3. The ill-fated journey of Andrée, Strindberg, and Frænkel serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, courage, and the consequences of daring exploration.