Looking Through the Past

Looking Through the Past is a Substack dedicated to exploring overlooked aspects of history, analyzing historical events, figures, and cultural practices to provide insights into the present. It discusses the evolution of societal norms, art, technology, and geopolitics, often revealing the complexities and diversity of human history.

Art and Cultural History Technological Innovations Historical Narratives and Perspectives Religious and Mythological Analysis Warfare and Strategy Environmental History Societal Norms and Changes Historical Artifacts and Documents Ancient Civilizations Colonialism and Imperialism

The hottest Substack posts of Looking Through the Past

And their main takeaways

A Multiplicity of George Washingtons

178 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History American history Cultural impact Symbolism
  1. George Washington inspired a lot of merchandise right after his inauguration and even more after his death, showing how much people admired him. Many products with his image were sold as symbols of respect and inspiration.
  2. Washington's fame led to international production of memorabilia, with items created in countries like France and Germany. This shows that people beyond America were keen to celebrate his legacy.
  3. Over time, the many different images of Washington led to him becoming more of a symbol rather than a real person. While this helped unite Americans around shared values, it also made people lose sight of who he really was.

An Excellent Means of Electioneering

178 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Voting History Advertising Political culture
  1. Political posters have played a crucial role in campaigning since the 19th century. They were used to quickly catch voters' attention and communicate key messages.
  2. The artwork on these posters often included historical references, emotional imagery, and symbols to appeal to voters. This made them both informative and visually striking.
  3. As technology improved, the design of campaign posters evolved, leading to more colorful and complex images. This innovation mirrored the way political messages became more sophisticated over time.

The World Travels of a Blood-Soaked Mother Goddess

198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Mythology Archaeology Civilizations
  1. Cybele was a very ancient mother goddess from Asia Minor, worshipped with wild and intense rituals, including bloodletting and self-castration by her priests.
  2. The Greeks and later Romans adopted and adapted Cybele's worship, blending her with their own deities and transforming her image from a fierce nature goddess to a more subdued Roman matriarch.
  3. Cybele's story reflects the complex views of womanhood in ancient cultures, showcasing everything from wild sexuality to dignified motherhood.

An Ocean of Pain and Death

178 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Visual Culture Cultural Commentary
  1. Ernst Friedrich's book 'War Against War!' aimed to show the harsh realities of war, pushing people to rethink their views on conflict. He believed that by confronting the true impacts of war, society could work towards lasting peace.
  2. Artists throughout history, like Goya and Picasso, have used their work to express the horrors of war, presenting it not as glorious but as tragic. Their art serves as a reminder of the suffering that war brings to individuals and communities.
  3. The anti-war art movement highlights the need to see the brutal consequences of conflict, encouraging people to think critically about war and its effects on humanity. Recognizing these realities can help prevent future wars.

The Brief But Spectacular Era of Balloon Mania

4503 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
  1. Balloons in the past were seen as a symbol of adventure and exploration, not just a leisure activity.
  2. The concept of hot-air balloons originated from ancient Chinese lanterns, and the idea of flying arose from innovations in air and gas properties.
  3. The development of balloons involved solving technical challenges around making gas lighter than air and creating durable containers, leading to the first manned flights in the late 1700s.
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The Volcanoes and the Paintings

416 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. Historical atmospheric changes are reflected in art
  2. Past climate events like volcanic eruptions impacted culture and art
  3. Skies and sunsets in paintings were influenced by volcanic activity

An Ancient Crossroads of Culture

297 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. The Parthians were a major rival to Rome in ancient times, controlling territories in Mesopotamia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
  2. Parthia served as a crossroads of cultures, influenced by Rome, India, and China, leading to a complex and diverse society.
  3. Parthians were known for their skilled horsemanship, utilizing mounted archers and cavalry in warfare against Rome.

Window Into a Lost World

376 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. The Codex Mendoza provides insight into Aztec culture and history
  2. The illustrations and writings in the codex were created by indigenous artists with Spanish commentary
  3. The codex captures the decline of the Aztec empire and showcases aspects of daily life, conquests, and childhood upbringing

Tell Me the Future

277 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
  1. Ancient civilizations practiced divination in creative ways to communicate with gods or predict the future.
  2. Oracle bones in ancient China and haruspicy in Near East and Mediterranean involved interpreting signs from animals for guidance.
  3. Forms of divination evolved over time, from palmistry in the Renaissance to modern practices like astrology, showing the human fascination with predicting the future.

Fancy Hats for Fancy People

238 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
  1. Throughout history, leaders have used special headwear to symbolize their power.
  2. Napoleon Bonaparte utilized fancy hats as symbols of power and authority during his coronations.
  3. Different cultures, like the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Koreans, had unique traditions of wearing crowns to showcase their royal status.

Terror on Two Wheels

257 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
  1. Chariots were ancient super-weapons used in battles, hunting, and parades.
  2. Humans developed chariots before riding horses, as horses were initially small and weak.
  3. Chariots showcased advanced technology and were symbols of wealth and status in ancient times.

Remember, You Will Die

317 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
  1. Winter is a season often linked with contemplation on death and the end of life.
  2. Throughout history, various cultures have faced and embraced the concept of death more openly than modern society.
  3. Art and physical reminders, like memento mori, have long been used to acknowledge and come to terms with the inevitability of death.

Will the Real Nero Please Stand Up?

238 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Nero, the Roman emperor, is often portrayed as wicked and debauched in history.
  2. Historians suggest that many tales about Nero may be exaggerated or false, and he may have been popular among working classes.
  3. Nero's most famous act, playing music as Rome burned, is likely a myth, and he may have been more responsive to the fire than portrayed.

Did the Earliest War Photography Tell the Truth?

436 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
  1. Early war paintings tended to depict dramatic and heroic moments rather than the realities of battle
  2. The advent of photography in the mid-19th century offered a more realistic view of war to the public
  3. Early war photography, while less glamorous than paintings, still presented a curated and sanitized version of warfare

The Buddha Without the Buddha

317 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. Early Buddhist art didn't depict the human form of the Buddha, as artists were reluctant to visually represent his essential nature.
  2. Symbols like footprints, the dharma wheel, and the bodhi tree were used to represent the Buddha in early Buddhist art.
  3. The transition from aniconic to iconic Buddhist art happened around the first century BCE, influenced by Hellenistic culture and depicting the Buddha with superhuman attributes.

A Whale of a Tale

436 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
  1. The story of Jonah and the whale is darker and weirder than commonly known from childhood
  2. Artistic depictions of Jonah and the sea creature vary throughout history, from mythical monsters to friendly whales
  3. The tale of Jonah highlights the complexities of human emotions, cruelty of God, and power of nature in artistic works over centuries

Kings vs. the King of the Jungle

337 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. The term 'king of the jungle' for lions originated in India, but lions historically ranged beyond Africa.
  2. Lions were an important symbol in ancient civilizations, showcasing ferocity and dignity.
  3. Lion hunts by kings, like Ashurbanipal and Alexander the Great, were used to demonstrate power and bravery.

Welcome to Looking Through the Past

396 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. The newsletter is now called 'Looking Through the Past'
  2. The newsletter will focus on art, artifacts, and history
  3. Paid subscriptions are available to support the author

History’s Still Happening on the Acropolis

277 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
  1. The Acropolis in Athens has a rich and evolving history, from a fortress to a center of art and architecture.
  2. Over the centuries, the Acropolis has been repurposed by different rulers, leading to changes in its structure and significance.
  3. Efforts to restore the Parthenon and the Acropolis raise debates about historical accuracy and preservation.

Curses!

396 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
  1. Words in the past had the power to change lives through curses.
  2. Ancient civilizations used curses inscribed on items for protection and revenge.
  3. Magical objects like amulets and wands were common for protection against curses in the ancient world.

Precious Cargo

277 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. Manila Galleon's perilous journey connected distant cultures and brought rich trade goods
  2. The journey faced numerous risks and challenges but was crucial for Spanish Empire's economic interests
  3. Precious goods like Asian craftsmanship and European-style pottery were part of the Galleon's cargo

The God of Ecstasy Through the Ages

376 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
  1. Ancient religions were quite different from modern ones, focusing on freedom, fun, and ecstasy rather than strict moral codes.
  2. The worship of Dionysus in ancient Greece involved wild festivals of drinking, sex, and possession by the god.
  3. Despite efforts to suppress worship of Dionysus, the god of excess and ecstasy continued to be depicted in art throughout history, symbolizing the celebration of inner wildness.

Imagining American Animals

257 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
  1. Christopher Columbus had a mix of observations on nature and intentions for enslavement in his writings.
  2. European artists depicted American animals based on guesses and mythical concepts, often inaccurate.
  3. Allegorical artists used the image of reptiles to symbolize danger in the Americas alongside its natural beauty.

What Did the Church of the East Leave Behind?

198 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. The Church of the East, also known as Nestorian Christianity, spread across regions like Persia, Central Asia, and China, leaving a significant impact.
  2. A notable artifact linked to the Church of the East is the Nestorian Stele in China, which showcases the early presence of Christianity in the country.
  3. Despite facing fluctuations in acceptance by Chinese rulers over the centuries, Christianity had a complex and impactful history in China, often intertwined with political and cultural dynamics.

China's Last Moments of Imperial Splendor

317 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
  1. China experienced a period of decline known as the 'century of humiliation' between the 1840s and 1940s due to various calamities and invasions by foreign powers.
  2. The Qianlong Emperor ruled over China during a time of prosperity and peace, known as the 'Prosperous Age of Kangxi and Qianlong'.
  3. During the Qianlong Emperor's reign, China projected an image of calm and prosperity, but also engaged in brutal wars and was unaware of the looming changes that would later disrupt its empire.

Why Don’t We Know Much About Ancient Persia?

238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
  1. There are three main reasons why we know more about ancient Greece than ancient Persia.
  2. One reason is that Greek civilization has been more associated with Western heritage, leading to more interest and scholarly focus.
  3. Additionally, Persians lacked a tradition of independent history writing, which resulted in limited narrative sources compared to the Greeks.

The Case of the Ghostly Photographs

218 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
  1. Photography played a crucial role in preserving memories, even beyond the grave.
  2. Spirit photography was a popular and controversial trend in the 19th and 20th centuries, with practitioners like William Mumler and William Hope.
  3. Despite skepticism and exposure of fraud, notable figures like Arthur Conan Doyle remained staunch believers in spirit photography.

WWII Propaganda: From Tempting Vixens to Adorable Bears

99 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💾 History
  1. WWII propaganda in the United States focused on mobilizing resources and convincing the public to support the war effort.
  2. The Office of War Information and other government agencies used various propaganda techniques like posters, radio broadcasts, and misinformation to influence public opinion.
  3. Propaganda during WWII covered diverse topics like intellectual freedom, conservation, forest fire prevention, and health awareness including anti-malaria and anti-STD campaigns.

The Persian Version

178 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
  1. Greek sources emphasize the importance of the Persian Wars while Persian sources largely ignore them, possibly due to different perspectives and priorities.
  2. Persians may have viewed battles like Marathon as insignificant border skirmishes compared to the vastness of their empire.
  3. Greeks used art to depict the Persian Wars symbolically rather than historically, often portraying Persians as unmanly and inferior.

The Many Faces of Charlemagne

138 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Charlemagne was a powerful European ruler who conquered a vast territory and left a lasting legacy
  2. Despite his significance, there is uncertainty about his true appearance, with depictions varying over time
  3. Charlemagne's image evolved through history, reflecting changing artistic styles and societal perceptions

How Photography Helped to End Child Labor in America

119 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
  1. Child labor in America was a significant issue that persisted for decades and required public awareness to bring about change.
  2. Photographer Lewis Hine played a crucial role in exposing the harsh realities of child labor through his powerful images.
  3. Hine's photographs helped spark a movement to end child labor, leading to the eventual creation of national rules banning children from working in certain industries.

When the World Ran on Bird Shit

99 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
  1. Bird guano was a valuable resource used as fertilizer in the 1800s.
  2. The exploitation of bird guano led to significant economic benefits but also involved harsh conditions for workers.
  3. The guano industry eventually declined as alternative fertilizer methods were developed.

How Did the Romans Map Their Empire?

79 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
  1. Romans did not use maps like we do today, but they had itineraries and lists of places for travel purposes.
  2. The Romans understood the world was spherical and used the image of the globe to represent their power.
  3. The closest thing we have to an ancient map of the Roman Empire is the Tabula Peutingeriana, a schematic diagram of Roman roads.

Watching the Gladiators

51 HN points • 20 Aug 23
  1. Ancient Romans and Americans had similarities in terms of powerful empires and love for spectacles.
  2. Gladiators in ancient Rome were celebrated and admired, similar to modern sports heroes.
  3. Gladiator culture was intertwined with daily life, from household items to gravestones.

The First Mug Shots

79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
  1. The mugshot originated from the work of Alphonse Bertillon, a member of a scientific family who brought rationality to policing with body measurements.
  2. Bertillon's anthropometry system used measurements to identify suspects and revolutionize law enforcement worldwide.
  3. Even though fingerprinting eventually replaced Bertillon's system, the practice of taking mugshots remains a common procedure in law enforcement.

Is Chichen Itza Authentic? Does It Matter?

39 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
  1. Chichen Itza is an iconic Mayan site, but it has changed a lot over the years.
  2. The 1920s reconstruction of Chichen Itza by archaeologists has contributed to its current appearance.
  3. Chichen Itza's authenticity is debated, as it has undergone various changes and reconstructions throughout its history.

The Controversial Priests Who Bridged East and West

39 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. In the 1700s, Europeans and Chinese people were fascinated with each other, leading to a cultural exchange facilitated by the Jesuits.
  2. The Jesuits not only spread Christianity in China but also brought Western knowledge like geography, mathematics, and technology to the Chinese.
  3. Despite initial mutual admiration, the interaction between Europe and China eventually led to tensions, conflicts, and the destruction of the Summer Palace.

Faces of Death

23 HN points • 01 Oct 23
  1. Ancient cultures around the world used funerary masks to honor the dead, with examples found in places like Egypt, Greece, and the Americas.
  2. Funerary masks served various purposes, such as helping souls recognize their bodies in the afterlife and expressing power and wealth.
  3. The tradition of creating masks for the deceased reflects the universal human impulse to honor and mourn those who have passed away.

Americans Love Our Cars. Do They Love Us Back?

39 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
  1. Many Americans have a personal relationship with their cars, naming them and assigning personalities.
  2. Americans dedicate a significant amount of time, money, and space to their cars, impacting daily life and urban planning.
  3. Cars have negative impacts, including high financial costs, accidents causing deaths, and contributing to pollution and sedentary lifestyles.

The Global Journey of a Blood-Soaked Mother Goddess

19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. Cybele, the ancient mother goddess, had a long history and was worshipped with intense and unconventional rituals.
  2. Ancient Greeks and Romans incorporated foreign gods like Cybele into their pantheon, adapting her to fit their beliefs.
  3. Cybele's image evolved over time, from a wild nature goddess with bloody rituals to a placid Roman matriarch symbolizing empire.