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The Evolution of Combat: Why Knights Stopped Using Shields

The Evolution of Combat: Why Knights Stopped Using Shields

by Is This History | May 5, 2026 | Medieval History

For centuries, the shield was the most defining piece of equipment for any warrior. When you picture a medieval knight riding into battle, you likely imagine them holding a broadsword in one hand and a brightly painted shield in the other. These large wooden or metal...
The Thirty Years’ War Explained in 10 Minutes

The Thirty Years’ War Explained in 10 Minutes

by Is This History | May 4, 2026 | Medieval History

Quick answer: The Thirty Years’ War was a devastating European conflict fought between 1618 and 1648. Beginning as a religious struggle within the Holy Roman Empire, the war expanded into a massive political battle involving France, Sweden, and Spain, ultimately...
The Great Mince Pie Myth: Did Cromwell Really Ban Pie?

The Great Mince Pie Myth: Did Cromwell Really Ban Pie?

by Is This History | May 3, 2026 | Medieval History

If you spend any time scrolling through historical trivia on social media, you have likely encountered a bizarre claim about 17th-century England. The story goes that in 1644, the English military and political leader Oliver Cromwell explicitly banned the consumption...
The 1386 Falaise Pig: When Animals Faced Human Justice

The 1386 Falaise Pig: When Animals Faced Human Justice

by Is This History | Apr 25, 2026 | Medieval History

Modern courtrooms are usually reserved for human defendants, corporate disputes, and complex legal battles. You expect to see judges, juries, and lawyers debating the finer points of the law. You certainly do not expect to see a farm animal sitting on the witness...

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History Posts

  • The Curious Tale of Andrew Jackson’s Swearing Parrot at His Funeral May 13, 2026
  • From Ohio Valley to Revolution: The French and Indian War May 12, 2026
  • The Evolution of Combat: Why Knights Stopped Using Shields May 5, 2026
  • The Thirty Years’ War Explained in 10 Minutes May 4, 2026
  • American History
  • Ancient Greece
  • Ancient History
  • Arts and Culture
  • Civil War
  • Presidents
  • World War 2
  • On This Day in History