Category: europe
-
The Invention of Paper: Fear and Promise
Paper was one of the most influential inventions of all time. That statement seems pretty obvious today, but when it was first invented there were plenty of people who believed it would ruin their way of life. And, for better or worse, many were right. The Invention of Paper: Myth…
-
Origin of the Castle
The first modern castles were brought to England by the Norman invasion in 1066. These structures were usually built on top of ancient defensive sites atop high ground. Early castles were often made of wood and were used primarily for defense.
-
The Heavy Plough: Northern Europe’s Saving Grace
The heavy plough allowed the growth of Northern European cities, since, for the first time, the heavy clay soil could be easily farmed.