**spoiler alert** "Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome" is the story of the battle that defined Europe. In today's Europe, there is a boundary between **spoiler alert** "Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome" is the story of the battle that defined Europe. In today's Europe, there is a boundary between those who prefer beer and those who drink wine. The activities of the Romans resulted in the Germanic leader named Armin (Germanic name) or Arminius (Latin name) wiping out the Roman army and then cutting off the head of the Roman general (Varus) before sending it to Rome. That resulted in Augustus not shaving or combing his hair for months afterwards. He could be heard yelling, "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions!" After their victory, the Germanic tribesmen were worried that Amrin would become a king and end their fiercely independent lifestyles. Therefore, they murdered him. His wife, Thusnelda, was betrayed by her father. She was paraded in Rome as part of three triumphs for Germanicus. She was made a slave after she was taken to Rome. The son of Armin and Thusnelda became a gladiator who had some successes. I was surprised during researching this, that the ancient Germanic and Nordic women had full equality with their men. something they lost after the coming of the church and the end of the warrior. ...more
**spoiler alert** A Castle of Doomsday begins with Edward the Confessor wanting to live his life in exile in Normandy. During his time there, he was a**spoiler alert** A Castle of Doomsday begins with Edward the Confessor wanting to live his life in exile in Normandy. During his time there, he was attended to by many Normans. The Father of Harold, Earl Godwin, persuaded his king to return to England and rule in his own right. however, after doing so for a time, he decided to bring into England, many of his former Norman associates. These men, he appointed to high positions including the Archbishop of Canterbury that was something which was resented by the English. The anti-Norman feelings were further inflamed when Edward decided to make William of Normandy his successor to the English crown. The Battle of Hasting followed and then there were many rebellions against Norman rule. This was bought to a head, firstly at Exeter and then at York. There William built two castles. One was at Bailey hill and the other was called York Castle and it overlooked the former Danish Viking city of Jorvik. Both castles were burned down when William set about his "Harrying the North" policy of hanging the inhabitants and implementing a 'Black Earth' policy in which the crops were burned and the farm animals were slain. The story moves on to the successors of William I and to the Barons' Revolt during the reign of Edward II. That resulted in the "Battle of Boroughbridge" and ended up with the trial of Baron Roger de Clifford. He along with others was hanged from the battlements of the keep of York Castle. It since has become known as Clifford's Tower....more
**spoiler alert** In A.D. 449, the king of the Britons was Vortigern and he was needing to obtain help to stop the Picts and Scots from coming though **spoiler alert** In A.D. 449, the king of the Britons was Vortigern and he was needing to obtain help to stop the Picts and Scots from coming though openings in Hadrian's Wall and raiding his people since the Romans left Britain in 417 A.D.. With help not forthcoming, he asked the newly confederated tribes of the Engels, Kimbern and Saxons to come to his aid. They did so, and this resulted in the Saxons settling in Wessex, Essex and other areas, while Engels settled in areas that made up Anglia, East Anglia and Northumbria. The Kimbern, who some people call Jutes, settled in Kent and the Isle of Wright. Together these people formed what woud become the English. I found this research both challenging and satisfying. The story goes as far as the end of reign of King Alfred the Great and includes his fighting of the Danes who were attepting to take his country. After the Death of Alfred, he was succeeded by his son known as Edward the Elder and he completed the defeat of the Danes which his father had started. I think of this as a great read and a help for those who may be studying English history. Kind regards - Michael G Kramer OMIEAust....more
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