The Marsi were an ancient people of Italy who lived in the hilly central region now known as Marsica. Although they aided Rome in its wars, they were denied the privileges of Roman citizenship. With other Roman allies, they organized a confederacy and began an uprising for independence in 90 BCE. Called the Social War, the conflict is also known as the Marsic War due to the prominence of the Marsian rebels. What became of the Marsi? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) The hard inner (usually woody) layer of the pericarp of some fruits (as peaches or plums or cherries or olives) that contains the seed.
Synonyms: pit, stone.
Usage: I bit into the prune and nearly broke my tooth on the hard endocarp inside.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Switzerland is the latest country to ban the boiling of live lobsters for cooking. As a result, cooks and chefs in the country are now obliged to stun the animal before placing them in boiling water. Now the question that most people are probably asking is … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Though various units of Swiss Guards have existed throughout history, the most famous unit—and the only one remaining—is responsible for the safety of the Pope. Known for their colorful uniforms, the guards must be single, Swiss, and Catholic and must have completed Swiss military training. The first 150 Swiss mercenaries were invited to the Vatican during the reign of Pope Julius II. In 1527, 147 of the Swiss Guards were killed while helping the Pope escape from whom? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Vasant Panchami is a festival of spring, celebrated throughout India among Hindus and Sikhs at the end of January or in early February. People wear bright yellow clothes, the color of the mustard flower that heralds the onset of spring, and mark the day with music, dancing, and kite-flying. In Shantiniketan, West Bengal, the festival is celebrated with special lavishness in honor of Sarasvati, the Hindu goddess of learning and the arts. Her images are taken in procession to rivers to be bathed, and books and pens are placed at her shrine. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
As a priest and a professor, Gassendi lectured on theology in his native southeastern France. However, as a philosopher, scientist, and astronomer, he was compelled to try to reconcile his scientific beliefs with the teachings of the church. Dissatisfied with the teachings of Aristotle, he came to espouse empiricism and atomism, the belief that tiny, indestructible particles form the basic building blocks of the entire universe. In 1631, he became the first person to observe what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport in which horseback riders race long distances, usually 50 or 100 miles (80 or 160 km). To ensure the safety of the horses during the rides, veterinarians periodically inspect the animals and eliminate from competition any horse deemed unfit. Although any breed can compete, Arabian horses often dominate the top levels of the sport due to their natural speed and stamina. How long do winners usually take to cross the finish line in 100-mile (160-km) races? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1545, people in the Mexican highlands starting dying in enormous numbers. People infected with the disease bled and vomited before they died. Many had red spots on their skin. It was one of the most devastating epidemics in human history. The 1545 outbreak, and … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Located near the demilitarized zone that marked the border between North and South Vietnam, Khe Sanh was the site of a protracted battle during the Vietnam War. It involved months of near-constant artillery attacks on the local US Marine base, matched by a bombing barrage of surrounding areas by US planes. The US forces retained the base but gained no advantage, and both sides suffered heavy casualties. Why do some historians believe the North Vietnamese never intended to capture the base? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary