578 questions and answers in this section
Can you explain why Marco Polo took so long to travel to China and back?

Can you explain why Marco Polo took so long to travel to China and back?

Marco Polo had to traverse some seriously complicated territories, moving from burning deserts to the glacial mountains of Central Asia. The crossing of the Gobi...

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Explain why the ancient Etruscans practiced divination?

Explain why the ancient Etruscans practiced divination?

Among the ancient Etruscans, divination primarily served to dialogue with the gods. For them, the deities frequently sent messages through unusual natural phenomena, such as...

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Explain why did the Incas mummify their dead?

Explain why did the Incas mummify their dead?

Among the Incas, the dead held great importance: their bodies were carefully mummified in order to preserve their physical appearance and dignity after death. Mummified...

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Explain why Hatshepsut was the only pharaoh to have worn the double crown.

Explain why Hatshepsut was the only pharaoh to have worn the double crown.

The double crown was a powerful symbol in ancient Egypt: it combined the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt. Wearing both...

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Explain why did Atlantis captivate explorers and archaeologists?

Explain why did Atlantis captivate explorers and archaeologists?

The ancient tale of Atlantis comes primarily from the Greek philosopher Plato. In his works, Timaeus and Critias, around the year -360, he tells the...

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Explain why Quetzalcoatl was revered as an important deity among the Aztecs.

Explain why Quetzalcoatl was revered as an important deity among the Aztecs.

Among the Aztecs, Quetzalcóatl is considered one of the primordial gods involved in the creation of the world and humanity. According to their myths, it...

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Explain why the Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains.

Explain why the Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains.

By building Machu Picchu at this precise location, perched at about 2400 meters above sea level, the Incas had a stunning view to monitor the...

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Explain why Hatshepsut was represented as a man in statues.

Explain why Hatshepsut was represented as a man in statues.

In ancient Egypt, religion played a crucial role in society—impossible to miss it. The Egyptians believed that the pharaoh embodied a earthly form of gods...

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Explain why Leonardo da Vinci was so talented in many artistic and scientific fields.

Explain why Leonardo da Vinci was so talented in many artistic and scientific fields.

Leonard was the type to never settle on just one passion. Interested in everything around him, he wanted to understand how everything worked. Anatomy, mechanics, astronomy, geology,...

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Explain why Alexander the Great decided to conquer the Persian Empire.

Explain why Alexander the Great decided to conquer the Persian Empire.

Alexandre grew up in Macedonia, raised by his father Philip II, an ambitious king, and his mother Olympias, a proud and determined woman. From his...

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