World History Encyclopedia

World History

We are a non-profit organization publishing the world's most-read history encyclopedia. Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Subscribe to our Podcast: SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSoundcloud

  1. 18.04.2025

    The Causes of the Second World War

    In this episode, we explore the complex causes behind the outbreak of World War II. Listeners will learn how the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, economic turmoil during the Great Depression, and the rise of fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler set the stage for global conflict. We break down the policies and political decisions—including appeasement by Britain and France, the failure of the League of Nations, and alliances between Germany, Italy, Japan, and the USSR—that allowed aggression to go unchecked. The episode covers key moments such as Germany’s rearmament, the Nazi-Soviet Pact, and the invasion of Poland that triggered the war. By the end, you’ll understand why WWII became inevitable and how the world’s major powers responded—often too late—to one of history’s most devastating conflicts. Written by Mark Cartwright and narrated by Scarlett Hart. #history #wwii #worldwar #whe

    21 Min.
  2. Agriculture in the Fertile Crescent & Mesopotamia

    10.01.2025

    Agriculture in the Fertile Crescent & Mesopotamia

    Explore the pivotal role of agriculture in shaping human history in our latest episode. Journey back to the ancient Near East, where the Fertile Crescent is celebrated as the birthplace of agriculture. Discover how the domestication of plants and animals in regions like Mesopotamia and the Levant led to the first large-scale cities and empires. This cradle of civilization, enriched by fertile soil and rivers like the Euphrates and Tigris, witnessed innovations such as artificial irrigation, crop rotation, and the use of plows, which transformed semi-nomadic groups into permanent agricultural societies. Delve into how agriculture's surplus production was essential for the emergence of urban centers and complex societies. In Mesopotamia, cereal grains became a cornerstone for taxation, supporting centralized governments and enabling trade and urbanization. The podcast underscores how agriculture not only sustained growing populations but also laid the foundation for specialized trades and empires, ultimately fueling human progress and civilization's advancement across the globe. Written and read by Jan van der Crabben. Original article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/9/agriculture-in-the-fertile-crescent--mesopotamia/

    15 Min.
  3. Twelve Great Women of Ancient Persia

    11.05.2023

    Twelve Great Women of Ancient Persia

    In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of women in ancient Persia, revealing their significant roles and freedoms within society. Listeners will learn about notable Persian women like Cassandane Shahbanu, Atusa Shahbanu, and Artemisia I of Caria, who were queens, military leaders, businesswomen, and more. The episode highlights how Persian women held positions of power, managed businesses, and even led military campaigns, enjoying rights and autonomy unparalleled in many other ancient cultures. We also discuss the decline in women's status following the Arab Muslim conquest and how modern Iranian women continue to resist restrictions. This episode offers insights into the enduring legacy of Persian women's contributions to their society and culture. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whencyclopedia Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1493/twelve-great-women-of-ancient-persia/

    21 Min.
  4. Women in Ancient Persia

    11.05.2023

    Women in Ancient Persia

    In this episode, we explore the fascinating role of women in ancient Persia, highlighting their high status and autonomy across various empires. Listeners will learn about the rights and responsibilities of women during the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian periods. Discover the influential roles of royal women, their participation in business, and even their presence in military ranks. We'll also discuss the decline of women's rights following the fall of the Sassanian Empire and how Persian women resisted this oppression. Join us as we delve into the stories of remarkable women who shaped ancient Persian society and continue to inspire today. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whencyclopedia Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1492/women-in-ancient-persia/

    27 Min.
  5. Egyptian Gods - The Complete List

    11.05.2023

    Egyptian Gods - The Complete List

    In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Ancient Egyptian mythology, exploring the pantheon of over 2,000 deities that shaped the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of the Egyptian people for more than 3,000 years. Listeners will learn about some of the most prominent gods and goddesses, such as Isis, Osiris, Horus, Amun, and Ra, as well as lesser-known but equally intriguing deities like Qebhet and Seshat. We'll discuss how these gods were worshiped and their roles in various aspects of life, from state deities to regional patrons and ritual figures. The episode also covers the evolution of Egyptian religious beliefs from animism to a complex anthropomorphic system infused with magic, highlighting the significance of Heka, the god of magic and medicine. We'll explore how the Egyptians syncretized gods to reconcile differing beliefs and how worship practices evolved over time. Additionally, we'll touch upon key cultural concepts like ma'at (harmony and balance) and explore mythological stories and transformations involving deities such as Set and Serket. Join us as we journey through the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology and its lasting impact on culture and religion. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whencyclopedia Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/885/egyptian-gods---the-complete-list/

    2 Std. 11 Min.
  6. Clothes in the Elizabethan Era

    05.04.2023

    Clothes in the Elizabethan Era

    Clothes in the Elizabethan era (1558-1603 CE) became much more colourful, elaborate, and flamboyant than in previous periods. With Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE) herself being a dedicated follower of fashion, so, too, her court and nobles followed suit. Clothing was an important indicator of status so that those who could afford it were careful to wear the correct colours, materials, and latest fashions from Continental Europe. Heavy brocade, stockings, tight-fitting doublets, long billowing dresses embellished with pearls and jewels, knee-length trousers, stiff linen collars or ruffs, and feathered hats were all staple elements of the wardrobes of the well off. The commoners, meanwhile, attempted to follow the new designs as best they could using cheaper materials, but those who tried to dress beyond their station had to beware the authorities did not fine them and confiscate the offending item. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whencyclopedia Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1577/clothes-in-the-elizabethan-era/

    18 Min.
  7. Medieval Cures for the Black Death

    08.02.2023

    Medieval Cures for the Black Death

    The Black Death is the 19th-century CE term for the plague epidemic that ravaged Europe between 1347-1352 CE, killing an estimated 30 million people there and many more worldwide as it reached pandemic proportions. The name comes from the black buboes (infected lymph glands) which broke out over a plague victim's body. The cause of the plague was the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was carried by fleas on rodents, usually rats, but this was not known to the people of the medieval period, as it was only identified in 1894 CE. Prior to that time, the plague was attributed primarily to supernatural causes – the wrath of God, the work of the devil, the alignment of the planets – and, stemming from these, “bad air” or an unbalance of the “humors” of the body which, when in line, kept a person healthy. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whencyclopedia Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1540/medieval-cures-for-the-black-death/

    23 Min.
  8. Black Death

    02.02.2023

    Black Death

    The Black Death was a plague pandemic which devastated medieval Europe from 1347 to 1352 CE, killing an estimated 25-30 million people. The disease originated in central Asia and was taken to the Crimea by Mongol warriors and traders. The plague then entered Europe via Italy, carried by rats on Genoese trading ships sailing from the Black Sea. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whencyclopedia Original Article: https://www.worldhistory.org/Black_Death/

    15 Min.
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We are a non-profit organization publishing the world's most-read history encyclopedia. Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Subscribe to our Podcast: SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSoundcloud

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