History Trivia

The Via Francigena is an ancient road between Rome and Canterbury which passes through England, France, Switzerland and Italy. In medieval times it was an important road and pilgrimage route. The route was first documented as the "Lombard Way", and was first called the "Frankish Route” as recorded in 725 by the Bavarian Bishop Willibald.

History Trivia

825 The kingdom of Wessex wins in war and becomes the dominate power in England.

Diet of Worms

On April 18, 1521, Martin Luther confronted the emperor Charles V in the Diet of Worms where he refused to retract his views that led to his excommunication.

Lost Gold of the Dark Ages

Television event: The National Geographic Channel (250 in the Omaha area) is airing “Lost Gold of the Dark Ages” on Sunday, April 18th at 8:00 p.m. This is the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold found to date. Move over King Tut 

Mary Ann's Book signing

April 17, 2010 -- Thank you Beth Black, owner of The Bookworm at Countryside Village for your hospitality.

Thanks to my family and friends who made this book signing event such a success.

The Roman Coloseum

Emperor Vespasian ordered the construction of the Colosseum which was dedicated by his son and successor Titus a year after his father’s death. The Colosseum took ten years to complete with a seating capacity for 50,000-75,000 spectators. The "grand opening" consisted of 100 days of games. Earthquakes in 492 and 508 caused portions of the Colosseum to fall but it was a 9th century earthquake which caused half of the outer shell to collapse.

9th Century Solar Eclipses

From 801 to 900 there were 222 solar eclipses of which 78 were partial, 74 were annular (sun and moon are exactly in line) , 64 were total and 6 were hybrids (transitions between total and annular; extremely rare). The greatest number of eclipses in one year was four, in 810, 828, 875, and 893.