Medicine through the ages

Hello History Lovers!

   These past few days, I've been battling a cold. So why not post about medicine and how sickness was treated. Now in the world, medicine was completely different in countries. Some believed in natural while others believed in religion, status, gender, and humors. Asian and Middle Eastern countries used what the world provided. Herbs and practices such as Acupuncture and Moxibustion were used frequently. Apothecary Shops became the new place for all the illness needs. Across the sea, Europe was a different story. Sterilizing tools didn't happen until the late 17th century. have you ever heard of humors? Well, it was believed that the body consisted of 4 humors ; Blood, Yellow Bile, Black Bile, and Phlegm. These based whether the person was healthy or not. Bathing was another issue. It was believed that being clean made it easy for the evil spirits to go into your system. This occurred after the Plague. Before the Plague, Bath Houses existed and cleaning was more regular. Interesting Fact : it was believed that a woman's vagina was actually an inside out penis.

Well, I'm gonna go take some NyQuil and Tea!

Until Next Time!

J

Marco Polo

Hello History Lovers, welcome back to my blog!

Have any of you been watching Marco Polo on Netflix? It's another historical series based on the explorer, Marco Polo. So far I like it and yes I have been doing research to see if the majority of the show is historical accurate ;) Yes, Marco was Italian and I don't know if he was that good looking ;) He spent over 24 years in Asia and met Kublai Khan. He wasn't the first European to reach China, but first at having a detailed description of his visit, "The Travels of Marco Polo". I recommend to watch the show but, their is some nudity scenes. As they say on television, "Viewer Discretion is Advised".

Until Next Time!

J

Christmas through the Ages

Hello History Lovers, Happy Christmas to all!! How was your Christmas?

  Christmas is celebrated throughout the world in different ways. Religiously, Christmas is/was celebrated as Christ being born. Traditional, Christmas is/was celebrated as Santa coming with presents. In America, it is a federal holiday since 1870. Celebrations with songs, colors of red & green surrounding homes. Even through history, celebrations would happen. The countries that were part of Christianity would have parties and feasts, mass included as well. In the Christmas time, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are/were celebrated for other Religions such as Jewish and to honor African-American culture. Whatever you celebrate, enjoy this time with friends and family!

Happy Holidays
     J

Tudor Cuisine

Hello History Lovers, welcome back to my blog :)

Yes we are talking about food once again but in different time periods and country. During the Tudor era, life was changing from Medieval to finding the New World, including food as well. One thing for sure, no such things as fridges and freezers existed. So food was mostly fresh. Another thing ; Peasants ate healthier than the Royals. Meats and anything in rich flavor, was expensive. Peasants would indulge themselves on vegetables and bread. Sometimes Ale at the pub as well. The "famous" Tudor Soup consisted of : cabbage, carrots, onions, turnips, leeks, and oats. Mixed and boil and then, you made yourself a Tudor Soup. Now for the people who had money, all sorts of animals were on the plate. Swan was popular for King Henry VIII, and rumor has it that he ate Swan on the day of Anne Boleyn's execution. Pastries with Meat, and other sweets were included to. Not to forget, lots of Ale.  Meals in the Wealthy Class could go on for hours and hours. Easily 11 courses done a meal. Maybe or most likely, its one of the many reasons Henry VIII became obsessed. Just a thought ;)

  Until Next Time!
            J

To see more of me
instagram : jennaedwards98

My Favorite King

Hello History Lovers and welcome back to my blog :)

Yes, My Favorite King is Henry VIII!!! Even though he married 6 times, got fat, and war. I just like him. He was the first "monarch" I ever knew/learned about. Plus he is well known. Have you watched the show tudors? the movie, Other Boleyn Girl? Watch them, even though they are not 100% accurate and Henry didn't age the best like the actors ;) My favorite palace of his is Hampton Court! I mean it still is standing today! I do wish his bedroom still existed but the Great Hall is amazing too!!!

Until Next Time!
   J

Where have I been?

Hello all my History Lovers :)
Sorry I've been M.I.A but it has been crazy these past few weeks. As I've probably mentioned, Im still in school, so we had MID YEAR EXAMS! yay, right? besides that I went to a dance competition and placed 2nd, which I am really happy about. Now since finally it is Christmas break , I will be posting a lot more so be prepared !!!!

Until Next Time!
    J


P.S - Some Dance Photos from this past Competition ;)

To see more of my life 

Instagram : jennaedwards98

What's Next For HistoryGeekOnFleek?

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my Blog, again :). I'm starting up another segment but, more personal. Me. You know, whats happening my life and what I hope to happen in the future. Now being 17, I'm at the applying to Colleges Age! So far, I've applied to 7 Universities, most are based of Liberal Arts, so that is great for my dream of studying History. The goal is to get accepted first, and plan to take as much History like : European, World, Ancient World and Foreign Languages. Right now, I speak 2 languages: English and Spanish. I'm working on my French right now and Russian. I think learning/knowing multiple languages is amazing!! It opens up for more opportunities in life and of course traveling.  Besides that, life is going great even though a few bumps in the road but, its normal!

Thanks for joining me in a little chat today!
If you want to see more of me and my life
check out my instagram! jennaedwards98

Until Next Time!
J

Let's Talk About : Marie Antoinette

Hello History Lovers! Welcome back to the blog! By the title, yes we are in the French theme and yes I am eating cake at this moment and saying Oui Oui ;)

  The whole world knows something about Marie Antoinette, "Let Them Eat Cake!" and powered Wigs. Except there is no evidence that she actually said, Let them Eat Cake. Mostly likely it came from the comics written about her in those days. Born November 2, 1755 Vienna, Austria to Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor and Maria Theresa. Her life was like any other wealthy child, schooling and lessons of dance, piano. She wasn't really good in school. She couldn't properly write in German or any of the languages she learned. And the conversations she had were limited. To end Austria's hostility with France, Marie was engaged to Louis-Auguste de France, the Dauphin. The official wedding was May 16,1770. For 7 years, no sex they had. It was a question whether Louis had an "issue" or not. Around August 1777, the marriage was finally consummated. Decemeber 19, 1778 Marie Therese was born. During her labor, Marie Antoinette passed out due to so many people in the room. After this, Louis banned people except family and close friends to been in the presence of this. You could say this started the decline of their likeness. Marie gave birth  to 3 more children, 2 boys and a girl. Years of decline in their likeness finally came up to the French Revolution . The family tried to escape but were caught. Arrests were made and the execution of both Marie Antoinette and her husband Louis happened. Marie executed October 16, 1793 just only 37 years in Paris France. Her daughter Marie Therese was Queen of France, but was childless.

Until Next Time

J

Religion

 Religion is such private but, public topic. It's created many start lines for History in both a positive and negative way. But what is Religion so challenging in our life? Why does something that is meant for ourselves cause so much issue? Many reasons can be related to not understanding different Religions, the unknowing of it. Questions surrounding what happens when we die. Is there paradise or something on the other side? These past 20 years, so much has happened to the world, and a big cause was Religion. We are ALL different. We have different beliefs and that is how life is supposed to be but, it's not. How do you feel Religion?

Until Next Time!
J

Historical Tv shows, Are they Accurate?

Hello History Lovers ! Welcome back to my Blog, where I talk about History and History. Have you heard/watched/drool over these TV Shows? : The Tudors, Reign, Borgias, The White Queen, Rome,DeadWood,Sons of Liberty. Well they all have one thing in common HISTORY! Technically though, it's not 100% accurate. For example in the CW's Reign, Mary does get pregnant but haves a miscarriage in season 2. Miscarriages were common during the late 16th century but were recorded down, especially if you were a royal. There is no documentation of a miscarriage happening in Mary's marriage with Francis, so it's most likely a no. The Tudors, was on point for timeline sequence but, all the drama between the characters like Duke of Buckingham and his "plot" and his execution was never recorded down as well. I will say Jonathan Rhys Meyers was an amazing Henry VIII. Costumes, backgrounds, details, are pretty much accurate due to research of what was the what in those times. So check them out and tell me what you think 

Until Next Time!

J

Birth in the Royal Life

  So I've briefly spoke about childbirth in my Queen post, but I wanted to go extra in depth. Pregnancy and birth is/was interesting and popular from the Royals. All the non royals like you and I , wanted and still want to know how was the birth, is the child(s) a boy or girl. Nowadays, Kate Middelton highly populated. A lot of the English were waiting outside, cheering her on and swaying the Union Jack. Just waiting for a small glimpse of her and the new baby. Back in the past, like way back there was no pain relief meds or proper health facilities. Royals especially the Queens, would have multiple midwives with them. Usually the older the women were, the more experience they had at the births so, they  were the main people for actually delivering the child. For Queens it was considered "unnaturally" for them to breast feed their own child. Usually a Wet Nurse was present at the birth to feed the child. Fun Fact : Queen Victoria was one of the first to use pain relievers for her birthing experience. When Marie Antoinette gave birth, she passed out due to the lack of air and the crowds in her room. From then on, nobody except family and doctors we allowed to watch her give birth. I guess you could say that was the start of the French not really liking her. In Tudors time, the Queen would have charms and status of the Virgin Mary and the Cross surrounded by her. For Good Luck, easy birth, that she has a son, and doesn't die. For hundreds of years having a son was vital and since life spans weren't as long today, the more sons, the more ease of knowing that kingdom is good.

Until Next Time!

J

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my History Lovers!
 This day 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. Pilgrims and Puritans who began emigrating from England in the 1620s and 1630s carried the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them to New England. Several days of Thanksgiving were held in early New England history that have been identified as the "First Thanksgiving", including Pilgrim holidays in Plymouth in 1621 and 1623, and a Puritan holiday in Boston in 1631. It's a highly imported American Celebration like 4th of July.!


Eats lot of Turkey!

Until next time!
J

Let's talk about: Baroness Caroline Fleming

Now if your a Ladies of London fan like me , than you've most likely heard/seen/admired Caroline Fleming. To be honest I never knew about her until the show, but I think it time to have a little bit of history of her. She was born in September 9, 1975 at Valdemar's Castle, Svendborg Denmark. Her parents, Niel Krabbe luel-Brockdorff and Margaretha. Sadly though, her mum passed away when she was 11. In the show, Caroline speaks fondly of her and how she ponders how her life would be with her mum. Cool facts about Caroline, she is born royalty and one of her best friends is the Crown Princess Mary and, she has her stockings company, Beautiful Legs. She is the 11th generation related to the Naval Hero, Niels Juel. She was was married to Rory Fleming, who has one of the four richest families in the UK. Their marriage lasted from 2001-2011(finalized divorce).Have any of you watched Ladies of London yet? Check it out, both Season 1&2, trust me you don't want to miss the Baroness and her sassiness. Another thing, if you go to Denmark, check out her crib Valdemar's Castle.

Until Next time!

J

The Court

Hello my History Lovers

   I haven't done a great deal of depth of the Royal Life , so here is what Court life in the Palaces would have been like. Surprisingly enough, Court had many rules for behavior, status, and of course fashion. You didn't go to Court, you were INVITED. Servants and Pageboys only saw partial life of Court they were working or cleaning in the castle. Think of Court like a social gathering. You have to be there, you want to be there. Meeting the King can do a lot. Many Kings were easily persuaded to change things or give you a higher status which had more money in the end. Betroths were even made in Court but, had to approved by the King. Festivals for the Holidays happened there. Hours and hours of dancing, food, and wine. It truly was lavish. 

     I hoped you liked my little intake of Court. This photo is from Hampton Court - The Great Hall. Henry VIII's time.

Until Next Time!

J

Russian Cuisine

Hello my History Lovers! This post is different than others. So by the title, you've guessed it, Russian Food :) History covers everything even the food that was cooked back in the day. Let's get started.

  Basics were such as : bread,farinaceous products and grain-based meals. There was many pastry foods used for celebrations. Women would make Pancakes, know as Blini. Their pies were filled of fish, meat, poultry, mushrooms, cheeses, berries, vegetables, fruit, and Kasha. Kasha were cooked from buckwheat, fine-ground barley, pearl barley, wheat, oats, oat flour . Kashas in Russia were worshipped as a symbol of household welfare. Even the wedding feast used to be called Kasha. 
 Until the 17th century, Milk and Meat weren't super popular. Before then, Meat was boiled in cabbage soup or Shchi. Milk was consumed raw or being baked for curd cheese or sour cream even though the use of cream or butter wasn't well known until the 16th century. 
 Around the same time black caviar, salted and jellied fish started to appear. During the 18th century, Peter I rule. The word soup entered into the Russian Cuisine, before that all liquid dishes were called “pokhlyobka” and meant first dishes with noodles, grains, and vegetables. Peter also brought in dishes from Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. More meats introduced like Lamb, Pork, in chunks were served. Potatoes were brought in and tomatoes as well.

Now a days popular foods can include : Borsch, Vatrushka, Ukha, Pirog, and Beef Stroganoff. I haven't tried any yet but hopefully soon!
      
                                                            Nasdarovje !
                                                                   J
                                                                 

  

Pray For Paris

Right Now at this moment, Paris is need of Help. Yesterday night, attacks were made through 6 popular sites. Killings around 128 people. Bataclan, a concert hall where most deaths occured. Attacks were made at the Football game between Germany and France. This attacks are by ISIS, in retaliation to the French bombings in Syria. France has closed it's boarders. No one is allowed in or to  leave. Prayers for the Families and Friends, and for France.

            Je t'aime Paris

                      J

Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra Bodies are Identified!

This is exciting news in a weird way! The last Tsar(Emperor/King) of Russia's bones are now been identified as his! There has been a mysterious of what happened to the bodies of the last royal family. It is a great pleasure to final close part of the chapter of mystery but the rest is still unknown.The bones of the last tsar, his wife, and three of their daughters were dug up in woodland near Ekaterinburg at the end of the Soviet era a quarter of a century ago. The DNA examination compared the bones to a known bloodstain of Tsar. Further tests will be done by the Russian Orthodox Church. 

Let'sTalk About Ponce De Leon

Hola Mis amantes de la historia
En Este tema, Pensé que debo hablar in Español porque Ponce de Leon era Español! Apredí español cuando era joven. Entonces, vamos!
  Ponce nació en 1460, Santervás de Campos, Spain. su familia tenía dinero. por lo que no era pobre desempeñó como trabajador en la corte de Aragón, donde él aprendió habilidades sociales, religión y tácticas militares. Eventualmente se convirtió en un soldado y luchó contra los moros en Granada. Como otros conquistadores, Ponce de León buscó pronto fama y fortuna a través de la exploración, y se cree que comenzó su misión como parte de la segunda expedición de Christopher Columbus en 1493.
  1500-1509, él construyó muchas colonias, se convirtió en gobernador de Puerto Rico y perdió esa posición debidos problemas con el hijo de Christopher Colombus,y España.En 1512, el rey lo animó a continuar buscando nuevas tierras, con la esperanza de encontrar aún más oro y expandir el imperio español. Alrededor de este tiempo, Ponce de León se enteró de una isla del Caribe llamada Bimini, en el que se rumoreaba se fueron las aguas milagrosas que pretendía ser una "fuente de la juventud".
  Mas Tarde,Encontró  San AgustínEn febrero de 1521, Ponce de León dejó Puerto Rico para una segunda exploración de Florida. Los registros son escasos, pero algunos relatos describen un viaje mal organizado. La expedición aterrizó en algún lugar en el lado occidental de la península de Florida, donde pronto fue atacado por guerreros de Calusa. Ponce de León fue herido en el enfrentamiento, posiblemente por una flecha del veneno a su muslo. La expedición navegó hacia Cuba, donde murió en julio de 1521.

Te Veo Pronto!

J

St. Patrick's Cathedral

    Part of being in NYC was to visit St.Patrick's Church. It's a Gothic style church meaning, high arches, all in limestone. When we visited, Mass was happening so we got a glimpse of the Cardinal which was pretty cool. The Church was built between 1858-1879. Now even though it was built, the doors weren't open yet due the lack of funds. So, October 22 - November 30 of 1878, it's known as the Fair. Archbishops Hughes dream was to have a Church that was the "Heart of the City".

Until Next Time!

J

New York Trip!

Hello to all my History Lovers

This weekend I had the opportunity to visit NYC!! Literally I'm typing this in my hotel room and trying to pack but, yesterday I went to the 9/11 memorial center. Now for History, 9/11 made it. The twins towers, or the World Trade Center were destroyed by a plane crash due to a terrorist attack. On that day, over 3,000 people died. Families, Friends, Co-workers, were lost. It is a day to remember, because on that day  the world stood by and became United. Countries helped and supported the US, in whatever way to over come this day. 

This is a special place and should be visited. I recommend a full day for the museum and the pools. It's humbling to see it. Prayers to all the families who lost loved ones on that day

J

Post Halloween

MHello all my History lovers

How was your Halloween? Mine was grand. I spent the day at Disneyland. Not very Historical haha. So Halloween, has been around for thousands of years. It started out with the Celtics about 2000 years ago. During their time it was known as Samhain. It was a day for marking the end of harvest and moving forward into winter. It wasn't until the 8th century that the Catholic Church decided to create All Saints Day(All Hallows) on November 1. The days before it would be All Hallows Eve. Later on, it became Halloween. Costumes were pretty scary though, creepy really. But, Halloween didn't became Halloween until centuries later, where it was considered fun and exceptable(not in the Church). Now a days Halloween is one of the most money making holidays of the year just a bit behind Xmas!

Until next time!

J

Let's talk about : William, Duke of Normandy

Now, William is the most vital and famous for England. He was the first King of England, even though he was French. He was the only child of Robert I (Duke of Normandy) and his mistress, Herleva. Life was pretty good for him. Around 1060's he became a contestant for the throne. He invaded England in September 1066 and defeating Harold, Anglo-Saxon King, at the Battle of Hastings. He was crowned King on Christmas day in 1066. His reign lasted 21 years, which back in those days, that was a lot! He did marry, Matilda of Flanders. They had 9 children. 4 boys and 5 girls. So he must had been happy with all the boys! His reign changed England, Religion, Culture, Everything! Fun fact : William started the Tower of London, the White Tower to be exact. It must have been hard though for Him. He had to "create" a new realm. He was mainly in Normandy though, since he was the Duke. He only went to England 19 times in his reign. William left England for good in 1086 after marrying his daughter Constance to Alan Fergant, Duke of Brittany. How he died was unsure, but his death was on September 9th 1087. He left a legacy though. He was smart, courageous, and history.

Hope you Enjoyed and Until next time!

J

Let's Talk About...

Hello to all the History Lovers, and people who are interested in knowing something cool about our past :) I've created a new topic : Let's Talk About. Basically I will decided a post to Royalty. Doesn't matter the gender, status or where from. We together, will learn something new or learn about someone we've never known about. After each post, leave in the comments who do you want to see, or maybe do so more detail about a specific person. The choice is yours :) 

Until Next time

Jenna :)

P.S - my youtube channel ;)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCG34FiOFtCloyG_vyfX-g

A Queen's Life

    Queens. How would you describe a Queen? Head of the Country, The main woman, and possible mother. Queens were vital in a kingdom. They provided the future. So where do we begin? Queens are usually chooses for marriage/alliance purposes. They are needed to unite countries for money and backup in case of war. Other times Queens can be Regant, which means they have full control of the kingdom. They are the King and Queen all in one. If the Queen decided to get marry, her husband wouldn't become King. For example Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip. Or like Queen Elizabeth I, who was the virgin Queen. Unmarried and no Heir. As I said, children were the main concern. Pregnancy was so important and had to be treated with more delicacy since, hygiene and medical practices weren't as productive as today. Another thing, they had NO PAIN KILLERS.No proper doctors just midwives. So boy, it was probably scary as well. When the Queen was about a month before her time to give birth, she would go into confinement. Her would be boarded open with only a little light coming in. In medieval times, they believed that less light was better. When it was time, absolutely no men were allowed. After the birth, the Queen would wait of a month until she was "pure". Fun Fact: Queen Victoria was one of the first to use drugs to not feel the pain. Although it wasn't recommend, she didn't want the pain. 
    Queens like Isabella of France "She Wolf", was a warrior herself. She went up the ladder of power, involved herself with France and England. She was playing her cards right, so to say. 

I hoped you Enjoyed this and until next time!
Jenna

My new youtube video :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8noTCLI4fo

What is Monarchy?

   Monarchy, a word with so much meaning behind it.The proper definition of Monarchy is : form of government in which sovereignty is actually or nominally embodied in one or several individual(s) reigning until death or abdication.I mean look at Europe. For thousands of years, there was Kings, Queens, War, Death, Tax, and so much more. Monarchy is the backbone of Europe in a way. It has so much History in it. Pick a country, any of them will work. Research and usually you'll find a leader, somebody that's "better" than the rest. 
  Sometimes though, it's used for bad reasons. For example, Gaius Caligula(12-41 A.D). He caused terror in the people, claiming so many of them committed treason, even though they probably didn't. He even declared war on the sea. Another is King John(1199-1216 A.D)who murdered his nephew because he was afraid on him taking his crown. He did sign the Magna Carta, but later created war and an invasion with France.
   Monarchy isn't all bad. Look at Queen Elizabeth II, yeah now she doesn't have the same freedom of past rulers but she does care about the people plus, her matching outfits are so adorable. But a good Monarch with all the freedom, well there is a few. Suleiman I of the Otto Empire( November 6, 1494 – September 7, 1566) was the longest Sultan at the the time. He reigned for about 69 years and during his reign, educational, criminal, legislative, and taxation reforms were made. Another Gustav II Adolf of Sweden(October 30, 1611 – November 6, 1632. In his reign, he made Sweden a European Power. His lead his armies against France, Spain, during those wars he died. After his death though, Sweden became known as a Military Powerhouse.

I Hope you enjoyed my little take on the Monarch 
Until Next Time!
Jenna

  

ME

Hey Everybodyyyy!!!

Whoa this is crazy but I decided to make a Blog to share some History with you :) I'm not a professional or have a degree...yet but he, who doesn't love to learn? Well not school learn, fun learn!Anyways, I have a YouTube channel as well 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCG34FiOFtCloyG_vyfX-g
So Check it out, if you want to, well I hope you do!! I would love to grow my channel more and of course this blog 
as well!!
So a little facts about me :)
- I'm passionate about History, mainly European and Ancient
- My goal in life is to be an Historical Curator at Historical Royal Palaces
- I love to travel and learn in my travels(future blogs and vlogs!)

Until Next Time :)

Jenna