Looking for a good pub quiz question? This one might catch some people out. Europe has a surprising number of monarchies, ranging from the well known to the obscure. They cover the spectrum from constitutional monarch through power sharing to absolute ruler. The youngest monarchy was instituted in 1929 (and that's a clue).
I like history. If it is sometimes weird and wonderful, so much the better.
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
When One Prince is Not Enough: Andorra
Among the dwarf states of Europe, the Principality of Andorra is the largest. Until quite recently, it was an absolute monarchy. It was governed not by one, but two princes, and both are not citizens of Andorra. They don't even live in Andorra. To make the case even more curious, it is not a hereditary monarchy.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Princes: Not All That Glitters
There are Princes and Princesses, and then there are Princes and Princesses. Some are Royal or more, some are not. The problem lies in geography. Depending on where the title came from, the title of Prince does not mean the same thing. The puzzle can be solved given some knowledge of geography and history, and quite some of the muddle derived from translating foreign titles into English.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Battle of Lepanto and Its Influence on English History
The Mediterranean Sea has seen naval warfare since man took to water. But the sea battle that took place in 1571 off the coast of Greece near Lepanto was without precedent. 484 armed naval vessels confronted each other armed with cannons. The historic event shaped the future of the Mediterranean. But how great was its influence on English history?
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