Europe
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Swedish traditions and customs
What traditions and customs are there in Sweden? From the Nordic countries, the customs and traditions of Sweden. Gastronomy Food in daily life There is a wide range of culinary options, including pizza, kebabs, falafel, burgers, and Chinese cuisine. However, it is customary to identify certain items as particularly Swedish due to their association with the agricultural or early industrial past. The term husmanskost, or home cooking, refers to a staple diet of potatoes, meat or fish, and a hearty gravy. A less agrarian alternative is the smörgåsbord. This buffet meal of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres often includes various…
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History of Monaco
Brief history of Monaco summarized The brief history of Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. The beginnings of Monaco The protected port of Monaco was first inhabited by the Greeks in 6 BC, who gave it the name of Monoikos. Legend has it that Hercules passed through Monaco and a temple was built in his honor, the Temple of Monoikos. Historically, Monaco was part of France, but in 1215, it became a colony of Genoa through a land grant from Emperor Henry VI. The Grimaldis settled in Monaco in 1297 and their ancestors have controlled the Principality for…
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Icelandic traditions and customs
What traditions and customs are there in Iceland? A brief explanation of the customs and traditions of Iceland, a European island country. Food and economy Food in daily life The writer Halldor Laxness once observed that “life is salt fish.” During some of the events inspired by the romantic folk revival, people consume brennivín, an alcoholic drink called “black death”, along with fermented shark meat and smoked lamb, which is served on festive occasions. Icelanders are famous for the amount of coffee they drink and the amount of sugar they consume. Food customs on ceremonial occasions For homecoming parties and…
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History of Amsterdam
Brief history of Amsterdam summarized A brief overview of the history of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, in a summarized way. Amsterdam Principles The city of Amsterdam began as a town on the banks of the Amstel River. However, in the Middle Ages it grew rapidly as a center of commerce. In 1275 Floris V, the Count of Holland gave the people of ‘Amstelledamme’ to transport their goods by water through his territory. In 1306 the Bishop of Utrecht gave Amsterdam certain rights and the small town grew rapidly. In 1323 Amsterdam became a port for Hamburg beer. Herring…
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History of Athens
Brief history of Athens summarized Cradle of Western civilization, the history of Athens is eventful and fascinating. Discover briefly the past of the city from its foundation until it became the cultural, economic and political center of Greece. Foundation and monarchy Athens is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, and daughter of Zeus. The story of Athena is very similar to the story of the founding of Greece. The earliest settlers in Athens came from various ethnic groups organized into various kingdoms. They settled near the rock, which would later become the Acropolis. According to Greek…
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History of Berlin
Brief history of Berlin in brief A brief review of the history of Berlin, the capital of Germany, in a summarized way. Old Berlin The great city of Berlin began in the 13th century. Originally there were 2 settlements on each side of the river Spree, Colln and Berlin. Colln was first mentioned in 1237, while Berlin was first mentioned in 1244. The two cities grew rapidly and in 1307 they made an alliance. In 1360 Berlin-Colln became a member of the Hanseatic League. In the fifteenth century they were flourishing cities with about 8,000 inhabitants. In 1432 Berlin and…
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History of Brussels
Brief history of Brussels summarized A brief review of the summarized history of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The beginnings of Brussels Brussels was a place of settlement since prehistory, but became a notable settlement after Saint Gery built a chapel on the banks of the River Senne in 695, now called Place Saint Gery. The city of Brussels was officially founded in 979 by Charles, Duke of Lower Lotharingia, who established the first charter of the city of Brussels. Since then, Brussels has seen many rulers, renaissances and revolutions. Middle Ages (979 – 1500) After the beginning of his…
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History of Budapest
Brief history of Budapest summarized A brief overview of the history of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a city divided by the Danube River. The beginnings of Budapest In the 1st century AD the Romans conquered parts of what is now Hungary. Around the year 100 AD they created a city called Aquincum on the site of Budapest. However, in the year 409 the Huns captured the city. The region was then ruled by different peoples until the Magyars conquered the area in 896. At the end of the 12th century the cities of Buda and Pest grew. The region…
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History of Bordeaux
Brief history of Bordeaux summarized The history of Bordeaux begins with the human presence that has been found near the city in the form of the remains of Neanderthal cavemen that are more than 20,000 years old. The site of the current city was established by the Celts in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC and became part of Julius Caesar’s Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. Early history of Bordeaux The city of Bordeaux was the capital of the Roman region of Aquitaine. Many of its fortifications were built to defend against Germanic invasions, although they were ultimately…
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Welsh
History of Cardiff
Brief history of Cardiff summarized A brief overview of the history of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Cardiff Roman Fort Cardiff began as a Roman fortress. The Romans invaded Wales around 50 AD and around 55 AD they built a fort on the site of Cardiff. In the late 1st century the fort was reduced in size, as Wales was at peace. However, in the mid-3rd century the fort was rebuilt and strengthened to defend South Wales against invading Irishmen. However, in the fourth century Roman civilization declined. At the end of the century the Romans abandoned Cardiff Fort. Cardiff…
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