I was talking with a friend about the "graveyard of empires," b*tching about politics, and we both realized that we knew pretty much nothing about the British experience in Afghanistan in the 19th century. (I have a vague recollection about it being background for some Sherlock Holmes stories. She remembered some Kipling.) What books would you recommend for getting a good understanding of that period of history? Bonus points for an engaging writing style and for not being the length of an encyclopedia. Thanks!
posted by epersonae on Nov 13, 2009 - 17 answers

What kind of racial harmony was there within the Roman Empire? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety on Oct 11, 2009 - 18 answers

Looking for a 4X style empire game from my youth. Difficulty: Played it on a VT-100 terminal. Crazy boring details inside. [more inside]
posted by CarlRossi on Oct 10, 2009 - 6 answers

I've read hints here and there that there were American soldiers who flipped sides and joined the Vietnamese. Where can I find definitive accounts of these stories? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon on May 17, 2009 - 4 answers

I am looking for a quote I once read about the decline of nations/empires. I think the quote was specifically referencing the Roman Empire and said something to the effect of when a nation starts putting the current generation ahead of the unborn generation, that's when it falls. [more inside]
posted by jellywerker on Feb 7, 2009 - 2 answers

I'm trying to find a good atlas that shows all of the Roman Roads built throughout the Roman Empire for my pastor friend. I think there were some 53,000 miles of highway built by the Romans, and, as he is preaching through Acts and following Paul's journeys, he'd like to have a good atlas that shows the period Roman district names, cities, terrain features, and especially the roads. Do you have any idea where he might find something like that?
posted by snap_dragon on Feb 6, 2009 - 5 answers

What lessons should the US have taken from history in planning the invasion of Iraq? [more inside]
posted by greytape on Apr 8, 2008 - 24 answers

Looking for an old newsmagazine story about Britain. [more inside]
posted by bigcheesegump on Dec 10, 2007 - 1 answer

What should I do about the drastic increase in my freelancer's health insurance? [more inside]
posted by annabellee on Dec 4, 2007 - 6 answers

Why is the US House pushing to declare the deaths of Armenians as a genocide committed by the then Ottoman Empire/now Turkey? [more inside]
posted by SeizeTheDay on Oct 14, 2007 - 41 answers

My wife & I have been netflixing the HBO series "Rome" and continually find ourselves asking "did that really happen?" or "is that historically accurate?", which has lead us to wonder which book is the definitive "must read" to understand the Roman Empire during Caesar's time?
posted by tangyraspberry on Jul 1, 2007 - 25 answers

I'm trying to get my hands on a TV commercial from a few years ago for some financial or business company, with a vision of a modern Roman Empire. What I remember: Caesar steps out of an SPQR limousine, illuminated by flashbulbs and surrounded by black-suited, earpieced Praetorian guard, then an image of a Roman New York, with a statue of Caesar instead of Liberty. Any pointers on finding this commercial? Also, are there any fictional works that deal with the what-if subject of the Modern Roman Empire? Thanks!
posted by nervestaple on Jan 6, 2007 - 11 answers

Historical movies. I love movies taking place in older times, and I have a particular fascination for the golden years of the British Empire, and the European civilization during this era. What might I like? Also: Bonus question about 1980s, possible 1970s series or movie set in this historical period. [more inside]
posted by gentle on Aug 26, 2005 - 23 answers