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So when did the path to knighthood and to a Spartan warrior begin?Knights belonged to the noble class and were part of a military order, but not all soldiers could become knights. Those lacking the equipment, status or wealth to join an order were usually denied. However, some from the poorer class could elevate their status and be accepted into knighthood through valor on the battlefield.Becoming a page was usually the first step most took in th...

The famous Tower of London was first built by William the Conqueror for the purpose of protecting and controlling the city. It originally lay within the earlier Roman city walls, but it was enlarged in the 13th century stretching to the east beyond those confines. Eighteen acres in all (including the now dry moat), you will find it covers the borough of Tower Hamlets today.The architecture within the walls is of all styles that flourished in Engl...

Ah, the stories of Japanese skill with swords and their style of fighting has reached epic proportions in film and literature hasn't it? Like most things, some of the hype is warranted, but much of it isn't. Tall tales have simply grown taller in the retelling.Individual skill with the sword reached its greatest period in Japan after the Tokugawa Shogunate was established in the early 17th century. Ironically, this was a peaceful period that saw...