Articles written by Mary Gindling - Page 4

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About me - Mary Gindling

I am the channel steward for History Mysteries, which offers a chance to explore unusual and unexplained events in history. The subjects are, to me, at least, fascinating and I invite you to visit History Mysteries. You might find a few surprises there. You

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Arts & Humanities > Origins & Firsts in History Mary Edwards Walker: First woman to receive the Medal of Honor: 1 of 1
Mary Edwards Walker never shied away from controversy. If she had, she would never have become a surgeon. And if she had not become a surgeon, she would not have been the only woman, and the only civilian, ever to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. An Unconventional Upbringing Born on November 26, 1832 in Oswego, New York... More..
Arts & Humanities > Classical Literature & Mythology Mythology: The tale of the wandering Jew: 1 of 1
Returning Crusaders and travelers to the Holy Land brought back numerous stories and legends gathered during their travels, and one of the most persistent was the story of the Wandering Jew. Today we might treat the story as an entertaining little urban legend arising out of medieval folklore. But we should remember that in i... More..
Arts & Humanities > Colonial & Early American History What was the Massachusetts Bay Company?: 1 of 1
The Birth of the Massachusetts Bay Company In March 1629, King Charles I of England issued a charter for a new trading colony to be created in New England. Officially titled the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay, it generally became known as the Massachusetts Bay Company. The charter, negotiated by John Winthrop ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Mythology & Folklore What are Tommyknockers?: 1 of 1
My grandmother's brothers worked in the gold mines west of Boulder, Colorado. As I was growing up, she told me fascinating stories of the Cousin Jacks her brothers worked with, and sometimes she talked about their experiences with Tommyknockers. "Cousin Jacks" was a nickname given to immigrant Cornish miners who were recruit... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ancient History The history of Teotihuacan, Mexico: 1 of 1
Even though it had lain in ruins for hundreds of years before their arrival, the Aztecs called it Teotihuacan, the "place of the gods," and believed that this was the place where time began. No one yet knows what its original inhabitants called their city, nor where they came from. But at its height, it was the largest city i... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ancient History History of the Tiahuanaco in Bolivia: 1 of 1
Some time between 1000 and 400 BC, a band of settlers climbed into the 12,500-foot high basin now known as the Bolivian Antiplano and founded a village along the Tiahuanaco River in the Lake Titicaca Basin. Centuries later, between 100 and 300 BC, the little village had become a city dominating the surrounding villages and t... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ancient History The history of Monte Alban: 1 of 1
Although not large as compared to other ancient Mesoamerican sites, Monte Alban, located on a mountain top in Oaxaca, Mexico, offers a glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of at least three early cultures. Some of its principal buildings have been restored while others remain unexcavated. The site was carefully laid ou... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Pagan & Earth-Based Religions The history and significance of the god: Mithras: 1 of 1
Mithras originated in Persia as a protector against evil, and in Persian creation myths his sacrifice of a mighty bull gave life to the world through its flowing blood. Over time, the cult Mithras grew in importance, spreading throughout the Mediterranean area and even as far as Britain. As the worship of Mithras spread, he ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Colonial & Early American History Alabama: Indian mounds: 1 of 1
As the first white settlers moved westward, they encountered literally thousands of artificial mounds built by Native American cultures. These mounds were generally square, with sloping sides and flat tops on which dwellings for high-status families and ceremonial buildings were often constructed. Others served as grave site... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Mythology & Folklore Plant folklore: The properties of Acacia: 1 of 1
More than 1300 different types of acacia have been identified, and from ancient times, many of those species have proven extremely useful. Today, acacia products are used in pharmaceuticals and perfumes, and as both a food and a food additive. Hardwood lumber sawed from acacia trees is beautiful and durable, and the pulp ca... More..