“Do not unsheath me without reason. Do not wield me without valor.”
These words are carved into the sword held by a statue of Giovanni delle Bande Nere, one of the most renowned military commanders of Renaissance Italy.
Born into the powerful Medici family in 1498, Giovanni became a condottiero, a professional soldier and commander who fought in the turbulent wars that divided Italy during the early 16th century. His troops became known as the Black Bands, giving him the nickname by which he is remembered today.
The statue was created centuries later by sculptor Temistocle Guerrazzi, meaning the inscription was not necessarily found on Giovanni’s actual sword. Instead, it reflects an old ideal of martial honor: never draw a weapon without reason, and never wield one without courage.
A young Prince Harald of Norway taking a photo of a bear at “Little Norway” in Muskoka during WWII. With Norway under Nazi occupation, its air force trained in Canada to help liberate the country. Harald later became King Harald V, who died today at 89.
Our Khmer Empire episode is out now! The Khmer were a people that excelled in agriculture, and grew to an enormous size. The decline was driven by religious strife and rival kingdoms in SE Asia. Their legacy still lives on in their architecture #HistoricallyHigh#KhmerEmpire
In 1970, Romania just took 10,000 real soldiers, dressed them as Ottomans, and filmed the largest army march ever put on screen.
Still more impressive than most modern CGI movies.
Class this week is headed to Pakistan! We are going to verbally climb K2. The second tallest mountain in the world, but it is known as the Savage Mountain. Find out why tomorrow. #HistoricallyHigh#K2#Mountaineering#joinus
The History of Cheese episode is out today! We have a little bit of everything in this episode. Lotta fun history to cover. But did you know about the government cheese cave conspiracy? If you don't, you're gonna need to tune in. #HistoricallyHigh#Cheese#FoodHistory
Tomorrow is all about cheese. The history of cheese predates written record. Battles have been fought over cheese. Cheese is regularly chased down hills for entertainment. It can even get you high. Join us for the history of cheese.Tomorrow. #HistoricallyHigh#Cheese#FoodHistory