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  Benin Empire - Art Warfare and...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Benin Empire, one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in West Africa, flourished for over 1,000 years. Its capital, Benin City, located in present-day southern Nigeria, was an epicenter of art, culture, and political power. The empire’s historical significance extends beyond its impressive architectural feats, remarkable artistry, and military prowess, as it was also a hub of trade and diplomacy. 
  The origins of the Benin Empire can be traced back to the early 11th century, with a history deeply intertwined with the Kingdom of Ife, from which the Benin people are believed to have descended. The development of the kingdom was largely shaped by its early rulers, the Obas, whose leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for the Benin Empire. The Benin monarchy, a vital institution in the kingdom, solidified the rule of the Obas and their divine connection to the people. 
  At its peak, the Benin Empire extended its influence over a vast region in West Africa, establishing a complex political and social structure. The monarchy not only commanded political and military power but also served as a central force in religious and cultural life. The empire was renowned for its rich heritage in art, including the world-famous Benin Bronzes, which showcased the advanced craftsmanship and symbolic significance of Benin artisans. These bronzes, intricate sculptures, and plaques, which depicted scenes of royalty, warriors, and historical events, remain symbols of the empire’s grandeur.

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  Sengoku - Warring States and the...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Sengoku period, meaning “Warring States,” was one of the most turbulent and transformative eras in Japanese history. Lasting from the mid-15th century to the early 17th century, it was marked by ceaseless conflict, shifting alliances, and the gradual disintegration of centralized authority. The roots of this period can be traced back to the decline of the Ashikaga Shogunate, the Ōnin War, and the rise of regional warlords known as daimyo, each vying for control over Japan’s fractured political landscape. 
  The Ashikaga Shogunate, which had ruled Japan since the early 14th century, gradually lost its grip on the country due to internal corruption, weak leadership, and an inability to maintain order. By the mid-15th century, the shogunate had become largely symbolic, with real power resting in the hands of feudal lords. These tensions erupted into full-scale conflict with the outbreak of the Ōnin War (1467–1477), a devastating civil war primarily fought in and around Kyoto. What began as a succession dispute within the shogunate spiraled into a nationwide conflict, leading to the destruction of Kyoto and the collapse of central authority. 
  With the Ashikaga Shogunate rendered powerless, Japan entered a chaotic era where military might determined control. Local daimyo, originally appointed as provincial governors, seized the opportunity to establish autonomous domains. These warlords fortified their territories, raised armies, and engaged in relentless battles to expand their influence. The traditional system of hereditary rule began to erode as capable military leaders, often of humble origins, overthrew established families. This period saw the rise of powerful daimyo such as the Takeda, Uesugi, and Hojo clans, each striving to dominate the fractured nation.

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  Citizen of the World: Soon-Young...

  Soon-Young Yoon

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  From North Korean Refugee to the United Nations: A Courageous and Compassionate Memoir Soon-Young Yoon understood from an early age that people's destinies are connected to international events. This book is a collection of her reflections as a women's human rights advocate speaking up to end violence against women and change the world to ensure gender equality, sustainable development, and peace. Yoon has seen the struggle for human rights in all corners of the world, meeting with people in urban slums and the offices of the United Nations. She urges us to look at the world through women's eyes to understand why gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable populations, is essential to our collective good. In Citizen of the World, you'll be inspired by Yoon's stories on Ending violence against women and girls Finding the Earth's balance Claiming the right to social and economic development Portraits of great women leaders Collective voices that are changing the world Challenges working as a feminist anthropologist inside and outside the United Nations Written through the lens of an anthropologist, these essays reflect her belief that one needs to understand a wide range of issues to shape our common future. Students, academics, and activists in the fields of women's studies, international relations, anthropology, and social justice will find Citizen of the World both unique and eye-opening—and filled with hope for a better future for us all.

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  Why You Should Go to Prague

  Mark Ferdinand

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  Prague is a city straight out of a fairytale, where Gothic spires, Baroque palaces, and medieval bridges reflect in the gentle waters of the Vltava. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s a place of breathtaking beauty and captivating history, where every cobblestone street whispers a story. 
  Mark Ferdinand guides you through Prague’s most enchanting experiences: strolling across the iconic Charles Bridge at dawn, exploring the winding lanes of the Old Town, marveling at the grandeur of Prague Castle, and soaking in the charm of cafés and beer halls where tradition meets modern vibrancy. Whether you’re drawn by architecture, culture, or the romance of a city that feels timeless, Prague is a destination that will capture your heart.

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  The Old Kingdom of Egypt - The...

  Omar Khalil

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  The Old Kingdom of Egypt, often referred to as the “Age of the Pyramids,” marks one of the most prosperous and significant periods in the history of ancient Egypt. This era, which lasted from around 2686 to 2181 BCE, witnessed the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under a single ruler and the establishment of the pharaoh as the central figure of both politics and religion. It was a time when the foundations of the Egyptian state were solidified, and the monumental pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, were built. 
  The rise of the Old Kingdom began with the third dynasty, following the unification of Egypt by King Narmer (also known as Menes). Narmer’s victory over the rival kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt not only led to the establishment of the first dynasty but also laid the groundwork for the idea of divine kingship. The pharaoh, believed to be the living god Horus, became the supreme ruler, a position that was both political and religious. This divine status provided the pharaoh with unquestionable authority, ensuring stability and order across the kingdom. 
  Throughout the Old Kingdom, the notion of kingship was reinforced through monumental construction projects, such as the construction of step pyramids and later the smooth-sided pyramids that are so emblematic of ancient Egypt. The earliest monumental stone structure, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built during the third dynasty, symbolized the pharaoh’s ability to control nature and destiny. These impressive structures were not just tombs for the pharaohs but also symbols of their eternal power and the journey to the afterlife.

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  License to Travel - A Cultural...

  Patrick Bixby

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  Discover the surprising global history of how the passport has shaped art, thought, and human experience to define the modern world. 
   
  License to Travel exposes the passport as both an instrument of personal freedom and a tool of government surveillance powerful enough to define our very humanity. 
   
  Patrick Bixby examines the passports of artists and intellectuals, ancient messengers and modern migrants to reveal how these seemingly humble documents implicate us in larger narratives about identity, mobility, citizenship, and state authority. 
   
  This concise cultural history:  
  • Takes the reader on a captivating journey from pharaonic Egypt and Handynasty China to the passport controls and crowded refugee camps of today. 
  • Connects intimate stories of vulnerability and desire with vivid examples drawn from world cinema, literature, art, philosophy, and politics 
  • Highlights the control that travel documents have over our bodies as we move around the globe. 
   
  With unexpected discoveries at every turn, from narrow escapes and new starts, tearful departures and hopeful arrivals, License to Travel shares some of our most memorable experiences involving the passport.

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