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  The Habsburg Empire - Central...

  Nova Ashford

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  The Habsburg Dynasty, one of the most influential and enduring families in European history, laid the foundation for an empire that would dominate much of Central Europe for over six centuries. The family’s rise to power was not a result of military conquest or economic dominance, but rather strategic marriages, political alliances, and a series of calculated moves that allowed them to amass territories and influence across Europe. At the heart of the Habsburg's success was their ability to use dynastic marriages to expand their reach, securing land, titles, and influence through the marriages of their children to powerful European houses. 
  The origins of the Habsburgs can be traced to the 11th century, with the rise of the family’s first significant member, Radbot, a nobleman from what is now Switzerland. However, it was not until the 13th century that the Habsburgs began their ascent to prominence under the leadership of Rudolf I. In 1273, Rudolf was elected King of Germany, marking the beginning of the Habsburgs' long reign in Central Europe. This election not only established their position within the Holy Roman Empire but also set the stage for their future expansion. 
  The key to their continued rise lay in the Habsburgs’ unparalleled ability to form advantageous marriages. Rather than relying on military might, the family expanded its territorial holdings through strategic unions with other royal and noble families. One of the most significant of these marriages was that of Maximilian I in 1477 to Mary of Burgundy, which brought the Habsburgs the rich territories of the Burgundian Netherlands. This marriage effectively linked the Habsburgs with the wealth and influence of the Low Countries, establishing them as key players in European politics.

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  Ancient Egyptian Gods - From Ra...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  Ancient Egyptian civilization was deeply intertwined with religion, and at the heart of their belief system was a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses. These deities were more than just figures of worship; they shaped every aspect of daily life, from the rising of the sun to the passage into the afterlife. Unlike many modern religions, Egyptian theology was fluid, allowing gods to merge, evolve, or take on different roles depending on the time and region. This dynamic belief system gave rise to a rich mythology that endured for thousands of years.   
  The gods of Egypt were not distant, abstract beings but rather personal and deeply involved in the world. They governed nature, oversaw justice, protected the people, and maintained cosmic balance, known as *ma’at*. The concept of *ma’at* was central to Egyptian religion, representing order, harmony, and truth. It was the gods' duty to uphold *ma’at* against chaos, often personified by Set, the god of disorder and storms. This cosmic struggle played out in myths, particularly in the tales of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, which symbolized the eternal battle between good and evil, life and death.  
  Temples were the primary centers of worship, serving as both religious and political institutions. Each major city had its patron deity, and grand temples were built to honor and house these gods. Priests conducted daily rituals, offering food, incense, and prayers to ensure divine favor. Unlike in many other religions, common Egyptians were not allowed direct access to the inner sanctums of temples, where the gods' statues resided. Instead, they worshipped through prayers, festivals, and personal altars in their homes. 

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  Witch Country - Seeking the...

  Sarah Robinson

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  Sarah Robinson has been writing about witches for nearly a decade. But can the witches cast a spell to re-enchant her within the landscapes she calls home? In Witch Country, Sarah ventures over (and under) Britain's storied landscapes, with their rich witch heritage as her guide—from witch marks to hanging trees. Join her as she's led astray by witch hares and colt pixies and is inspired by sorceresses, wishing trees, and crystal caves. Meet whispering knights, sister trees, and ancient mother stones; discover modern-day witches and those whose lives were brutally ended during the witch hunts in this spellbinding exploration of fascinating folklore, harrowing history, haunting superstitions, and the magical places where they all collide. Journey with Sarah through the wheel of the year as she sets out on a monthly journey to discover places and voices across the British Isles, from Glastonbury to Lancaster, the New Forest to Edinburgh, that have been shaped by witch lore. She explores the landscapes where well-known witches from myth and history lived, including Sybil Leek, Gerald Gardner, Lilias Adie, Morgan le Fay, the Witch of Wookey Hole, the Pendle Witches, and many more. Unearthing the stories and spirits of place rooted in the land, you will discover that wherever you may roam, a little magic is never far away . . .

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  The Italian Wine Connoisseur - A...

  E.V. Luther

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  Do you want to discover more, choose wisely and deep-dive into the amazing world of Italian wine? 
  In this seven-day guide, you will gain a simple-to-digest lesson on Italian wines, taking you from any starting point, to being able to select, taste, pair and pour an outstanding Italian variety. If you are currently at a fairly average stage in your wine knowledge and need a book where a plane ticket to Italy is not required, then this book is for you. 
  Do you need the skills to be able to deliver the right bottle of wine for all social occasions, and start to raise your game from just Pinot Grigio or Merlot? Then we are here for you. Drinking and sharing wine is one of life’s great pleasures, and even better if you know what on earth you’re doing. And we plan to get you to exactly that point with clear explanations, visual maps and example wines to add to your growing collections. 
  These seven days take you through everything from knowing Italian labels and the 20 wine regions, spreading across 695,000 hectares, to knowing how to store wine correctly. We give you takeaway lessons each day, such as how to open the bottle and pour a sophisticated glass. You will also be able to identify aromas with specific visual tools provided, and ultimately be able to pair the right wine with the right foods. Finally, we give you a daily Wine of the Day to try each evening with us and put theory into practise, as well as our final Top 10 chosen wishlist on our final day together. 
  This audio will help you navigate the world of Italian wine, even if you are starting from zero knowledge.

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  Toltec Empire - The Architects...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Toltec civilization emerged in central Mexico following the decline of Teotihuacan, one of the most powerful and influential cities of ancient Mesoamerica. With Teotihuacan’s fall around the 7th or 8th century, the region experienced a power vacuum, creating an opportunity for new societies to rise. Among them were the Toltecs, a people who would shape the political, military, and cultural landscape of Mesoamerica for centuries to come. 
  The origins of the Toltecs remain a subject of scholarly debate, but many sources trace their roots to northern Mexico, possibly the arid regions of modern-day Zacatecas or the deserts beyond. By the 10th century, they had established themselves in the Valley of Mexico, where they founded their capital, Tula. The early rulers of the Toltecs, including the semi-legendary Mixcoatl, are credited with uniting various groups under a centralized government and fostering a warrior-based society that would come to dominate the region. Mixcoatl's son, Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, is one of the most famous figures in Toltec history. Said to be both a king and a priest, he promoted the worship of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, and encouraged a cultural shift away from excessive militarism and human sacrifice. However, his reign was met with opposition from factions who favored more warlike practices, leading to his eventual exile. His departure, shrouded in myth, would later influence Aztec beliefs and the idea of a prophesied return. 
  Tula, the heart of the Toltec Empire, reflected the ambitions and architectural ingenuity of its people. Expanding over several square miles, the city featured impressive pyramids, colonnaded halls, and massive stone warriors that stood as sentinels over its ceremonial centers. The city's strategic location allowed the Toltecs to control trade networks that extended as far as the Yucatán Peninsula and beyond.

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  The Sea All Around - A passion...

  Richard Clubley

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  I'm not the only one with islomania – lots of people have the same affliction, for which there is no known cure, thank goodness. I have a similar affinity for boats and I think the similarity is that they are both tiny worlds, bounded by water.
  Richard Clubley makes no secret of his love of Scottish islands. In fact, it's his mission to spread the love through writing about all the islands he has visited. The Sea All Around is a very personal appreciation of these places – 'remote' to some, but the centre of the world for those who live there.
  Richard gets to the heart of island life, picking up on the particular character of each island he visits by making friends and learning about local history and lore, such as the story of the exploding float on Lunga, the ingenious defence of the garrison at Cairn-na-Burgh on the Treshnish Isles and the Battle of Bloody Bay on Mull.
  I still love a blank sheet of paper and the first sentence of a new island story.

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