From the Arctic Ocean to the Yellow Sea - The narrative of a journey in 1890 and 1891 across Siberia Mongolia the Gobi desert and north China

Julius M. Price

Synopsis

In these prosaic days of the nineteenth century one hardly expects a revival of the adventurous expeditions which made the fame of England in the days of Frobisher and Drake. As a matter of fact, the world is almost too well known now for such adventures to be possible, even were the leaders forthcoming, and the “good old buccaneering days” are long past. Still, I could not help thinking, on the day we left Gravesend for the far North-East, bound for a region but little known, and with the uncertainty of ever reaching our destination, that it must have been under somewhat similar conditions that the adventurers of old started on their perilous journeys; with, however, this very great difference—ours was not a filibustering expedition, but a commonplace commercial enterprise, backed up by several well-to-do Englishmen, with absolutely nothing of the romantic about it beyond the fact of its having to traverse these wild and comparatively unknown regions before it could be successfully achieved.
We started from the Thames on Friday, July 18, 1890, in the chartered Norwegian steamer Biscaya, eight hundred tons gross, bound for the Yenisei River with a nondescript tentative sort of cargo, consisting of a mixture of all sorts, from a steam sawmill down to the latest toy for children, our ultimate destination being the town of Yeniseisk, which is situated some fifteen hundred miles from the mouth of this mighty river. The object of the expedition was to endeavour to open a trade route between England and Siberia by means of the Kara Sea passage, which was discovered by Nordenskiold in 1875.

Disponible depuis: 01/07/2024.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

Yuan Dynasty - Mongol Rule and...

Rolf Hedger

The Yuan Dynasty emerged from the ambitions of Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, who sought to consolidate Mongol rule over China. Before the establishment of the Yuan, the Mongols had waged a relentless military campaign against the Song Dynasty, the ruling power in southern China. After decades of conflict, Kublai Khan successfully defeated the Song in 1279, marking the first time in history that all of China was under foreign rule. His ascension to the throne not only signified the dominance of the Mongols but also introduced a new era of governance that blended Mongol traditions with Chinese administration.
Kublai Khan declared himself emperor in 1271 and named his dynasty "Yuan," meaning "Great Origin," a term rooted in Chinese philosophy and symbolic of the vast scope of Mongol rule. Unlike his predecessors, who maintained a nomadic lifestyle, Kublai recognized the necessity of adopting Chinese customs to effectively govern a vast and diverse population. He moved the capital from Karakorum to Dadu, present-day Beijing, reinforcing his commitment to ruling as a Chinese emperor while still maintaining Mongol authority. His reign sought to balance the military-driven expansion of his ancestors with the complexities of ruling a settled, bureaucratic society.
Despite his efforts to integrate into Chinese political traditions, Kublai faced challenges in legitimizing his rule. Many Han Chinese viewed the Mongols as outsiders and resisted their authority. To solidify his claim, Kublai adopted Confucian principles and retained elements of the Chinese imperial structure, appointing Chinese officials in lower government positions while keeping key positions reserved for Mongols and trusted foreign allies. This approach ensured Mongol dominance while utilizing the administrative expertise of the Chinese.

Voir livre

His Final Tomb - A Disturbing...

Daniel Turmoil

With only three days remaining until Thanksgiving, the day was graced by beautiful, sunny weather. A bright and intelligent medical student decided to embark on an adventure to explore a popular and intriguing cave, which was considered suitable for beginners. Despite everything appearing to go smoothly, a single mistake changed the course of events. Taking a wrong turn led to a tragedy that continues to evoke speculation and terror even today. This tragic incident is famously known as The Nutty Putty Cave incident.

Voir livre

Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi's...

Rolf Hedger

The Vijayanagara Empire emerged as one of the most significant and powerful dynasties in Indian history, rising at a time when the Indian subcontinent was fragmented and facing threats from expanding Islamic sultanates. Its foundation in the 14th century was a turning point that not only established a strong Hindu kingdom in southern India but also laid the groundwork for a cultural and economic renaissance.
The origins of Vijayanagara trace back to the political instability of the Deccan region. The Delhi Sultanate had extended its influence into the south, leading to the weakening of older Hindu kingdoms such as the Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, and Pandyas. Amid this turmoil, two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, originally serving under the Kakatiya rulers, rose to prominence. After being captured and later released by the Delhi Sultanate, they sought guidance from the sage Vidyaranya, who inspired them to establish a strong Hindu kingdom to resist further invasions. In 1336, they founded the city of Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, marking the birth of the empire.
From its inception, the Vijayanagara Empire was strategically positioned to thrive. The Tungabhadra River provided a natural defensive barrier, while the rocky terrain of Hampi served as a formidable protection against enemy invasions. The early rulers focused on consolidating power, expanding their territories, and strengthening their military capabilities. Under Harihara I, the empire extended its control over parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, securing key trade routes and fortifying its defenses.

Voir livre

Ghosts of the Queen Mary

Brian Clune, Bob Davis

Learn the stories behind this luxurious—and haunted—ocean liner . . . 
 
 
 
For thirty-one years, the RMS Queen Mary sailed the North Atlantic. It helped defeat Hitler and was the ship of choice for the world's rich and famous. Now in retirement in the Port of Long Beach, the "Stateliest Ship Afloat" plays host to tourists, travelers—and more than six hundred spirits that roam her halls and passageways. 
 
 
 
These choice decks remain the floating home of a few regulars, including the oft-glimpsed White Lady, as well as Little Jackie, John Henry, and, of course, Grumpy. Join paranormal investigators Brian Clune and Bob Davis as they take you to the hot spots of activity from port to starboard and relate tales from the dockside about the spirits that haunt the grandest liner ever built.

Voir livre

The Shocking Truth about Travel...

Zoey Fraisers

Travel agencies have long been the go-to resource for travelers looking to plan vacations, book flights, and secure accommodations. For decades, they were considered indispensable, offering expertise, exclusive deals, and the convenience of handling complex itineraries. However, the travel industry has changed dramatically in recent years, raising important questions about the true role and value of travel agencies in today's digital world. Are they still as necessary as they once were, or have they become an outdated service in an era where online booking platforms dominate?
The evolution of travel agencies has been shaped by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. In the past, travel agents had access to deals and insider information that the average traveler couldn’t easily obtain. They built relationships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators, often securing discounts and exclusive packages. But with the rise of online booking sites, budget-conscious travelers can now compare prices, read customer reviews, and make their own reservations without relying on a middleman.
Despite these changes, travel agencies still claim to offer value in various ways. Many agencies promote themselves as experts who can save travelers time and money by curating customized experiences, navigating travel restrictions, and resolving unexpected issues. Some travelers, especially those booking luxury vacations, business trips, or complex international itineraries, still prefer the convenience of working with an agent rather than handling everything themselves. However, beneath this polished image lies an industry that often thrives on hidden fees, inflated prices, and partnerships that may not always prioritize the best interests of the traveler.

Voir livre

Egyptian Trade and Diplomacy -...

Omar Khalil

Ancient Egypt’s prosperity and cultural richness were significantly shaped by its early trade networks and exchanges with neighboring regions. From the very beginnings of Egyptian civilization, trade played a crucial role in building economic strength and fostering diplomatic relationships. The development of trade networks allowed Egypt not only to obtain essential resources but also to influence and be influenced by surrounding cultures.
The origins of Egyptian trade practices can be traced back to the Predynastic period, when local communities exchanged goods such as pottery, beads, and tools. As Egyptian society evolved and centralized under powerful pharaohs, trade became more organized, enabling long-distance interactions. By the time of the Old Kingdom, Egypt had established a network of trade routes that stretched beyond its borders, connecting it to various civilizations across the ancient world.
One of the earliest and most vital trade routes was the Nile River, serving as a natural highway that facilitated the movement of goods and people. The Nile connected southern and northern Egypt while also linking the civilization to Nubia and further into sub-Saharan Africa. This route allowed the exchange of gold, ivory, ebony, and exotic animal products, which were crucial to the Egyptian economy and the creation of luxury goods. Additionally, maritime trade across the Red Sea connected Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula and even the distant lands of Punt, where incense, spices, and other valuable commodities were sourced.

Voir livre