Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

• 

  The Kushan Empire - Rulers and...

  Rolf Hedger

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The Kushan Empire, one of the most influential powers in Central and South Asia, originated from the nomadic Yuezhi people. The Yuezhi were an Indo-European group that initially resided in the western regions of China, near the Tarim Basin. However, in the 2nd century BCE, they were forced to migrate westward due to conflicts with the Xiongnu, a dominant steppe confederation. This migration led them into Central Asia, where they eventually settled in the Bactrian region, which had previously been under Greek influence following the campaigns of Alexander the Great. 
  Over time, the Yuezhi tribes consolidated their power, and by the 1st century CE, one of their clans, the Kushans, emerged as the dominant force. Kujula Kadphises, the first major ruler of the Kushan Dynasty, is credited with unifying the fragmented Yuezhi groups and establishing the foundation of the empire. Under his leadership, the Kushans expanded their influence, incorporating regions of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. His military campaigns against the remnants of the Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian kingdoms allowed the Kushans to gain control over crucial trade routes, solidifying their position as a major power in the region. 
  The early political structure of the Kushan Empire reflected its nomadic roots while incorporating elements from the civilizations it encountered. The rulers maintained a centralized authority but allowed local governance to continue in many areas, a practice that helped integrate diverse cultural and ethnic groups into the empire. This pragmatic approach to governance enabled the Kushans to sustain their rule over a vast and multicultural domain.

  Mostra libro

• 

  The Mythology of the Incas -...

  Odessa Nightshade

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The mythology of the Incas is a fascinating tapestry of gods, legends, and rituals that shaped the spiritual and cultural identity of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas. Unlike written traditions found in other ancient cultures, Incan mythology was passed down orally, with each generation preserving and refining the stories that explained the origins of the world, the forces of nature, and the role of human beings in the cosmos. These myths were deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the Inca people, influencing everything from their agricultural practices to their political structures.  
    
  At the heart of Incan mythology was a complex belief system that divided the universe into three realms: Hanan Pacha, the upper world of the gods; Kay Pacha, the earthly realm of humans; and Uku Pacha, the underworld where spirits and ancestors resided. These realms were connected by sacred mountains, rivers, and celestial bodies, all of which were considered divine. The gods of the Incan pantheon, led by Viracocha, the supreme creator, played a central role in shaping the world and maintaining balance within these realms. Inti, the sun god, was revered as the divine ancestor of the ruling class, while Pachamama, the earth goddess, was honored for providing sustenance and fertility.  
    
  Rituals and ceremonies were essential to maintaining harmony between the natural and supernatural worlds. The Inca performed elaborate festivals, such as Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, to honor their deities and ensure the continuation of prosperity. Priests and oracles played a crucial role in interpreting the will of the gods, often conducting sacrifices—both animal and human—as acts of devotion and appeasement. Sacred sites, including Coricancha in Cusco and Machu Picchu, served as centers of worship where offerings were made to the gods. 

  Mostra libro

• 

  Skiing Around The World -...

  Owen Jones

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of extreme skiing with our exploration, Skiing Around The World. This book invites you to delve into the adrenaline-charged world of those who dare to defy gravity, pushing the boundaries of conventional skiing into uncharted territory. From the formidable slopes of Chamonix to the untouched powder of Alaska's vast wilderness, we unravel the tales of intrepid skiers navigating the steepest descents our planet has to offer. Join us as we venture into the back-country, where untracked snow and the raw beauty of nature set the stage for an exhilarating dance with gravity. Safety gear in hand and skills finely tuned, these thrill-seekers document their descents, sharing the heart-stopping moments and awe-inspiring landscapes through the lens of extreme skiing films. Skiing Around The World is your passport to the world of skiing, where every descent is a conquest, every slope a challenge, and every adventure an ode to the indomitable spirit of those who seek the thrill of the steepest descents on Earth. Get ready to experience the rush, the beauty, and the sheer audacity of extreme skiing like never before.

  Mostra libro

• 

  The Siamese - History of the...

  Kelly Mass

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Siam was just a much different name for what's now referred to as Thailand. The Siamese are the people who live there, though they're never ever called as such any longer. 
  The most current and right clarification concerning the Tai people's beginnings claims that Guangxi, instead of Yunnan, is the Tai motherland. Today, Guangxi is home to a big population of Tai people referred to as the Zhuang. According to the Khun Borom folklore, Tai people who were not affected by the Chinese settled in what's now Biên Ph in modern Vietnam around 700 AD. Pittayawat Pittayaporn (2014) assumed that this movement occurred at the time of the 8th and 10th centuries, based upon layers of Chinese loanwords in proto-Southwestern Tai and other historic information. Chinese growth and mistreatment could have triggered Tai-speaking tribe to travel southwestward down rivers and over lower enters Southeast Asia. 
  Thailand is a fascinating country, with its own culinary arts, culture, history, royalty, infrastructure, and influence on the world. To learn more about these “Thai” people before they were called Thai, when they were Siamese, is to learn about those people’s roots.

  Mostra libro

• 

  Learn Italian with Short Stories...

  Language Mastery

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  HERE'S THE TRUTH NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT LEARNING ITALIAN: YOU DON'T NEED HOURS - YOU JUST NEED 5 MINUTES 
  You've got kids to pick up. Emails piling up. Dinner to make. A million things on your to-do list. 
  And somehow you're supposed to find time to learn Italian? 
  Yeah, right. 
  Here's what usually happens: You download an app. You're pumped. You commit to an hour a day. By day three you're exhausted. By week two you've quit. Again. 
  But what if I told you that trying to study for an hour is exactly why you keep failing? 
  "Learn Italian with Short Stories" by Language Mastery works differently. Because it's built around your real life - not some fantasy schedule where you have endless free time. 
  WHY 5 MINUTES ACTUALLY WORKS: 
  ✓ 100+ bite-sized stories you can finish during your coffee break, commute, or while the kids watch cartoons 
  ✓ Real Italian conversations - not textbook nonsense - spoken by actual native speakers 
  ✓ Two-speed audio so you catch every word when you're focused, or play it faster when you're multitasking 
  ✓ Stories entertaining enough that listening doesn't feel like "studying" - it just feels like your daily podcast 
  ✓ Quick comprehension checks so you know you're getting it (without the stress) 
  ✓ Practical vocabulary you'll actually use - ordering food, asking directions, chatting with locals 
  HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS IN 30 DAYS: 
  ✓ You've built an unbreakable learning habit (because 5 minutes is doable every single day) 
  ✓ You understand way more Italian than you thought possible 
  ✓ You're confident enough to start using Italian in real situations 
  ✓ You haven't burned out or quit (for once!) 
  No guilt. No overwhelm. No two-hour study sessions you don't have time for. 
  Just 5 minutes a day. That's it. And it actually works because you'll stick with it. 
  READY TO FINALLY LEARN ITALIAN WITHOUT REARRANGING YOUR ENTIRE LIFE? START TODAY.

  Mostra libro

• 

  Qin Dynasty - The Birth of China...

  Rolf Hedger

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The Qin state emerged as a formidable power during the turbulent Warring States period (475–221 BCE), a time when rival kingdoms vied for dominance over China. Originally a small and relatively minor state located in the western regions, Qin gradually expanded its influence through strategic warfare, strong leadership, and administrative reforms. Unlike some of the more culturally refined states in the east, Qin was often perceived as a land of rugged warriors and strict discipline, an image that ultimately worked in its favor. 
  One of the key figures in Qin’s rise was Duke Xiao (r. 361–338 BCE), who implemented sweeping reforms with the help of his advisor Shang Yang. Shang Yang, a staunch advocate of Legalism, introduced policies that emphasized merit-based governance, agricultural development, and a powerful military structure. His reforms transformed Qin into a highly efficient and centralized state, strengthening its ability to compete with and eventually surpass its rivals. While Shang Yang's policies greatly benefited Qin, they also led to significant social hardships, as strict laws and severe punishments were imposed to maintain order. 
  Militarily, Qin adopted advanced tactics and weaponry, incorporating iron tools and crossbows that gave its armies a technological edge. The state also developed a well-organized conscription system, ensuring a steady supply of disciplined soldiers. Unlike some of the fragmented alliances among other states, Qin’s centralized command structure allowed for swift and decisive military campaigns. Under leaders such as King Huiwen and later King Zhaoxiang, Qin expanded its territory, securing vital strategic locations that set the stage for its final conquest.

  Mostra libro