2024-07-07
- The Story of Civilization continues. Here come the Ottomans. They took large parts of the Balkans (before Constantinople). I didn’t realize Bulgaria was held by the Ottomans until 1878! Not sure what happened after that, but ~500 years of Ottoman rule is much longer than I had imagined.
- Wow, more history. Had never heard of the Hungarian/Christian hero of Hunyadi Janos. Some crazy stories, particularly the story where Simon Komany switched uniforms with Hunyadi in response to reports that the Ottomans would deliberately seek out Hunyadi for heavy attack. Simon took Hunyadis clothes, was slain, and his diversion allowed Hunyadi to lead the Hungarians to victory.
- Another point from history. Really striking how significant the succession problem is for monarchy as a political system. Tons of stories of great kings/conquerors having their countries ruined by their incompetent or uninterested offspring. Seems unsolved, even today, for that system. A republic has its own challenges, but I’m greatful for the challenges we have, in light of those faced by citizens of other systems.
Date
July 7, 2024