World History
The Forbidden City, China – The Richest Palace in History
No other palace—ancient or modern—matches its scale, longevity, and accumulated wealth. Origins and Construction The Forbidden City was constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle Emperor. Over one million workers, including artisans, craftsmen, and laborers, were involved in its construction. Materials were sourced from across China—rare woods from the south, marble from nearby quarries, and precious metals from imperial mines.
By Say the truth 3 days ago in History
Muammar al-Qaddafi: The Desert Revolutionary Who Ruled Libya for 42 Years
Muammar al-Qaddafi was born into a Bedouin family of the small al-Qadhadhfa tribe in the harsh environment of the Libyan desert. His early years were marked by poverty and traditional nomadic life—sleeping in tents, caring for livestock, and attending a local primary school in Sabha. From a young age, Qaddafi was deeply influenced by the sweeping changes in the Arab world, especially the rise of Arab nationalism championed by Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. This ideology, centered on unity among Arab states and resistance to colonial influence, would shape his worldview throughout his life. � Pakistan Times +1 Qaddafi continued his education, moving between schools in Misrata and Sabha and showing early signs of political activism. During his studies he organized protests supporting Arab nationalist causes, including opposition to the dissolution of the short-lived United Arab Republic between Egypt and Syria. Expelled from school at one point for his activism, he eventually enrolled in the military academy in Benghazi, where he joined a group of young officers harboring revolutionary ambitions. � Pakistan Times +1 The 1969 Coup: From Officer to Leader On September 1, 1969, at the age of just 27, Qaddafi and a small group of junior military officers executed a swift and bloodless coup that overthrew King Idris I, who had ruled the newly independent Libya since 1951. The king was abroad for medical treatment, and the coup leaders seized the moment, abolishing the monarchy and declaring Libya a republic. Qaddafi was immediately named chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council and commander-in-chief of the armed forces—positions that gave him de facto control of the country. � Encyclopedia Britannica Once in power, Qaddafi moved quickly to assert Libya’s independence from Western influence. He ordered the removal of U.S. and British military bases from Libya and nationalized the country’s oil industry, which was dominated by foreign companies. He also expelled many Italians and Jews from Libya, echoing his brand of strict Islamic principles and fierce opposition to colonial legacy. � Encyclopedia Britannica Domestic Policies and The Green Book Qaddafi sought to reshape Libya’s society through a blend of Islamic socialism and revolutionary populism. In 1973 he published his influential manifesto, The Green Book, outlining his ideas of direct democracy, economic redistribution, and rejection of traditional political parties and institutions. According to Qaddafi, power should reside in people’s committees and popular congresses rather than centralized state structures. � Encyclopedia Britannica In practice, these reforms were a mixture of radical inclusivity and strict authoritarian control. Healthcare and education were made widely accessible, and Libya’s vast oil revenues funded ambitious development projects. But political dissent was ruthlessly suppressed, freedom of speech was virtually nonexistent, and secret police kept tight control over public life. While some Libyans benefited from state welfare, many others lived in fear of arbitrary detention and persecution. � Encyclopedia Britannica International Relations and Global Controversies Qaddafi’s ambitions were not confined to Libya. He positioned himself as a voice of anti-imperialism, supporting revolutionary movements and opposition groups across the globe, from the Irish Republican Army in Europe to radical organizations in the United States. These policies often brought Libya into direct conflict with Western powers. In 1986, U.S. aircraft bombed Qaddafi’s compound in Tripoli in retaliation for Libya’s alleged involvement in terrorist activities, killing several of his family members. � Encyclopedia Britannica Perhaps the most notorious international incident linked to Qaddafi was the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, which killed 270 people. Libya’s alleged role in the tragedy led to years of United Nations and Western sanctions that isolated the regime. Although Libya later handed over suspects for trial and sanctions were gradually lifted in the early 2000s, the episode cemented Qaddafi’s reputation in the West as a sponsor of terrorism. � Encyclopedia Britannica The Arab Spring and the Fall of a Regime In 2011, inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Libyans took to the streets in protest against Qaddafi’s rule. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into a full-scale civil conflict as government forces attempted to crush dissent with brutal force. The international community, alarmed by reports of mass atrocities, authorized a NATO intervention to protect civilians. After months of fighting, rebels captured Tripoli and later Qaddafi’s hometown of Sirte. On October 20, 2011, Qaddafi was killed by rebel fighters, bringing an end to his 42-year rule. � Encyclopedia Britannica +1 Legacy: A Leader of Contrasts Muammar al-Qaddafi’s life remains deeply contested. To some, he was a visionary revolutionary who challenged Western dominance and tried to uplift his people through welfare and development. To others, he was a ruthless autocrat whose regime was marked by repression, human rights abuses, and international provocation. His death did not bring immediate peace to Libya—rather, the country has struggled with instability and factional violence in the years since. Yet the debates over his legacy continue, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of his life and rule.
By Hasbanullah3 days ago in History
Mercury and the Chinese Imperial Kings: Power, Immortality, and a Deadly Obsession. AI-Generated.
This article explores why Chinese imperial kings valued mercury, how it was used in medicine, alchemy, governance, and burial practices, and the profound consequences of this fascination.
By Say the truth 3 days ago in History
Genghis Khan: The Complete History of the Greatest Conqueror in Human History
Early Life and Struggles Temujin was born into the Borjigin clan in present-day Mongolia. His father, Yesugei, was a minor tribal leader who was poisoned by rival Tatars when Temujin was still young. After his father’s death, Temujin’s family was abandoned by their tribe, leaving them to survive alone in harsh conditions.
By Say the truth 3 days ago in History
7 once‑popular foreign cars whose engines can last up to 1 million kilometres
In an era of rapidly evolving automotive technology, where many modern engines are designed with planned obsolescence in mind, it’s refreshing to look back at a select group of foreign-made cars whose powerplants defied the odds — achieving the almost mythical milestone of 1 million kilometres without major rebuilds. These aren’t just vehicles; they’re mechanical legends, silent testaments to engineering integrity, thoughtful design, and the old-school philosophy that a car should outlive its original owner.
By Aizanat Alimova-Umalatova4 days ago in History
The Shadow of a Giant
I never met him. But I knew his voice. It came through our black-and-white TV in 1983, calm and steady, speaking of “morning in America” while my father fixed dinner and my mother worried about bills. To me, he was just a man in a suit—distant, polished, untouchable.
By KAMRAN AHMAD4 days ago in History
The Night Walk of Justice
During the golden age of the Islamic Caliphate, when Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) was the leader of the Muslim world, the city of Madinah was known for its peace, discipline, and justice. Umar (RA) was not only a powerful ruler but also a humble servant of Allah who feared accountability more than authority.
By The best writer 4 days ago in History
Did Trump’s Policies Push America Toward a New Imperialism?
Did Trump’s Policies Push America Toward a New Imperialism? When Donald Trump entered the White House, he promised a dramatic shift in how the United States dealt with the world. Under the banner of “America First,” his administration rejected many long-standing diplomatic norms and embraced a tougher, more confrontational style. Supporters praised this approach as strength and realism. Critics, however, argued it looked like a modern form of imperialism—less about cooperation and more about control through pressure.
By Wings of Time 4 days ago in History
