Which 13th-century Mongol warlord controlled probably a larger area than anyone in history, from the Yellow Sea to the Black Sea?

Mongols. A history of the Mongols (Monguls)        From the first explosion of Mongol military might from the steppes of central Asia in the early decades of the 13th century to the death of Timur in 1405, the nomads of central Asia made a last, stunning return to center stage in world history. Mongol invasions ended or interrupted many of the great empires of the postclassical period, while also extending the world network that had increasingly defined the period. Under Chinggis Khan - who united his own Mongol tribesmen and numerous nomadic neighbors into the mightiest war machine the world had seen to that time - central Asia, northern China, and eastern Persia were brought under Mongol rule. Under Chinggis Khan's sons and grandsons, the rest of China, Tibet, Persia, Iraq, much of Asia Minor, and all of southern Russia were added to the vast Mongol imperium. Though the empire was divided between Chinggis Khan's sons after his death in 1227, the four khanates or kingdoms -which emerged in the struggles for succession -dominated most of Asia for the next one and one-half centuries. The Mongol conquests and the empires they produced represented the most formidable nomadic challenge to the growing global dominance of the sedentary peoples of the civilized cores since the great nomadic migrations in the first centuries A.D. Except for Timur's devastating but short-lived grab for power at the end of the 14th century, nomadic peoples would never again mount a challenge as massive and sweeping as that of the Mongols.        In most histories, the Mongol conquests have been depicted as a savage assault by backward and barbaric peoples on many of the most ancient and developed centers of human civilization. Much is made of the ferocity of Mongol warriors in battle, their destruction of great cities, such as Baghdad, in reprisal for resistance to Mongol armies, and their mass slaughters of defeated enemies. Depending on the civilization from whose city walls a historian recorded the coming of the Mongol "hordes," they were depicted as the scourge of Islam, devils bent on the destruction of Christianity, persecutors of the Buddhists, or defilers of the Confucian traditions of China. Though they were indeed fierce fighters and capable of terrible acts of retribution against those who dared to defy them, the Mongols' conquests brought much more than death and devastation.        At the peak of their power, the domains of the Mongol khans, or rulers, made up a vast realm in which once-hostile peoples lived together in peace and virtually all religions were tolerated. From the Khanate of Persia in the west to the empire of the fabled Kubilai Khan in the east, the law code first promulgated by Chinggis Khan ordered human interaction. The result was an important new stage in international contact. From eastern Europe to southern China, merchants and travelers could move across the well-policed Mongol domains without fear for their lives or property. The great swath of Mongol territory that covered or connected most of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East served as a bridge between the civilizations of the Eastern Hemisphere. The caravans and embassies that crossed the Mongol lands transmitted new foods, inventions, and ideas from one civilized pool to the others and from civilized pools to the nomadic peoples who served as intermediaries. Like the Islamic expansion that preceded it, the Mongol explosion did much to lay the foundations for more human interaction on a global scale, extending and intensifying the world network that had been building since the classical age.        This section will explore the sources of the Mongol drive for a world empire and the course of Mongol expansion. Particular attention will be given to the nomadic basis of the Mongol war machine and the long-standing patterns of nomadic-sedentary interaction that shaped the character, direction, and impact of Mongol expansion. After a discussion of the career and campaigns of Chinggis Khan, separate sections of this


Top 10 Largest Cities in India in terms of population Top 10 Largest Cities in India in terms of Population Posted on May 27, 2015 India is 2nd largest country in the World in terms of population after China. As per 2012 figure, India’s population is 1.237 billion which is the second largest after China (1.351). As per the latest analysis and prediction, India will become world’s largest country in population by 2020. It is the most alarming figure for India to control population. If India failed to do so, it will be difficult to provide basic facilities to all and result in failure state. We have mentioned here list as per figure of 2011 census. Top 10 Largest Cities in India 1. Mumbai, Maharashtra Mumbai is the most populous city of India. It is the financial capital of India as well as political capital of Maharashtra. Mumbai’s total population is 12,478,447 as per the 2011 census. Mumbai is also world’s 5th largest city by population. Due to business opportunities in the city, most of people in the country wants to settle down in the city. Mumbai Traffic Jam 2. Delhi Delhi is the national capital of India. Delhi is also known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of India. Delhi is the most important city and centre of power in the country. As per the history, Delhi was inhabited before the second millennium BC. Its total population is 11,007,835 as per the census of 2011. Delhi is tenth largest city in the World. Qutb Minar Delhi 3. Bangalore, Karnataka Bangalore is the Information Technology (IT) hub of India. People came here from across the country for their career growth. Bangalore is also known as Bengaluru and its total population is 8,425,970 as per 2011 census. Bangalore was expanded in 2007 and this figure represent new city limits. Bengaluru is 22th largest city in the World in population. Read Also: Tourist Places in Bangalore 4. Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and another growing IT hub of India. Its now capital of both states Andhra Pradesha and newly created state Telangana. Due to high growth and business opportunities, rush towards Hyderabad has been increased and it makes fourth largest city in India with total population of 6,809,970. Hyderabad is also 34th largest city in the World. Charminar, Hyderabad 5. Ahmedabad, Gujarat Ahmedabad is the financial capital of Gujarat and one of the fastest growing city in India. Earlier, it was known as the ‘Manchester of India’. Ahmedabad’s total population is 5,570,585 which makes it fifth largest city in India. Ahmedabad is world’s 39th most populous city in the World. Sidi Sayeed Masjid, Ahmedabad 6. Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chennai is the capital of Tamil nadu and one of the most important port in the country. Chennai’s total population is 4,681,087 which makes it 6th largest city in India and 16th most populous city in the world. Chennai is major business hub of the country. It is also one of the largest city in the Southern India. Anna International Airport Chennai 7. Kolkata, West Bengal Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and largest city of eastern India. Kolkata’s total population is 4,486,679 which makes it 7th largest city in India and world’s 51th largest city in the World. Its metropolis area is 185 square km. In earlier times, Kolkata was known as Calcutta. Now, mostly Kolkata name is used in all places. Kolkata Tram 8. Surat, Gujarat Surat is 8th most populous city in India with total population of 4,462,002 as per 2011 census. Surat is world famous diamond hub. Due to diamond industry as well as textile industry, every year thousands of people rush towards the city. Surat is the most developed city in the country and provides better opportunities to all. Surat City 9. Pune, Maharashtra Pune is emerging Information Technology hub in India after Bangalore and Hyderabad. Already thousands of small IT companies are working in the city which provides employment opportunities at it best. Pune’s total population is 3,115,431 which makes it ninth largest city of India in population. Pune Airport 10. Jaipur, Rajastha


What Are the Four Main Islands of Japan? By Matt Rosenberg Updated August 06, 2016. Japan's "mainland" consists of four primary islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. In total, the country of Japan includes 6,852 islands, many of which are very small and uninhabited. When trying to remember where the major islands are located, you can think of the archipelago of Japan as a letter "j."  Hokkaido is the j's dot. Honshu is the long body of the j. Shikoku and Kyushu make up the j's sweeping curve. The Island of Honshu Honshu is the largest island and the core of Japan. It is also the seventh largest island in the world. On the island of Honshu, you will find the majority of the Japanese population and most of its major cities including the capital of Tokyo. Because it is the center of Japan, Honshu is connected to the other primary islands via undersea tunnels and bridges.  Roughly the size of the state of Minnesota, Honshu is a mountainous island and home to many of the country's active volcanoes. Its most famous peak is Mt. Fuji. Major Cities: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka-Kyoto, Nagoya, Sendai, Yokohama, Niigata Key Mountains: Mount Fuji (Japan's highest point at 12,388 feet/3776 meters), Mount Kita, Mount Hotaka, Hilda Mountains, Ou Mountains, Chugoku Range Other Key Geographic Features: Lake Biwa (Japan's largest lake), Mutsu Bay, Inawashiro Lake, Tokyo Bay The Island of Hokkaido Hokkaido is in the northernmost and second largest of the main Japanese islands. It is separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait. Sapporo is the largest city on Hokkaido and also serves as the island's capital. The climate of Hokkaido is distinctly northern. It is known for its mountainous landscape, a number of volcanoes, and natural beauty. It is a popular destination for skiers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts and Hokkaido is home to many national parks, including Shiretoko National Park. During the winter, drift ice from the Ohotsk Sea creeps toward the northern coast and this is a popular site starting in January. The island is also known for its many festivals, including the popular Winter Festival. Major Cities: Sapporo, Hakodate, Obihiro, Asahikawa, Obihiro, Kitami, Shari, Abashiri, Wakkanai Key Mountains: Mount Asahi (highest point on the island at 7516 feet/2291 meters), Mount Hakuun, Mount Akadake, Mount Tokachi (active volcano), Daisetsu- zan Mountains Other Key Geographic Features: Sounkyo Gorge, Lake Kussharo, Lake Shikotsu The Island of Kyushu The third largest of Japan's big islands, Kyushu is to the southwest of Honchu. The largest city is Fukuoka and this island is known for its semi-tropical climate, hot springs, and volcanoes. Kyushu is known as the "Land of Fire" because of its chain of active volcanoes, which include Mount Kuju and Mount Aso. Major Cities: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima Key Mountains: Mount Aso (active volcano), Mount Kuju, Mount Tsurumi, Mount Kirishima, Sakura-jima, Ibusuki Other Key Geographic Features: Kumagawa River (largest on Kyushu), Ebino Plateau, multiple small islands The Island of Shikoku Shikoku is the smallest of the four islands and is located to the east of Kyushu and southeast of Honshu. It is a picturesque and cultural island, boasting many Buddhist temples and the home of famous haiku poets. Also a mountainous island, Shikoku's mountains are small in comparison to others in Japan as none of the island's peaks is higher than 6000 feet (1828 meters). There are no volcanoes on Shikoku. Shikoku is home to a Buddhist pilgrimage that is known worldwide. Visitors can walk around the island - either clockwise or counter-clockwise - visiting each of the 88 temples along the way. It is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Major Cities: Matsuyama, Kochi Key Mountains: Mount Sasagamine, Mount Higashi-Akaishi, Mount Miune, Mount Tsurugi Other Key Geographic Features: Inland Sea, Hiuchi-nada Sea, Bingonada Sea, Iyo-nada Sea


What is the dominant classical language of the Indian subcontinent?

Ancient India and the Indian Subcontinent Ancient India and the Indian Subcontinent Ancient/Classical History Expert By N.S. Gill The Indian subcontinent is a diverse and fertile region with monsoons, droughts, plains, mountains, deserts, and especially rivers, along which early cities developed in the third millennium B.C. Along with Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica, the ancient Indian subcontinent was one of the few places in the world to develop its own system of writing. Its early literature was written in Sanskrit. Here are some definitions for terms related to the ancient Indian Subcontinent listed in alpabetical order. Mauryan Empire at Its Greatest Extent Under Ashoka. Released into the public domain by its author, Vastu. Ashoka Ashoka was the third king of the Mauryan Dynasty, ruling from c. 270 B.C. until his death in 232. He was known for his cruelty early on, but also his great acts following his conversion to Buddhism after he waged a bloody war in c. 265. More » continue reading below our video 10 Facts About the Titanic That You Don't Know Ancient Historians on Ancient India Besides the occasional literary and archaeological record, there are historians from antiquity that wrote about ancient India from around the time of Alexander the Great. More » Holy Ganges: the junction of the rivers Alokananda (left) and Bhagirathi (right) at Deva-Prayag. CC subarno at Flickr.com Ganges The Ganges (or Ganga in Hindi) is a holy river for Hindus located in the plains of northern India and Bangladesh, running from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. Its length is 1,560 miles (2,510 km). Chandra-Gupta I (r. A.D. 320 - c.330) was the founder of the imperial Gupta Dynasty. The dynasty lasted until the late 6th century (although starting in the 5th century, the Huns started breaking it apart), and produced scientific/mathematical advances. Indus Valley Seal - Rhinoceros on an Indus Valley Seal. Clipart.com Indus Valley Civilization When 19th century explorers and 20th century archaeologists rediscovered the ancient Indus Valley civilization, the history of the Indian sub-continent had to be rewritten. Many questions remain unanswered. The Indus Valley civilization flourished in the third millennium B.C. and suddenly disappeared, after a millennium. More » Rig Veda in Sanskrit. Public Domain. Courtesy of Wikipedia. Kama Sutra The Kama Sutra was written in Sanskrit during the Gupta Dynasty (A.D. 280 - 550), attributed to a sage named Vatsyayana, although it was a revision of earlier writing. The Kama Sutra is a manual on the art of love. Languages of the Indus Valley The people of the Indian subcontinent used at least four different languages, some with limited purposes. Sanskrit is probably the best known of these and it was used to help show a connection among the Indo-European languages , which also include Latin and English. The Punjab is a region of India and Pakistan that lies around tributaries of the Indus River: the Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum (Greek, Hydaspes) rivers. More » Jain Tirthankara on the HazaraRama Temple. CC soham_pablo Flickr.com Religions There are 3 main religions that came from ancient India: Buddhism , Hinduism , and Jainism . Hinduism was the first, although Brahmanism was an early form of Hinduism.. Many believe Hinduism is the oldest extant religion, although it has only been called Hinduism since the 19th century. The other two were originally developed by practitioners of Hinduism. Saraswati/Saravati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. CC jepoirrier


In which 1954 battle did the Vietminh defeat the French and end their influence in Indochina?

French defeated at Dien Bien Phu - May 07, 1954 - HISTORY.com French defeated at Dien Bien Phu Share this: French defeated at Dien Bien Phu Author French defeated at Dien Bien Phu URL Publisher A+E Networks In northwest Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh forces decisively defeat the French at Dien Bien Phu, a French stronghold besieged by the Vietnamese communists for 57 days. The Viet Minh victory at Dien Bien Phu signaled the end of French colonial influence in Indochina and cleared the way for the division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel at the conference of Geneva. On September 2, 1945, hours after the Japanese signed their unconditional surrender in World War II, communist leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam, hoping to prevent the French from reclaiming their former colonial possession. In 1946, he hesitantly accepted a French proposal that allowed Vietnam to exist as an autonomous state within the French Union, but fighting broke out when the French tried to reestablish colonial rule. Beginning in 1949, the Viet Minh fought an increasingly effective guerrilla war against France with military and economic assistance from newly Communist China. France received military aid from the United States. In November 1953, the French, weary of jungle warfare, occupied Dien Bien Phu, a small mountain outpost on the Vietnamese border near Laos. Although the Vietnamese rapidly cut off all roads to the fort, the French were confident that they could be supplied by air. The fort was also out in the open, and the French believed that their superior artillery would keep the position safe. In 1954, the Viet Minh army, under General Vo Nguyen Giap, moved against Dien Bien Phu and in March encircled it with 40,000 Communist troops and heavy artillery. The first Viet Minh assault against the 13,000 entrenched French troops came on March 12, and despite massive air support, the French held only two square miles by late April. On May 7, after 57 days of siege, the French positions collapsed. Although the defeat brought an end to French colonial efforts in Indochina, the United States soon stepped up to fill the vacuum, increasing military aid to South Vietnam and sending the first U.S. military advisers to the country in 1959. Related Videos


What nationality are the Gurkhas, who have fought for the British and Indian armies since 1815?

Who are the Gurkhas? - BBC News BBC News Close share panel Image caption Gurkhas are part of the British Army Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, but who are these fearsome Nepalese fighters? "Better to die than be a coward" is the motto of the world-famous Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who are an integral part of the British Army. They still carry into battle their traditional weapon - an 18-inch long curved knife known as the kukri. In times past, it was said that once a kukri was drawn in battle, it had to "taste blood" - if not, its owner had to cut himself before returning it to its sheath. Now, the Gurkhas say, it is used mainly for cooking. The potential of these warriors was first realised by the British at the height of their empire-building in the last century. The Victorians identified them as a "martial race", perceiving in them particularly masculine qualities of toughness. Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had a country more faithful friends than you Sir Ralph Turner MC, 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles, 1931 After suffering heavy casualties in the invasion of Nepal, the British East India Company signed a hasty peace deal in 1815, which also allowed it to recruit from the ranks of the former enemy. Following the partition of India in 1947, an agreement between Nepal, India and Britain meant four Gurkha regiments from the Indian army were transferred to the British Army, eventually becoming the Gurkha Brigade. Since then, the Gurkhas have loyally fought for the British all over the world, receiving 13 Victoria Crosses between them. More than 200,000 fought in the two world wars, and in the past 50 years they have served in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Cyprus, the Falklands, Kosovo and now in Iraq and Afghanistan. They serve in a variety of roles, mainly in the infantry but with significant numbers of engineers, logisticians and signals specialists. The name "Gurkha" comes from the hill town of Gorkha from which the Nepalese kingdom had expanded. The ranks have always been dominated by four ethnic groups, the Gurungs and Magars from central Nepal, the Rais and Limbus from the east, who live in villages of impoverished hill farmers. They keep to their Nepalese customs and beliefs, and the brigade follows religious festivals such as Dashain, in which - in Nepal, not the UK - goats and buffaloes are sacrificed. Image caption Actress Joanna Lumley has been the public face of the campaign on behalf of the Gurkhas But their numbers have been sharply reduced from a World War II peak of 112,000 men, and now stand at about 3,500. During the two world wars 43,000 men lost their lives. The Gurkhas are now based at Shorncliffe near Folkestone, Kent - but they do not become British citizens. The soldiers are still selected from young men living in the hills of Nepal - with about 28,000 youths tackling the selection procedure for just over 200 places each year. The selection process has been described as one of the toughest in the world and is fiercely contested. Young hopefuls have to run uphill for 40 minutes carrying a wicker basket on their back filled with rocks weighing 70lbs. They are tough, they are brave, they are durable, they are amenable to discipline. Tony Gould, Historian Prince Harry lived with a Gurkha battalion during his 10 weeks in Afghanistan. There is said to be a cultural affinity between Gurkhas and the Afghan people which is beneficial to the British Army effort there. Historian Tony Gould said Gurkhas have brought an excellent combination of qualities from a military point of view. He said: "They are tough, they are brave, they are durable, they are amenable to discipline. "They have another quality which you could say some British regiments had in the past, but it's doubtful that they have now, that is a strong family tradition. "So that within each battalion there were usually very, very close family links, so when they were fighting, they were not so much fighting for their officers or the cause but for their friends and family." Historica


Which major export of Bangladesh is used to make sacking?

Exports and Imports - Bangladesh | By Bangladesh Channel City finder Quality Exports of Bangladesh Like many other third-world countries, Bangladesh relies quite heavily on exports to provide for the needs of its densely populated nation. The same products sold locally will generally fetch a much lower price than they would on the international market. This means that it is far more profitable for the country to engage in exportation than it is to engage in local trade. While this may mean that a large percentage of the countries GDP is sent off abroad as Bangladesh exports instead of being enjoyed by the country’s own people, it also allows for a steady influx of foreign currency . Currently Bangladesh’s main export items are garments, jute and jute-related goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood. Just three years ago the country made over $2,000 billion from export trade. The majority of the country’s trade is conducted with the USA but a small portion of exports also sees its way to Germany, the UK, France and Italy. However these figures should not mislead you into thinking that the country is well-off. As one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in the world, the majority of these profits will generally make their way into the pockets of a few wealthy while the rest will be thinly spread out amongst those involved in the production of these goods. To add to this, the country’s economy depends on an erratic monsoon cycle as well as drought and flooding which makes regular harvesting difficult. Besides these Bangladesh exports , the country is also engaged in the production of rice, tea, sugar wheat, ship scrap metal, textiles , fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, ceramic tableware and newsprint. Though yields can at times be quite high, the country still faces widespread poverty and it is struggling to free itself from this. Some progress has been made, but there are still many people living below the breadline in Bangladesh.


What was the former name of Iraq? - Quora Quora The former name of Iraq? Iraq. It’s astounding how people will immediately jump to saying it was called “Mesopotamia”, the Hellenistic Roman word for it, when in fact it is “Mesopotamia” which is the 19th c. colonial neologism. One would have thought this would have been obvious: the British didn’t invent an Arabic word on the fly. Iraq was the land’s name for over a millenium before the events of 1918, generally split between the ‘Two Iraqs’ - Arabic Iraq occupying the Arabic-speaking regions of Iraq and “Persian Iraq” in what is now the heartlands of Iran around Tehran (this latter was used as a propaganda piece by Saddam Hussein, but it long preceded him.) For the duration of the 18th and much of the 19th centuries, Arabic Iraq (the pink and orange provinces in the map above, Baghdad and Basra) were autonomous under a Turkish royal family (this, however, excluded the Kurdish regions of modern Iraq). Iraq has fine precedent as a country on its own right. The British actually did pretty much divide the region into its natural components. That these have gone through hell in recent years doesn’t make them ‘artificial’. Written Nov 7 The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Arabic name al-Irāq has been in use since before the 6th century. There are several suggested origins for the name. One dates to the Sumerian city of Uruk (Biblical Hebrew Erech) and is thus ultimately of Sumerian origin, as Uruk was the Akkadian name for the Sumerian city of Urug, containing the Sumerian word for "city", UR.An Arabic folk etymology for the name is "deeply rooted, well-watered; fertile". During the medieval period, there was a region called Irāq Arabī ("Arabian Iraq") for Lower Mesopotamia and Irāq ajamī ("Foreign Iraq") for the region now situated in Central and Western Iran. The term historically included the plain south of the Hamrin Mountains and did not include the northernmost and westernmost parts of the modern territory of Iraq. The term Sawad was also used in early Islamic times for the region of the alluvial plain of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, contrasting it with the arid Arabian desert. As an Arabic word, it means "hem", "shore", "bank", or "edge", so that the name by folk etymology came to be interpreted as "the escarpment", at the south and east of the Jazira Plateau, which forms the northern and western edge of the "al-Iraq arabi" area. 646 Views · View Upvotes · Answer requested by


Which river runs 1,560 miles to the Bay of Bengal?

Ganges River | river, Asia | Britannica.com Ganges River Allahabad Ganges River, Hindi Ganga, great river of the plains of the northern Indian subcontinent. Although officially as well as popularly called the Ganga in Hindi and in other Indian languages, internationally it is known by its conventional name, the Ganges. From time immemorial it has been the holy river of Hinduism . For most of its course it is a wide and sluggish stream, flowing through one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world. Despite its importance, its length of 1,560 miles (2,510 km) is relatively short compared with the other great rivers of Asia or of the world. The Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage network. Rising in the Himalayas and emptying into the Bay of Bengal , it drains one-fourth of the territory of India , and its basin supports hundreds of millions of people. The greater part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain , across which it flows, is the heartland of the region known as Hindustan and has been the cradle of successive civilizations from the Mauryan empire of Ashoka in the 3rd century bce to the Mughal Empire , founded in the 16th century. Morning prayers along the Ganges River, Varanasi, India. Gavin Hellier—Photographer’s Choice/Getty Images For most of its course the Ganges flows through Indian territory, although its large delta in the Bengal area, which it shares with the Brahmaputra River , lies mostly in Bangladesh . The general direction of the river’s flow is from northwest to southeast. At its delta the flow is generally southward. Physical features Physiography The Ganges rises in the southern Great Himalayas on the Indian side of the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China . Its five headstreams—the Bhagirathi , the Alaknanda, the Mandakini, the Dhauliganga, and the Pindar—all rise in the mountainous region of northern Uttarakhand state. Of those, the two main headstreams are the Alaknanda (the longer of the two), which rises about 30 miles (50 km) north of the Himalayan peak of Nanda Devi, and the Bhagirathi, which originates at about 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) above sea level in a subglacial meltwater cave at the base of the Himalayan glacier known as Gangotri . Gangotri itself is a sacred place for Hindu pilgrimage . The true source of the Ganges, however, is considered to be at Gaumukh, about 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Gangotri. Gangotri, glacier in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand state, northern India, and one of the sources of … © afateev/Fotolia Eyjafjallajökull volcano The Ganges-Yamuna area was once densely forested. Historical writings indicate that in the 16th and 17th centuries wild elephants, buffalo, bison, rhinoceroses, lions, and tigers were hunted there. Most of the original natural vegetation has disappeared from the Ganges basin, and the land is now intensely cultivated to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. Large wild animals are few, except for deer, boars, and wildcats and some wolves, jackals, and foxes. Only in the Sundarbans area of the delta are some Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and marsh deer still found. Ganges river dolphin, or susu (… Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Fish abound in all the rivers, especially in the delta area, where they form an important part of the inhabitants’ diet. In the Bengal area common fish include featherbacks (Notopteridae family), barbs (Cyprinidae), walking catfish , gouramis (Anabantidae), and milkfish (Chanidae). The Ganges river dolphin —or susu (Platanista gangetica), a nearly sightless cetacean with highly developed sonar capabilities—can be found throughout the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin, but it is considered endangered because of encroaching human activity. Many varieties of birds are found, such as mynah birds, parrots, crows, kites, partridges, and fowls. In winter, ducks and snipes migrate south across the high Himalayas, settling in large numbers in water-covered areas. People Ethnically, the people of the Ganges basin are of mixed origin. In the west and centre of the basin they were originally descende


Which sheikhdom is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates's capital - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com United Arab Emirates's capital Definitions of United Arab Emirates's capital 1 n a sheikhdom of eastern Arabia and capital of the United Arab Emirates Synonyms: the capital city of a nation Word Family Usage Examples Sign up, it's free! Whether you're a student, an educator, or a life-long learner, Vocabulary.com can put you  on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.


What is the capital city of Hong Kong? | Reference.com What is the capital city of Hong Kong? A: Quick Answer The capital of Hong Kong is Hong Kong. An area of the city known as Victoria used to house the capital. It has since moved to a more central location within the city. Full Answer Hong Kong is an independent city-state of China. This means that it ultimately falls under Chinese rule, but for economic and trade purposes, and as part of the agreement that transferred rule of Hong Kong from the U.K. to China, it is somewhat self-governing. Ultimately, China is responsible for Hong Kong's defense and foreign affairs. Hong Kong maintains independence in all other areas of government. It also continues to maintain its own currency.


"Who founded the modern republic of Turkey and, in 1934, took a name meaning ""Father of the Turks""?"

Mustafa Kemal ATATURK - Turkish Republic   Ataturk and the   Modernization of Turkey Ataturk is the national hero of   Turkey. He founded the modern Turkish Republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire;   an empire that was seen as the sick man of Europe at the turn of the century. His modern   perspective created a new nation and a country, and a secular state understanding   different from most other Islamic countries was introduced by him. Once you step in   Turkey, you will see his statues and the busts all over. One of the best books written   about Ataturk from a foreigner's point of view is the book titled " The Rebirth of a   Nation" by Lord Kinross. He was born in the year 1881 in Thessaloniki,   at that time, within the Ottoman Empire's borders at that time, in Greece at present . His full name was   Mustafa Kemal and the Ataturk surname, meaning the father of Turks, was given to him by   the Turkish people (1934 November 24th.) in accordance with the reforms he introduced   to create a modern Turkish country. His background was military, and he served   in   various posts in the Ottoman army. During the First World War , he was the colonel in charge   of Infantry at Gallipoli in 1915 and it was his genious defense tactics that   prevented the allied forces ( British, French, Anzacs - Australians and New Zealenders and   Senegalese) from capturing the Dardanelles and eventually Bosphorus. His success and fast growing reputation   disturbed the capital and to keep him under control he was promoted to Pasha ( General   ). When the War ended the armies of the allied forces occupied nearly all corners   of the country including Istanbul . Sultan and many of the people saw a hopeful future in the acceptance of either the British or American mandate. Ataturk,   however, had a very different vision. He left Istanbul in a small boat,   namely Bandirma ( a nice model of the boat may be seen at the Ataturk Museum in Ataturk's   Mausoleum, Ankara), going ashore at Samsun, a coastal town in the Black Sea, on the   19th. of May 1919 ( a date later to be presented by Ataturk to the Turkish Youth as the Turkish   Youth Day), the day the War of Independence began. He wanted Independence. First with skirmishes , in time with proper army   troops, Ataturk and his army friends' armies started fighting the enemy. Ankara was chosen   to be Ataturk's headquarter for its central location and the seeds of a new country were   planted there. He and his friends wanted to replace the Monarchy with a Republic. The War of Independence took some three years and by the end of the year 1922,   all of the invaders had left the country. The Ottoman Sultan fled in a British   boat. The birth of a new nation had begun. Ataturk's Revolutions The Sultanete was abolished in 1922, November   1st. The Republic was declared in 1923, October 29th. The Caliphship was abolished in 1924, March 3rd. Social Reformations The hat as opposed to fez was introduced. (1925) The activities of religious sects were banned by law. ( 1925) Western calender was introduced. ( 1925) International numeric system was introduced. ( 1928) The Metric system was introduced. ( 1931) The nicknames and personal titles were abolished.  ( 1934) Religious attire was prohibited in public ( 1934). According to this law, religious   personalities, irrespective of the religious groups they belong were not to wear religious   attire in public but only in their sanctuaries. The surname law.( 1934) The modern secular system of jurisprudence is instead of religious law is integrated.(   1926) The liberation of the women of Turkey by giving them political and social rights. a) Rights brought with medeni kanun ( 1926) b) Rights for women to be elected for the parliment Educational and Cultural Reformations Introduction and the acceptance of the Roman alphabeth. ( 1928 ) The foundation of Turkish History Institution The foundation of Turkish Language Institution The Principles of Ataturk ( Kemalism) The doctrines of Ataturk


Japanese info   Nippon (1891 - 1921) The McKinley Tariff, which took effect October 1,1890, required that all imported goods be stamped in English with their country of origin. Click here for information on the McKinley Tariff At the time, "NIPPON" was considered to be an acceptable name for Japan, so most Japanese ceramics of this period were backstamped "NIPPON" or "HAND PAINTED NIPPON." often with artist or maker marks as well. However, not all were stamped that way. There were still unmarked pieces, and pieces stamped "JAPAN" as well.  . If your piece does not have a country listed, it is possible it dates before the early 1890s. Of course, there are exceptions, so be careful making assumptions!  These are the so-called " Nippon wares". (Some of the finest examples of Japanese ceramics were made during this period). However, the rule doesn't apply for items exported other countries nor always in America because sometimes paper labels and the like were used. So while finding a back stamp saying " Nippon " is a useful dating aid its absence is not determinative. There is also the possibility of pieces having both"Hand Painted Nippon" and "Made in Japan" in the same mark.Some people might place a higher value on these but not everyone. There are also 'Transitional' marks which are identical to the 'Nippon' marks used previously but now state "Made in Japan". Companies later changed their marks.   Fake Nippon Fake Nippon first appeared on the market in the early 1980's. The early reproductions were poorly decorated and had fake back stamps which could easily be differentiated from the authentic back stamps by knowledgeable collectors. However, many novice Nippon collectors were fooled by these pieces and unknowingly added these "fakes" to their collections. Over time the companies making these fake pieces have perfected the M-in-wreath back stamp. It is impossible to tell the authentic back stamp from this new fake! Additionally, other authentic back stamps such as the Maple Leaf and Rising Sun were also being used on fake pieces. While these fake back stamps were slightly different from the authentic back stamps and definitely not as perfect as the M-in-wreath fake back stamp, they could fool collectors. Recently, thanks to the efforts of the Noritake Company, U.S. Customs has ruled that the fake M-in-wreath mark is counterfeit and not allowed for importation into the United States. Because of this ruling, wholesalers, for the time being, have stopped marking their fake Nippon with the Noritake Company back stamps (including the Maple Leaf, Rising Sun, and RC marks). Fake Nippon is now being sold 'unsigned'; that is, with no back stamp. The items come into the United States with a paper label identifying the country it was made in. Of course, the paper label is easily removed leaving the item 'unsigned.' In addition to changes in the back stamps, the actual mold style and decoration of the fake Nippon has been improving. In fact some of the newer fakes are being copied from original patterns used during the Nippon era, making them reproductions not fakes. The quality of these reproductions, while much improved over past fakes, is still not quite right and the feel of the porcelain is wrong. However, the overall quality of these reproductions is getting better all of the time and it's imperative for collectors to be aware of this   Site of Nippon Collector's club; http://www.nipponcollectorsclub.com/ .  Noritake (1921 - 1941) 1921-1941  - often called the NORITAKE ART DECO Era  This was also the beginning of the "Made in Japan" period and the reason for keeping Noritake separate from this era is the fact that the quality in many cases was much superior for Noritake pieces than for "Made in Japan". Noritake is still famed for their 'Art Deco' pieces made between the 1920s and 1930s. Many collectors consider the Noritake Art Deco pieces the best of Made in Japan ceramics. They were consistenly of better quality and most beautifully decorated, and today they are very avidly collected and are priced accordingly! Most early p


Which river with a vast delta to the South china Sea rises as the Za Qu in Tibet?

Mekong Encyclopedia  >  Places  >  Asia  >  Southeast Asia Physical Geography Mekong Mekong (māˈkŏng, mēˈ–) [ key ], Chinese Lancang, one of the great rivers of SE Asia, c.2,600 mi (4,180 km) long. From its marshy source (definitively identified in 1994) on the Rup-sa Pass in the highlands of Tibet, it rises as the Za Qu (Dza Chu) and flows generally S through Yunnan prov. in deep gorges and over rapids. Leaving Yunnan, the Mekong forms the Myanmar-Laos border, then curves E and S through NW Laos before marking part of the Laos-Thailand border. From SW Laos the river descends onto the Cambodian plain, where it receives water from Tônlé Sap during the dry season by way of the Tônlé Sap River; during the rainy season, however, the floodwaters of the Mekong reverse the direction of the Tônlé Sap River and flow into Tônlé Sap, a lake that is a natural reservoir. The Mekong River finally flows into the South China Sea through many distributaries in the vast Mekong delta (c.75,000 sq mi/194,250 sq km), which occupies SE Cambodia and S Vietnam. The delta, crisscrossed by many channels and canals, is one of the greatest rice-growing areas of Asia. It is a densely populated region; Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Long Xuyen are the chief towns there. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is located just east of the delta. The Mekong delta was the scene of heavy fighting in the Vietnam War . The Mekong River is navigable for large vessels c.340 mi (550 km) upstream; Phnom Penh is a major port. North of the Cambodian border, the Mekong was navigable in short sections, but dams and other developments have increased the reach of river traffic in the 21st cent. At Khone Falls, a series of rapids (6 mi/9.7 km long) in S Laos, the Mekong drops 72 ft (22 m). The falls are the site of a hydroelectric power station, part of the Mekong Scheme, a project undertaken by the United Nations in the early 1960s to develop the potentials of the lower Mekong basin. The project sought to improve navigation, provide irrigation facilities, and produce hydroelectricity. The Mekong River Commission, whose members consist of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, have agreed to pursue sustainable hydropower and irrigation projects and to explore the establishment of fisheries and the construction of a trans-Indochinese roadway system. Laos in particular is undertaking an extensive hydroelectric development of the river and its tributaries. China is developing the upper Mekong, constructing a series of dams to provide hydroelectric power and a navigable waterway; the first, at Manwan, was completed in 1993. In 2010 a report to the commission recommended that no dams that span the full breadth of the river channel be built on the lower Mekong for 10 years because of projected losses to fisheries and other environmental damage that could worsen poverty despite the revenues from producing hydroelectricity. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Isfahan is a major city in which country?

Travel to Isfahan now - Panoramic Photography and Map - 360Cities Isfahan History and Overview Isfahan is located in central Iran, equidistant from the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. It sits on both the east-west and north-south trade routes which traverse the country. Isfahan has artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic period, and written history going back to ancient Aspandana. At one time Isfahan was among the largest cities in the world. It has twice been the capital city of Persia -- during the Parthian Empire and again in the sixteenth century Safavid dynasty. It was here that the Safavids declared Shi'a Islam to be the empire's official religion, one of the most important markers in Islamic history. Modern day Isfahan has one of the largest steel mills in the region, an air force base and a major oil refinery. The art and architecture in Isfahan rival anything else in the world in terms of beauty and intricacy. Getting There The airport is found 20km to the north-east of the city; you can reach it by taxi or bus. The airport shuttle bus goes to and from Enghelab-e Eslami Square. Transportation It costs about 4500 rials to hire a taxi for an hour, and it's a good idea to grab one if you plan on visiting some of the more distant sights. The main bus station is about 2km north of Shohoda Square. Here you can get buses to other cities in Iran, like Yazd or Tehran. Once a week a bus goes up to Istanbul. People and Culture Iranians are extremely hospitable and a growing number of them speak English, so it is possible to get by on a visit without needing to speak Farsi. As always, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local customs before visiting a new place. In Iran, for example, it's not polite to blow your nose in company and it is not customary for men and women to shake hands. It is better to err on the side of caution if you are not sure how to avoid offending someone. The local currency is the rial, however locals speak about prices in tomans (one toman = ten rials). The rial is about 12,000IRR to the Euro as of February 2009 so you can see why they have a term for reducing the number by a factor of ten. US dollars and British pounds are the best currencies to bring with you, and be sure to declare all your currency at customs when you enter the country. The food in Iran favors fresh vegetables and fruits along with long grain rice, bread and grilled meats. Kebab is the the most common preparation of meat, did you know that came from Iran? Keep an eye out for Abgoosht, it's a thick lamb stew with lentils and potatos, served with bread in a special container. Things to do, Recommendations The Zayande Roud River is a nice place to go for a walk in some open space. Visit Naghshe Jahan square for the craftsmen's shops displaying amazing handiwork. Make sure you get some Gaz, it's the special candy of Isfahan, delicious! Before it's too hot in the mid-day, go for a walk at Najvan Park, it offers amazing views and a deep silent atmosphere. When you're ready to do some shopping there are several malls to pick from. Mojtame Park, Osun and Ali Ghapou malls are all located in Chaharbagh Abbasi Street. These are great for clothes, flowers, electronics etc. Jewelry time! Honor Gold Bazzar is a very big one-floor shopping mall where you can find all types of yellow and white gold, as well as silver. 18k gold is the standard of Iran. The Isfahan Old Bazzar is here at the end of the list because we like to save the best for last. This market sells everything you could want and then more. It's very beautiful to visit even if you aren't planning on buying anything, situated in the western wing of Naghshe Jahan Square. Text by Steve Smith.


Who was supposed to have told the Arabian Nights tales?

Who was supposed to have told the Arabian Nights tales View the step-by-step solution to: Who was supposed to have told the Arabian Nights tales This question was answered on May 20, 2016. View the Answer Who was supposed to have told the Arabian Nights tales danmwazo                                                   posted a question · May 20, 2016 at 4:29am Top Answer josewriter23 answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 4:31am Other Answers The way to answer this question is ... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29628974) ]} The best way to approach your question... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29628975) ]} {[ getNetScore(29628993) ]} muriladon answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 4:32am authors, translators, and scholars across West, Central, and South Asia and North Africa. The tales themselves... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29629008) ]} larrose. answered the question · May 20, 2016 at 4:33am One Nights’ told by Scheherazade , the woman who effectively invented the cliffhanger: the story goes that she was one of... View the full answer {[ getNetScore(29629014) ]} Unit VI Essay The list below includes provocative discussions related to the events in the unit's reading. You will choose one and write a 500 word minimum Recently Asked Questions Need an US History tutor? Prof-Alejandro 2 US History experts found online! Average reply time is                       less than an hour Get Homework Help Why Join Course Hero? Course Hero has all the homework and study help you need to succeed! We’ve got course-specific notes, study guides, and practice tests along with expert tutors and customizable flashcards—available anywhere, anytime. - - Study Documents Find the best study resources around, tagged to your specific courses. Share your own to gain free Course Hero access or to earn money with our Marketplace. - Question & Answers Get one-on-one homework help from our expert tutors—available online 24/7. Ask your own questions or browse existing Q&A threads. Satisfaction guaranteed! - Flashcards Browse existing sets or create your own using our digital flashcard system. A simple yet effective studying tool to help you earn the grade that you want!


Which is the highest mountain in the Alps?

The Alps - Highest Mountain Range in Europe The Alps   The Alps are the youngest and highest mountain system in Europe. They stretch across the western and southern part of the continent in a broad arc. The mountain range starts near the Mediterranean Sea on the  border between France and Italy. Then it curves north- and eastward through northern Italy, Switzerland Liechtenstein, southern Germany, Austria and Slovenia. The Alps are about 1,000 km long, the broadest section over 260 km wide. The highest peak, Mont Blanc, situated on the border between France, Italy and Switzerland, rises 4807 meters above sea level . Other famous peaks are the Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Großglockner and the Zugspitze.   The whole mountain range is divided into three sections: The western Alps lie west of the Great St. Bernard Pass and include the highest mountains. The central Alps lie between the Great St. Bernard and Lake Constance. The eastern Alps stretch east of Lake Constance into Austria, northern Italy, southern Germany and Slovenia.  They are the lowest section of the mountain range .     How the Alps were formed Millions of years ago the area of today’s Alps  was covered by a large sea that separated Europe and Africa. The southern land mass started moving northwards. This movement folded rock layers at the bottom of the sea. Heat and pressure transformed the rock and  pushed the material upwards . Today these regions are the highest parts of the Alps. Most of the newly formed rock is granite and gneiss, but many ranges consist of limestone which also formed on the seabed. During the Ice Age, which started about a million years ago, the Alps were covered with a thick blanket of snow. Glaciers moved down valleys and made them wider and deeper. As they moved they took rock and other material with them, creating moraines. When glaciers started to melt water filled up behind these natural dams and created the alpine lakes we know today. The largest of these glaciers is the Aletsch in Switzerland which reaches a length of about 25 km. The longest glacier of the eastern Alps is the 8 km long Pasterze, at the foot of the Großglockner. The ice and snow of the alpine regions helped create the large rivers of today : the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and the Po. The Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland - Jo Simon on Flickr   Climate In general, the Alps have a highlands climate . Higher areas are colder than the valleys and they get more rainfall and snow because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air. Sometimes warm dry foehn winds, blow downward along the mountain sides. The air originates in the Mediterranean area, climbs over the southern Alps where  it loses almost all of its moisture and on the back side becomes so dry and warm that its melts the snow and ice . This  often leads to a rise in temperature of up to 20 °C in the  colder valleys .   Plants and vegetation Many  kinds of plants grow in the various areas of the Alps. The valleys have rich, green pastures with beech and oak trees growing in the lower regions. These trees are deciduous, which means  they lose their leaves each year. The higher areas are dominated by evergreens mainly  spruce, pine and fir trees. Above the tree line, which is located between 1700 and 2000 meters above sea level you can find alpine meadows, mosses, shrubs and unique flowers like the Edelweiss.  The highest parts of the Alps (regions above 2 800 metres) are covered  with snow, ice and barren rock.   Animals Animals living in alpine regions must become used to living in higher mountain locations. The ibex is a sturdy wild goat that lives above the tree line. alpine marmots are  thick-bodied squirrels that hibernate in burrows. The chamois is a graceful animal that looks like an antelope. Alpine marmot - Dev Anubis Economy Farming is an important economic  activity in valleys and on the sunny sides of the lower slopes. Small family farms are very common in alpine areas. The main crops are barley, oats and rye, as well as corn and wheat. Farmers also raise cattle, goats


To Salvage Its Democracy, Israel Must Be Divided Into Cantons | The Huffington Post To Salvage Its Democracy, Israel Must Be Divided Into Cantons 05/27/2015 09:00 am ET | Updated May 27, 2016 Carlo Strenger Professor of Psychology and Philosophy, Tel Aviv University ASSOCIATED PRESS It turns out that liberal democracy has its limits; it can't bridge yawning gaps -- even within Israel's Jewish community, for example. For a number of years I have argued that Israel's internal differences -- not only between Jews and Arabs, but among Jews -- are so large that the country should be divided into cantons linked in a federative structure. Last year, with Haaretz's Judd Yadid, I presented a detailed proposal on how such a cantonal structure could look. The first weeks of Benjamin Netanyahu's new government show that such a proposal is timelier than ever. Barely sworn in, its statements, policy proposals and steps show that it might use its tenure, brief as it may be, to irreparably damage Israel's democracy. I'd like to present an unorthodox explanation for why Netanyahu's team is doing this, and why a federative structure might salvage Israel's democracy. Deputy Defense Minister Eli Ben-Dahan has taken the Knesset podium to defend his ministry's decision to provide separate buses for Jews and Palestinians in the West Bank. But the government halted this plan because it realized the catastrophic international repercussions of a step reeking of apartheid -- even when rationalized by security measures -- not because it considers the move grievously wrong. (Incidentally, the army was strictly against the separate bus policy.) Likud's Tzipi Hotovely is deputy foreign minister, which, given that there is no foreign minister, means she is acting foreign minister. Hotovely has told the Foreign Ministry staff that Israeli ambassadors should tell foreign governments the truth -- that God gave all of Israel to the Jewish people and therefore it is simply ours by right. The new culture minister, Miri Regev, has said she does not intend to allow art that harms Israel's image. "If I need to censor something, I will," she said. And the new justice, minister, Ayelet Shaked, has declared that governance must return to the people's control by working toward the abolition of the Supreme Court's ability to block legislation. Add to this that Netanyahu, who has kept the Communications Ministry under his personal command, has already taken steps to interfere with the press. For example, he is putting pressure on Channel 10, which he has tried to close down for a while now. Let me add the cherry from outside the coalition on the icing of this lovely cake: Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman, who single-handedly forced Netanyahu to form a coalition based on 61 MKs by not joining. He now attacks his former boss for having scheduled a meeting with Ayman Odeh, the leader of the United Arab List -- a meeting required by democratic etiquette. Lieberman called on Netanyahu to cancel the meeting because it "legitimizes the fifth column operating in the Knesset." Nothing in this potpourri of events should be surprising. The lamentations by Israeli liberals that the right has become racist and is trying to undermine democracy have been voiced for a long time -- and for good reason. But lamentations won't help; we need to look at the facts without blinking. Hotovely genuinely believes that God gave all of Israel to the Jews. Regev deeply believes that Israeli liberals harm Israel. And Ben-Dahan has explained his hierarchy of human beings from Jewish men to Jewish women and Jewish gays -- all superior to gentiles. As for Lieberman, I'm less sure, as he's more of a consummate manipulator than an ideologue. But his rabid attacks questioning Israeli Arabs as legitimate citizens certainly reflect a strong current in Israeli society, which is why he keeps voicing them. The right vs. 'the white tribe' As a liberal I am entitled to despise the views of Ben-Dahan, Hotovely, Lieberman and Regev, but I am committed to safeguarding their right to hold them. Incidenta


In which Italian city would you find Leonardo's Last Supper?

Leonardo's Last Supper - Visit the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo's Last Supper Book online the ticket to visit Leonardo's Last Supper The Last Supper is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most popular works and the most famous of Last Supper’s representations ever created. Such a masterpiece dating back to the Renaissance is preserved at Santa Maria delle Grazie  - a church and Dominican convent in Milan – and represents an important piece for all those who love Leonardo da Vinci’s Renaissance painting. Leonardo’s Last Supper shows the dramatic moment of Jesus Christ’s final meal with his twelve Apostles, as mentioned in the Gospel according to John (13:21). During the meal, Jesus predicts that one of his disciples will betray him. The twelve apostles are placed around him and we can see they’re noticeably upset by the Prophet’s words. It is just in the representation of emotions on the faces of the 13 personages that stands the magnificence of Leonardo’s masterpiece: he makes visible the “soul motions”, an essential element for an artist, as mentioned by the same Leonardo in his A Treatise on Painting. Jesus with the Apostles - detail of the Last Supper Book online the ticket to visit Leonardo's Last Supper The Last Supper was oil-painted on plaster, with a particular technique: a panel painting on dry walls never used before for frescoes. Probably this is the distinctive feature that makes Leonardo’s works unique in the world: the experimentation of new techniques, which unfortunately were unsuitable for a good conservation with the passing of time. As a matter of fact, also The Last Supper had a series of serious problems for conservation and so it underwent several restorations, which gradually lessened the peculiar features of Leonardo’s painting. During 2nd World War, Santa Maria delle Grazie was seriously bombed but the painting remained intact and in 1977 it underwent its last great restoration that lasted over 20 years. The intervention of the world’s greatest experts was able not just to restore the work, but also, through careful studies, to totally recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s stroke, bringing to light again the uniqueness of The Last Supper. Apostles - detail of Leonardo's Last Supper Book online the ticket to visit Leonardo's Last Supper Nowadays, Leonardo’s masterpiece was made even more famous by the book written by Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code - and later by the movie – which fascinated millions people from all over the world, who today come to Milan to visit the famous painting and try to discover the mysteries the writer talked about. The painting and the Church Santa Maria delle Grazie are part of UNESCO World Heritage The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 a.m. to 7 p.m. (admission allowed until 6.45 p.m.). Close on Mondays, on 1st January, 1st May, 25th December.   Booking is required and it’s also possible to book online .   Below, you’ll find our suggestions for guided tours to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci:


Top 10 Rivers of Italy | Italy Top 10 Rivers of Italy Map Submitted by ancos on Thu, 09/10/2015 - 00:00 There are plenty of splendid and beautiful rivers across Italy where one can get a glimpse of the natural scenic beauty located amidst calm surroundings.   They are famous for their history, for the scenery, the lovely little towns along their banks or the sports and activities, like rafting , you can do on their waters. The longest rivers are located in the North, because the peninsular part of Italy is cut in half by the Apennines. Nevertheless, there are important rivers in the South and in the islands of Italy, too. Here is a look at Italy's top ten most important rivers:   1) Po Po is the longest river in Italy and it flows through some of the most vital cities in the country, such as Turin, Ferrara and Piacenza. This river measures 405 miles in length and 1,650 feet at its width. It is definitely small when compared to the Nile or the Yangtze, yet it remains the longest in the Bel Paese. Around 141 tributaries feed this vast river along with a catchment basin of around 27,000 sq miles that leads to the plains of Val Padana.   River Po in Turin, in Parco Valentino. Ph. ©Depositphoto.com/poissonenciel 2) Adige   The Adige is the second largest river of Italy after the Po. It originates on the Alps, in the area marking the border between Italy, Austria and Switzerland.  Little trivia: the Adige forms the artificial lake Reschen, situated at the Reschen Pass just over the Inn valley. This lake is known for hiding within an abandoned, underwater village , whose church belfry still rises from the waters.    Verona and the River Adige.  Ph. ©Depositphoto.com/ActiActi   3) Piave This river flows through the Northern part of Italy, springing in the Alps and clearing its water into the Gulf of Venice. It's called the "Fiume Sacro alla Patria" (River Sacred to the Country) in memory of the hard battles fought on its banks during World War I, and remembered in many popular songs, chief among them " La Leggenda del Piave " (The Legend of Piave). Today it is one of the principal water sources for the agricultural farms and hydroelectric power station in the plains of Veneto.   4) Savio The river Savio is located across northern Italy and has its source close to Montecoronaro located on Mount Castelvecchio. The source of this river is situated at a height of 1,126 meters. It has a well-preserved natural environment across Romagna and comprises of The River Savio National Park.   5) Tiber The Tiber is regarded as the third largest rivers of Italy. It springs from the Apennines and flows for about 406 kms along Umbria and Lazio, until he reaches the Tyrrhenian Sea. This river is especially known for being the main water basin touching the eternal city, Rome. The source of Tiber comprises of two springs located around 10 meters apart from each other, towards Mount Fumaiolo. The name "Le Vene" is given to these springs. It seems that the city of Rome was founded on the banks of  the Tiber in the year 753 B.C. This river was vital for trade and commerce during ancient times, as ships were able to reach up to 100 kms upwards.   Tiber at night near Ponte St. Angelo, Rome   6) Alcantara The Alcantara is in Sicily. It originates on the Monti Nebrodi and meets the Ionian sea after a course of about 52 kms. It seems that thousands of years ago, the river bed was stopped by the flow of lava arising from Mount Etna. The Alcantara River Park was created with the intention of protecting the river and also as a recreation and tourist spot for visitors.   The wooden bridge over the Brenta river in Bassano   Of course, there are other important rivers in Italy, running across each and every region. For instance,  the river Sesia where plenty of white river rafting activities take place. This river is a tributary of the Po and it is one of the major tourist attractions as people who enjoy rafting find this river to be really fascinating. Besides, the beauty of the valley and the scenic charm of the river brings lot of excitement to such activitie


Verona, Italy: City of Romance and Beauty RSS Feed Verona, Italy: City of Romance and Beauty Venice is the incomparable city of canals. Rome, the seat of the Empire stretching back into antiquity. Florence is known for its art. Yet there is another city that should be added to this list of Italian stars -- Verona, a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) designated world heritage site. The riches of Verona -- its colorful history, elegant shops, vibrant markets and lively atmosphere make it one of the under-discovered gems of Italy. Our New Book Verona History Nestled along the banks of the Adige River, Verona has long been a desirable city. The Romans favored its location, colonizing it in 89 B.C. Even today the Roman heart of the city is easy to find. The Arena is still at its center, and there are bronze maps literally embedded in the side-walks that show that old city within modern Verona. Later on, Verona became the site of the free-for-all turf wars that characterized much of Italian (and European) history. These tug-of-war power struggles led to a series of rivalries culminating in the late 1200s with the ascendancy of the della Scalas (also known as the Scaligeri) who added a love of art to their pursuit of power. Their names, after the founding father's Bartolomeo della Scala, had a canine theme. Cangrande I (Big Dog) was the patron of Dante (of Dante's Inferno fame). Not a family to sit idly, under Cangrande's watch Verona captured several smaller cities. The dynasty was continued by the heirs, Mastino II (the Mastiff) and Cansignorio (Lord Dog). Eventually, fearing the end of their reign, the Castelvecchio was built, perhaps a monument to the family's might and power. The buildings today are among Verona's priceless architectural heritage. Eventually Verona decided to join the tiny empire of Venice, although that relationship was not without strife. From that point, rulers came and rulers went, including both Napoleon and Austria, until finally Verona become one of the Kingdom of Italy in the mid 1800s. Verona Sightseeing Start with the Roman Arena in the Piazza Bra. The Arena was built in the 1st Century AD and is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in Italy. Seating 25,000 people, it is actually used today as a theater for the July and August opera season. The setting couldn't be more perfect, although you may want to bring a cushion and make reservations in advance. Although the Roman Gavi Arch and several town gates still exist, the other important piece of Roman Verona is the Teatro Romano which is still used as a summer theater. It's located in another section of the city, across the river via the Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge). The Piazza Bra is an stylish area lined with cafes, government buildings and shops but this elegance belies its history as a local livestock marketplace. There is a tourist information office at the southern end of the Piazza near the town hall which may be a good place to start your touring. From the Bra, enjoy a stroll up the Via Mazzini past the fashionable shops. It's for pedestrians only so take your time and savor the stores, and the people. The Via Mazzini ends at Via Cappello, the street where Juliet lived and loved Romeo. The house at No. 23 Via Cappello is, as expected, a major tourist stop. There's the famous balcony (which may have been built later on), and a statue of Juliet in the courtyard. The question of whether these famous lovers really existed is still debated, but if you are patient you can wait your turn to stand next to her statue for a photo opportunity. Although the perhaps fictional, perhaps real Juliet has a house and statue, there is much less to show the (possible) existence of her lover, Romeo. A plaque supposedly marks No. 4 Via Arche Scaliger as the house of Romeo. A short walk going the other way on the Via Cappello will take you to the Piazza Delle Erbe, site of historical (and architecturally fascinating) buildings as well as a colorful fruit and vegetable market. A little further is the Piazza dei Sig


Which poet died while helping the Greeks fight for their independence?

History of Greece:The Revolution to the 20th Century History of Greece The Greek Revolution of 1821 Contrary to popular opinion there never was a country called Greece or Hellas until the Revolution of 1821.  When rebellion against the Ottoman Empire gave birth to Hellas, Hellenic-speaking people had a national homeland for the first time in history. In 1821 the land that was known as Greece is controlled by the Turks, except for the Ionian islands which has been occupied by the Venetians, then the French and in 1815 by the British. The rebellion of the Greeks actually begins in Moldavia when an army of 4500 Hellenes led by General Alexander Ypsilantis, a Phanariot from the so-named district of Istanbul, a member of the Philike Hetairia (Friendly Society), invades hoping to encourage the local Romanian peasants to throw off the yoke of the Turks. Instead they attack their wealthy countrymen and the Greeks have to escape. When the revolution breaks out in the Peloponessos, the Sultan in Istanbul hangs the Patriarch Grigorios V for failing to keep the Greek Christians in line which they considered his duty for the vast privileges they allowed him. The Phanariot Greeks fall in line behind the new patriarch and condemn the revolution. But in the Peloponessos the rebellion is making progress and combined with Ali Pasha's rebellion in Ipirus the Turks have their hands full. On March 25th 1821 Bishop Germanos of Patras raises the flag of revolution at the monastery of Agia Lavra near Kalavrita and the battle cry of "Freedom or Death" becomes the motto of the revolution. But historian David Brewer in his Greece, The Hidden Centuries: Turkish Rule from the Fall of Constantinople to Greek Independence disagrees, stating that the story of the flag raising at Agia Lavra was apparently an invention by Francois Pouqueville, a prominent architect of the Philhellenism movement throughout Europe, who contributed to the liberation of the Greeks, and to the rebirth of the Greek Nation. Nevertheless, fighting begins to break out all over with massacres committed by both the Greeks and the Turks. On the island of Chios 25,000 Greeks are killed while in the Peloponessos the Greeks kill 15,000 of the 40,000 Turks living there. It would be unfair to over-look Ali Pasha and the fact that the insurrection of 1821 was actually something of an Albanian affair and that the Chios massacre was a consequence of this. The Chiotes had enormous privileges under the Ottomans even to the point of dominating the Ottoman admiralty. It was the role of the Chios 'navy' in the revolt that was seen as an act of treason by the Turks, though in Brewer's book the Chios navy was less than eager to join the fray and the cause of the Turkish invasion was the fact that the Samos navy has landed on the island and occupied the citadel. On March 13th 1821, twelve days before the official beginning of the War of Independence, the first 'revolutionary flag' was actually raised on the island of Spetses by Laskarina Bouboulina (though there were several revolutionary flags which could lay claim to being the first, including Hydra). Twice widowed with 7 children but extremely rich she owned several ships.  On April 3rd Spetses revolted, followed by the islands of Hydra and Psara with a total of over 300 ships between them. Bouboulina and her fleet of 8 ships sailed to Nafplion and took part in the siege of the impregnable fortress there. Her later attack on Monemvasia managed to capture that fortress. She took part in the blockade of Pylos and brought supplies to the revolutionaries by sea. Bouboulina became a national hero, one of the first women to play a major role in a revolution. Without her and her ships the Greeks might not have gained their independence. What is less well known is that she was Albanian. The Greeks, led by local heroes like Theodoros Kolokotronis from the Mani, capture the Peloponessos and form a provisional government, electing the Phanariot Alexandros Mavrokordatos president. On April 26th the Greeks attack Athens and the Turks of the city are forc


From which country did Iceland become independent in 1944?

Iceland country profile - BBC News BBC News Read more about sharing. Close share panel A sparsely-populated North Atlantic island, Iceland is famous for its hot springs, geysers and active volcanoes. Lava fields cover much of the land and hot water is pumped from under the ground to supply much of the country's heating. Iceland became an independent republic in 1944 and went on to become one of the world's most prosperous economies. However, the collapse of the banking system in 2008 exposed that prosperity as having been built on a dangerously vulnerable economic model. The affluence enjoyed by Icelanders before 2008 initially rested on the fishing industry, but with the gradual contraction of this sector the Icelandic economy developed into new areas. Area 103,000 sq km (39,769 sq miles) Major language Icelandic Life expectancy 80 years (men), 84 years (women) Currency krona President: Gudni Johannesson Image copyright AFP Image caption President-elect Gudni Johannesson, with his wife Eliza Reid, at an election party in Reykjavik in June 2016. University historian Gudni Johannesson won Iceland's presidential election in June 2016 on his 48th birthday. He secured 39.1% of the vote, ahead of Halla Tomasdottir, a private equity executive, on 27.9%. A political outsider, he campaigned for the largely ceremonial post by pledging to restore Icelanders' faith in their system of government after years of public dissatisfaction with politicians first sparked by the country's banking collapse in 2010. Mr Johanesson succeeded Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, who stepped down in August 2016 after 20 years. Prime minister: Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson (resigned) Image copyright EPA Image caption Mr Johannsson resigned in October 2016 after a snap parliamentary election Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson resigned as prime minister in October 2016 after a snap election saw his Progressive Party lose more than half of its seats. The parliamentary election was triggered by the resignation of Mr Johannsson's predecessor, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson, during public protests in April 2016 after leaked legal documents from the Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca revealed his offshore holdings. No party gained a parliamentary majority in an election dominated by public anger at Iceland's traditional elites and a strong desire for political change. While the anti-establishment Pirate Party made significant gains, the conservative Independence Party, a governing coalition partner since 2013, emerged as the biggest party but will need the support of at least two other parties to form a coalition government. MEDIA National radio and TV is provided by the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV), a public-service broadcaster owned by the state. The RUV is obliged to promote the Icelandic language and the nation's history and cultural heritage. Its services are funded by a licence fee, and by advertising revenues. Press titles include privately-owned and party-affiliated newspapers. The constitution guarantees press freedom. Some key dates in Iceland's history: 1918 - Iceland achieves full self-government under the Danish crown. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption A view of Iceland's capital Reykjavik 1940 - German forces occupy Denmark. British forces occupy Iceland. 1941 - The United States takes over the defence of Iceland and stations tens of thousands of troops there. 1943 - The Treaty of Union with Denmark runs out, with Denmark still occupied by Nazi Germany. 1944 - Icelanders vote in a referendum overwhelmingly to cut all ties with Denmark and become a republic. The Republic of Iceland is proclaimed. 1944 - Iceland becomes a member of Nato. 1970 - Iceland joins European Free Trade Association (EFTA).


In which capital city is the Tivoli amusement park?

Copenhagen: Tivoli, Danish Royalty And The Little Mermaid – amyairlines Copenhagen: Tivoli, Danish Royalty And The Little Mermaid Tivoli Amusement Park After spending New Years in Hamburg, my family and I headed up to Denmark by bus to visit the spectacular capital city of Copenhagen (København). Copenhagen City Hall The first thing I noticed about the city as we drove through were the neat and tidy geometric brick buildings and the prevalent use of bicycles on the road. Copenhagen is proud to be known as one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Our hotel was right by the central station, so we went to explore the surrounding area with the help of my mum’s Danish friend who showed us around. There was an eclectic mix of modern and old going on in the centre, like these fancy new buildings under construction near the station. Copenhagen Cathedral The Copenhagen Cathedral or The Church of Our Lady is the national cathedral of Denmark. It looked more like a palace inside than a church and for good reason – there has been many Danish royal weddings and events held here. The Little Pharmacy We had lunch at Det lille Apotek or The Little Pharmacy, which claimed to be the oldest restaurant and coffee house in Copenhagen. In 1720, a pharmacist converted his pharmacy into a restaurant after his unique home distilled spirits became popular with the locals. The Round Tower spiral walk The Round Tower or Rundetaarn is one of the most famous landmarks of the city since 1642. University astronomers used the tower as an observatory and the old Library Hall is used for gallery exhibitions and concerts. View from the Round Tower To get to the lookout at the top, you have to walk up the long spiral ramp which winds seven and a half times around the tower core – so no stairs until the very few at the end! Frederik’s Church Frederik’s Church or the Marble Church is located west of the winter home of the Danish royal family, Amalienborg Palace. The royal mansions surround an octagonal plaza manned by guards – we saw a lot of tourists taking candid photos with them! The Little Mermaid Denmark is also home to famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who penned stories like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Snow Queen. On Copenhagen’s harbour promenade is a small statue of Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, which is a famous tourist spot and also notorious for being painted over and beheaded twice by artists. Tivoli Gardens On our last night in Copenhagen, we went to Tivoli which is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Usually theme parks are far away from the cities, but this one was located smack bang in the city centre next to the station! The night was bitterly cold but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. My brother went on The Demon roller coaster ride in the Chinatown quarter, which looked terrifying but only lasted for under two minutes (the price tag was also terrifying at 75 DKK). My dad and I went on the somewhat tamer but more famous wooden roller coaster called Rutschebanen, which is one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters still operating today. The Rutschebanen wooden roller coaster Although we only had a few days in Copenhagen, we all enjoyed ourselves a lot – much more than we expected. Denmark’s capital is such an interesting place steeped with a lot of history and there was so much we didn’t get to see this time around, so I hope we can go back for more soon!   So, did you like Copenhagen as much as I did? Has anyone else been here or would like to add it to their travel list?


Vltava River | river, Czech Republic | Britannica.com river, Czech Republic Volga River Vltava River, German Moldau, river , the longest in the Czech Republic , flowing 270 miles (435 km). Its drainage basin is 10,847 square miles (28,093 square km). The river rises in southwestern Bohemia from two headstreams in the Bohemian Forest , the Teplá Vltava and the Studená Vltava. It flows first southeast, then north across Bohemia, and empties into the Elbe (Czech: Labe) River at Mělník, 18 miles (29 km) north of Prague . Prague and České Budějovice are on the Vltava. At České Budějovice, in the river’s middle basin, is an extensive lake region. The middle and lower course of the Vltava is gorgelike, with rapids and incised meanders. Large hydropower dams with associated lakes provide recreational facilities. The Vltava’s principal tributaries are the Lužnice and Sázava (east) and the Otava and Berounka (west). The river is celebrated as the second subject in a cycle of six symphonic poems under the general title of Má vlast (“My Country”) by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana . Prague on the banks of the Vltava River. Havaska in Prague (national capital, Czech Republic) The physical attractions and landmarks of Prague are many. Among the finest is the Charles Bridge (Karlův most), which stands astride the Vltava River. The winding course of the Vltava, with its succession of bridges and changing vistas, contrasts with the ever-present backdrop of the great castle of Hradčany (Prague Castle), which dominates the left-bank region of the city from... in Bohemian Forest ...Arber (Javor; 4,777 feet [1,456 m]) on the Bavarian (western) side and Plechý (Plöckenstein; 4,521 feet [1,378 m]) on the Czech (eastern) side. The Šumava is the source for the Vltava (German: Moldau) River, which cuts a broad trough through part of the region and is a source of hydroelectric power. Forests, both coniferous and deciduous, cover more than a third of the... 2 References found in Britannica Articles Assorted References Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: July 20, 1998 URL: https://www.britannica.com/place/Vltava-River Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share


Which European country restored its monarchy in 1975?

monarchy - Have there been any efforts by the countries of Europe to restore their monarchies? - History Stack Exchange Have there been any efforts by the countries of Europe to restore their monarchies? up vote 11 down vote favorite 1 Have there been any effort, polls, referendum in Europe (especially Eastern ex-communist countries) to restore deposed monarchies, like in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, etc.? Most Monarchies were deposed of because of communist regimes, Nazi occupation or military dictatorships rather than the will of the people (correct me if I am wrong).      On a partly related note, it was once thought that Karel Schwarzenberg current Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the House of Schwarzenberg could become elected president of the Czech Republic. It did not happen, and in any case Schwarzenberg is committed to democracy with solid credentials. –  Drux Dec 25 '12 at 8:12      A surprising related development in the first round of Czech presidential elections is reported here ... –  Drux Jan 12 '13 at 21:43      In most most Eastern-European countries the historical monarch houses died out anyway long time ago. Also, in most of these places there were strong revolutionary movements against feudal institutions long before socialism, and monarchy itself is often more of the symbol for these institutions than some kind of national unity. –  Greg Jun 8 '16 at 13:01      Check out Spain. Though it's not simple. Franco more or less assumed the job and they gave it back to the royal family when he died. –  RedSonja Jun 8 '16 at 13:04 up vote 6 down vote accepted Well, in 1946 the Italians voted to abolish the kingdom and create the republic, basically because the monarchy was tainted by association with Mussolini. Italy's monarchy was a stronger one (in my estimation) than the East European ones but still it couldn't weather the storm. I have the impression that in Eastern Europe the real prestige of the monarchies was not very high, the people did not resent them so badly as to oppose them as long as they were in power but on the other hand few cared deeply enough for them to work for their restoration. This might have had a lot to do with the monarchies being mostly young and created by foreign powers. You seem to assume otherwise in the question - do you have sources for this assumption? 2   My impression is that many countries tried to restore back in many ways of life before the communist rule (language, religion, arts, national identity). The monarchies were of that past and they were deposed by the communists so that they would have served as an icon of restoration. After all, they all assume ceremonial parts. –  The Byzantine Dec 23 '12 at 22:03 up vote 7 down vote Are you restricting your question to a certain time period? If not, then there are a number of examples, besides those already given in the other answers, which could qualify: France has vacillated between a republic and a monarchy several times; the First Republic was succeeded by the First Empire under Napoleon, after which the Bourbon kingdom was restored. The Second Republic was succeeded by a restoration of the Empire. In the 17th century, the three monarchies of England, Scotland, and Ireland (in a personal union) were deposed, and replaced with a unitary republic from 1653 to 1659. The three monarchies were restored in 1660. Spain has also wavered between a republic and a monarchy. The First Republic was established in 1873, but the Bourbon monarchy was restored the following year. The Second Republic existed from 1931 to 1939, after which the Bourbon monarchy was again (eventually) restored.      (+1) The odd thing about France is that the first and second French empires, while clearly autocratic, cannot really be lumped together with the monarchy. To an extent, Napoleon was able to stay in power precisely because he represented an alternative to the Bourbons. But there is another time at which France came very close to a restoration of the monarchy, and that's not 1799, 1804 or 1852 but 1870. –  Relaxed Jun 8 '16 at 13:20


In which autonomous region of Spain are the cities of Cadiz and Cordoba?

Andalucía | Article about Andalucía by The Free Dictionary Andalucía | Article about Andalucía by The Free Dictionary http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Andaluc%c3%ada Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Related to Andalucía: Andalusian Andalusia (ăndəlo͞o`zhə, –shə), Span. Andalucía (än'dälo͞othē`ä), autonomous region (1990 pop. 7,100,060), 33,675 sq mi (87,218 sq km), S Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Atlantic Ocean. Spain's largest and most populous region, it covers most of S Spain, comprising the provinces of Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville (Sevilla), all named for their chief cities. Andalusia is crossed in the north by the Sierra Morena and in the south by mountain ranges that rise in the snowcapped Sierra Nevada to the highest peak in mainland Spain, Mulhacén (11,417 ft/3,480 m); between the ranges lies the fertile basin of the Guadalquivir River. Economy and People Despite the natural wealth of the region, poverty is widespread; Andalusian farm laborers are among the poorest in Europe, and many unemployed Andalusians have migrated to more industrialized regions of Spain. With its subtropical climate, Andalusia has many affinities with Africa, which it faces. Barren lands contrast with richly fertile regions where cereals, grapes, olives, sugarcane, and citrus and other fruits are produced. Industries, based generally on local agricultural produce, include wine making, flour milling, and olive-oil extracting. Much farming has become mechanized. Cattle, bulls for the ring, and fine horses are bred. The rich mineral resources, exploited since Phoenician and Roman times, include copper, iron, zinc, and lead. Moorish influence is still strong in the character, language, and customs of the people. One of Europe's most strikingly colorful regions, Andalusia, with its tradition of bull fights, flamenco flamenco, Spanish music and dance typical of the Romani (Gypsy), or gitano. Flamenco dancing is characterized by colorful costumes, intense and erotic movements, stamping of the feet (zapateado), and clapping of the hands (palmada ..... Click the link for more information.  music and dance, and Moorish architecture, provides the strongest external image of Spain, especially to North Americans. Increasing tourism has made the service industry the fastest growing economic sector. History In the 11th cent. B.C., the Phoenicians settled there and founded several coastal colonies, notably Gadir (now Cádiz Cádiz , city (1990 pop. 156,903), capital of Cádiz prov., SW Spain, in Andalusia, on the Bay of Cádiz. Picturesquely situated on a promontory (joined to the Isla de León, just off the mainland), it is today chiefly a port exporting wines and other ..... Click the link for more information.  and, supposedly, the inland town of Tartessus, which became the capital of a flourishing kingdom (sometimes identified with the biblical Tarshish Tarshish , in the Bible. 1 Eponym of a country distant from Palestine which cannot be accurately identified; Cyprus, Spain, and Tarsus (S Asia Minor) have been suggested. ..... Click the link for more information. ). Greeks and Carthaginians came in the 6th cent. B.C.; the Carthaginians were expelled (3d cent. B.C.) by the Romans, who included S Spain in the province of Baetica. The emperors Trajan, Hadrian, and Theodosius were born in the region. Visigoths ended Roman rule in the 5th cent. A.D., and in 711 the Moors Moors, nomadic people of the northern shores of Africa, originally the inhabitants of Mauretania. They were chiefly of Berber and Arab stock. In the 8th cent. the Moors were converted to Islam and became fanatic Muslims. ..... Click the link for more information. , crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, established there the center of their western emirate (see Córdoba Córdoba or Cordova , city (1990 pop. 307,275), capital of Córdoba prov., S Spain, in Andalusia, on the Guadalquivir River. Modern industries in the city include brewing, distilling, textile manufacturing, metallurgy, and tourism. .


Which European country colonized Brazil? | Reference.com Which European country colonized Brazil? A: Quick Answer Portugal colonized Brazil in 1500. The Brazilian Indians were not as advanced as the civilizations of Peru and Mexico, such as the Aztecs and Mayans. Full Answer The Brazilian Indians were hunter-gatherers who used the slash-and-burn technique in agriculture. They did not wear clothing, domesticate animals or live in towns. When the Portuguese settled in Brazil, the Brazilian Indians were forced to move away from the colonial settlement. The Portuguese did not make much revenue from Brazil at first, although the sugar industry flourished. They also discovered gold and diamonds in Brazil in the 1690s and 1720s. In the 1820s, the main exports from Brazil were sugar, cotton and coffee. Brazil became independent in 1822.


Which country was defeated by the USSR in the Winter War of 1939?

World War II -- Finland Winter War World War II Finland: The Winter War (November 1939-March 1940) Figure 1.--This Finnish mother and child are evacuees from the massive Soviet Army invading their small country. Here they have just arrived at a govrnment evacuee camp and have been given name tags.  The prss caption read, "Somewnere in Finland: The distress of the Russ-Finish war and the hardship it is working on the people is registered on the face of this peasant mother from Lapland shown on arrival at a Finnish evacuee camp with her child. Note the picturesque attire of the woman and child and the name tag each is wearing. Most homesteads in the far northenr regions hav been evcuated away from the Russian invaders. This picture arrived by clipper today. The photograph was dated January 19, 1940. It was the Soviet Union not Germany that first struck after the invasion of Poland. Finland is located on the far northern perifery of Europe. Rarely has Finland played a significant role in European history. For a few months, however, it was the Finns who galantly resisted totalitarian resistance. The first effective resistance after a decade of totalitarian successes. Only 2 months after seizing eastern Poland, the Soviet Union invaded Finland (November 30, 1939). This was the beginning of what became known as the Winter War. Stalin's goals are unclear. The Soviets claomed they wanted a security belt to the west. This may have been the first step in regaining old Tsarist borders using the samectactics persued against the Baltic Republics. Finland after Poland was the next step in that process. Soviet planes and naval vessels bombarded Finish cities. The international community was apauled. Roosevelt called it the "rape of Finland". [Freidel, p. 324.] Former Ameican President Herbert Hoover, who had organized American relief efforts for Belgium during World War I, headed voluntary war relief for the Finns. (The President hoped that Hoover would work with Mrs. Roosevelt to assist with Government sponsored civilian war relief for the Allies. Such was Hoover animosity toward Roosevelt, however, that he refused. If he had agreed, he suely would have eventually headed American World War II relief efforts. [Freidel, p.325.] The outnummered and out-gunned Finns inflicted enormous losses on the Red Army, but the weight iof Soviet power eventually forced the Finns back. The Finns and Soviets eventually reached a peace agreement (March 1940). Given the scale of the Soviet victory, historians have decribed the terms of the peace settlement as 'moderate', but Stalin's calculations are still debated. The Soviets got the security belt they wanted around Lenningrad. The Soviet invasion of Finland had significant repercussions. The Allies for a time considered actively aiding Finland, but the Germans offensives in the West soon made that impossible. The Red Army energed victorious from the Winter War (1939-40), but at considerable cost. The poor performance of the Red Army in Finland was a factor in Hitler's decission to attack the Soviet Union before Britain had been defeated. Karelia The border area between southern Finland and the Soviet Union is Karelia. It is the area between the White Sea and the Gulf of Finland. It is an extensive area which includes the two largest lakes in Europe, Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. What is often referred to as the Karelian Isthmus is located between the Baltic Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga. To the south is Ingria, the land of the closely related Ingrian people. The traditional western boundary was the Neva river itself but was eventually shifted northward into the Karelian isthmus to follow the Sestra River which since Napoleonic times was the Russo-Finnish border.The River Svir on the other side of Lake Lagoda completed the souther border of Karelia. Lake Saimaa marked the Western border while Lake Onega and the White Sea mark the Eastern border. The land to the north was occupied by nomadic Samis (Lapps), but unlike the south there were no natural border onky trackless wood