History has always held quite a fascination for me. In my thirst for knowledge on this topic. I've read many books, and seen many programs on various points or places in this vast subject. I'm happy to think that this is a lifetime interest, because no matter how many books, programs, or net places you go to, there will always be still more to find out. It is my opinion, that to go properly into our future, we need to first learn about the past, and we need ALL avenues of learning to achieve this knowledge. That means that books, educational shows, and the Net, are ALL valuable, and should be used.

Below, you will find my most favourite bits, and pieces of history. If I listed everything you'd be here for the next couple of centuries!! :) Enjoy, and I hope it whets your appetite for more!!

An absolutely fascinating time period for me. There is no aspect of it that doesn't interest me. The architecture is mind-blowing, and still stumps archeologists today. Their writings, the Hieroglyphs, have been taking scholars years to decipher, and learn. The Great Pharoahs, and their gods inspire awe, and the daily life of everyone fascinates as well. I just can't say enough on this topic. My favourite Pharoahs are Rameses II, (the Great), and the much maligned Hatshepsut, whose reign should be admired for it's success at peace, as well as empire building, instead of obliterated because she was a woman who took a traditional man's role, and made it her own, using it well, for the benefit of her country. A feminist, I am not, just a person who feels that ANYONE who does a good job, deserves recognition.

THE AZTECS

The Aztecs of Mexico were a study in contrasts. A fierce warrior people who were brilliant mathematicians, creating a sacred calendar of 260 days, which still baffles. They also worshipped a pantheon of gods, and could also be incredibly primitive. They carved the mighty "Sun Stone", which commemorates the past, and present ages of the world.





THE MAYANS

Ancient America's longest lived, and most widely spread of the great cultures. A people known for their beautiful artistry of intricate stone carvings, jade jewellery, and vivid wall paintings. The awe inspiring architecture such as the great temple complex of "El Castillo" at Chichen Itza, which still has the power to fascinate.





THE INCAS

Like the Aztecs, and the Mayans above, we're still learning about them all the time. Macchu Picchu is an intriguing link to the past with a breathtaking view. At it's zenith, the Incas of Peru were the largest kingdom on Earth, built by master builders, and fearsome warriors.





EASTER ISLAND

The spooky, sometimes intimidating statues of this small windswept isolated Pacific island, with it's closest neighbours 2000 miles away! This island has always fascinated me.








STONEHENGE

The mystical stone circle which has drawn attention from scientists, and historians alike, not to mention the everday traveller. I've been fortunate to have visited this one. It continues to hold it's observers fascinated to this day, despite the commercialism now surrounding it.


Next you'll find my favourite time periods in England's history....





MEDIEVAL
(c.1154-1216)

The Middle Ages covers a large period. My favourite time in this age covers some of the turbulent Plantagenant family, in particular, from Henry II-Prince John Lackland. This time period includes the strong willed reign of the hot tempered King Henry II, his equally strong willed, ambitious, and well educated wife Elinor of Aquitaine, and their children, most notably, Richard I (the Lionheart), the brave warrior king who could be incredibly ruthless, and the infamous Prince John, a spiteful, ambitious, and cruel man eternally jealous of his brothers. Saint Thomas A Becket lived in this time period where he became close friends with Henry II, only to be murdered in his own church, Cantebury Cathedral, (the foundation church of Anglican religion), by some of Henry's own men, who mistook their king's anger at his friend Beckett for orders of execution. Of course, this is also the time of the legend of Robin Hood, during the reign of Richard I.





RESTORATION
(c.1660-1685)

This was a time of much frivolity, and excess as Charles II, "The Merry Monarch", and the rightful heir of King Charles I, came to the throne of England. He did away with the oppresion, and over strictness enforced during Oliver Cromwell's destructive influence. One of my favouite plays is from this time period. The writer is William Wycherley, and the play is "The Country Wife", a very humourous look at the manners and morals of the day. It was first acted at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London England on January 12 1675.





REGENCY
(c.1811-1820)

This is the time of literary greats Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. A time when the rules of society were very strict, esp. for a woman. A person's, especially a woman's reputation was of all importance, and it very often took only one mistep to bring on her downfall. The best a woman of a middle to upper class family could hope for, was to make a good marriage. Family wealth usually went to a son, and failing that, some distant male relative, so she was really at the mercy of outisde influences. Beau Brummel is a good case of a man who rose to immense popularity, and social standing, only to fall from grace, and eventually die in exile in France, totally alone and poverty stricken.
Jane Austen is my very favourite author of all, and her book, "Pride and Prejudice", is my favourite of her works.