Matt Whittaker

Whether a skirmish, siege, or battle, the medieval era is known for numerous famous battles. Yet, some battles, like these five, marked pivotal turning points in history.

The Wild West was renowned for its outlandish gangs, but where did they come from?

Native American history reaches back at least 15,000 years ago, when hunter-gatherers crossed an Arctic land bridge from Siberia to Alaska.

The view of the Phoenicians is one of ocean-going traders whose cities dotted the Mediterranean map. What is little known is how deeply entrenched and sophisticated their trading network was.

Cavalry, armored and using superior mobility, dominated the medieval battlefield. That is, until archers with powerful bows and better military tactics won key battles, demonstrating otherwise.

Politics and economics never make for an easy partnership; cooperation can suddenly turn to confrontation, as demonstrated between Venice and the Byzantine Empire.

During the late 7th century, the Arab-Byzantine conflict culminated in the Arabs crossing the Bosporus Straits twice and besieging Constantinople.

More mystery than fact shroud the circumstances of Genghis Khan’s death. The date of his death isn’t questioned; only the circumstances and rumors surrounding this event are.