THE RAW STORIES

oduc

rising in times of great change or crisis, have left indelible marks on the world. Their stories offer a glimpse into the past, shedding light on the evolution of societies, cult

: Ancient

and the Invent

revolutionary development not only allowed for the recording of transactions and laws but also laid the foundation for literature, history, and complex administrative systems. Among the many tablet

bi and

odes. The code, inscribed on a stele and placed in a public space, covered various aspects of daily life, from trade and property to family and personal injury. It introduced the principle of retribution,

of Anci

Cleopatra. Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great, reigned for 66 years and is remembered for his military exploits and extensive building programs, including the temples at Abu Simbel. Cleopatra VII, the last phara

Classical

and Aristotle i

and encouraged critical thinking. His student, Plato, founded the Academy in Athens and wrote extensively on politics, ethics, and metaphysics, notably in "The Republic." Aristotle, Plato's pupi

e Great and

ding his rule from Greece to Egypt and into the heart of Asia. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history. Alexander's campaigns spread Gree

and the Transf

ncluding the conquest of Gaul, Caesar expanded Rome's territories and garnered immense power. His crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 BCE marked the start of a civil war that ultimat

: Religio

nd the Spread

ompassion, and forgiveness attracted a following. His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, as described in the New Testament, became the cornerstone of Christian faith

nd the Bir

hammad's teachings emphasized monotheism, social justice, and moral conduct. His leadership united the Arabian Peninsula under Islam, and after his death, the Rashidun Caliphs and subs

(Buddha) and the Fo

under the Bodhi tree and began teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Buddhism, emphasizing the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana, spread from Ind

Medieval

and the Caro

he Carolingian Empire, encompassing much of Western and Central Europe. Charlemagne implemented administrative and educational reforms, fostering the Carolingian Renaissanc

n and the M

ies allowed the Mongols to conquer vast territories across Asia and into Europe. The Pax Mongolica, a period of stability and trade facilitated by Mongol rule, fostered cul

and the Hund

Hundred Years' War. Donning armor and leading troops, Joan's pivotal role in the Siege of Orléans turned the tide in favor of the French. Captured and executed b

enaissance a

Vinci and th

"Mona Lisa," showcased his extraordinary artistic skills. Beyond art, Leonardo's notebooks revealed his fascination with anatomy, engineering, and natural phenomena.

and the Protes

ulgences, Luther advocated for a return to biblical foundations and the doctrine of justification by faith alone. His translation of the Bible into German made the scriptures accessible to o

and the El

and exploration. Elizabeth's political acumen and diplomatic skill navigated the complexities of religious divisions and foreign threats, particularly from Spain. Her support of the arts saw

: Age of

us and the Discove

opening a new chapter in world history. Columbus's voyages initiated widespread contact between Europe and the Americas, leading to the Columbian Exchange, a massive transfer of plant

ellan and Cir

s strait at the southern tip of South America, now named the Strait of Magellan. Despite Magellan's death in the Philippines, his expedition continued under Juan Sebastián Elcan

the Chinese

s reached Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the East African coast. These expeditions established Chinese presence and influence, promoting trade and diplomatic relations. Des

lightenment a

nd the Scienti

oundation for classical mechanics, describing the laws of motion and universal gravitation. Newton's discoveries in optics and calculus further advanced scientific understanding. His empiri

nd the Enl

lic Church and absolute monarchy while promoting reason, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance. His philosophical letters and satirical novel "Candide" challenged established norms an

on and the Amer

ategic acumen and leadership were crucial in securing American independence from British rule. His victory at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 effectively ended the war. Elected as the first P

ndustrial an

naparte and

d the legal system, emphasizing meritocracy, equality before the law, and property rights. Napoleon's military campaigns expanded his empire across Europe, but his ambitions led to

d the Indian Inde

mass civil disobedience and peaceful protests, culminating in India's independence in 1947. Gandhi's commitment to social justice, religious tolerance, and rural self-reliance reso

n and the Theo

heories transformed physics, introducing concepts such as the curvature of space-time and the equivalence of mass and energy (E=mc²). His contributions extended to quantum mechanics and

Contempor

rchill and

teadfast resolve rallied the British people and secured crucial alliances with the United States and the Soviet Union. Churchill's strategic decisions and wartime diplo

a and the End

tment to justice and reconciliation earned him global admiration. Released in 1990, he played a crucial role in negotiating the end of apartheid and establishing multiracial elections. Elected as Sout

ai and the Fig

ge, Malala's courage and determination resonated globally. Co-authoring "I Am Malala," she highlighted the struggles and aspirations of millions of girls denied education. Awarded the Nobel Peace P

clu

neers and classical philosophers to revolutionary leaders and contemporary advocates, each individual left an indelible mark on history. Their stories of innovation