First Punic War Documentary

Carthaginian Tomb Marker

If people are interested in the First Punic War there is an excellent documentary series created by a Total War fan using Google Maps and in-game footage from Rome II Total War. It recreates the history and the battles of this clash between the burgeoning powers of the Western Mediterranean that laid the foundations for the better known conflict between Rome and Hannibal a generation later and ultimately paved the way for Roman dominance and empire. It is around two hours long, but it has been lovingly created and is well worth a watch.

The link can be found here.

Anglo-Saxon Medicine in recent news

Bald's Leechbook

In a rather unusual turn of events, a possible method of treating superbug infections in hospitals has been inspired by a medicine formula from an old Anglo-Saxon potion for curing eye infections. The potion was described in Bald’s Leechbook from the 900’s and shows promise. Of course this will need full rigorous scientific testing and it is important to note that the formula is being used for a different purpose than the Anglo-Saxons intended. Nevertheless it is an interesting case of history assisting science.

 For more details please refer to the excellent Medievalists.net website article about this.