The name given to the large parallel lengths of banks with external ditches, which at one time were believed to be Roman athletic courses.
Cursuses
Fact of the Day
Bishop Meinward of Paderborn was apparently in the habit of having women dragged on their bottoms across his garden to clear it of weeds.
Quote of the Day
"In this country, it is good to kill an admiral from time to time, in order to encourage the others.
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~ Voltaire on Admiral Byng's execution
On This Day
1586 American colonists arrived in Plymouth with large quantities of tobacco. Smoking caught on quickly, though it was also used in tea.
1694 The Bank of England was founded by an act of parliament as a way to finance government debt by private subscription.
1943 The concentrated Allied bombing of Hamburg led to a three hour firestorm that killed approx 30,000 civilians.