European History Articles

Where to begin in a discussion of European history? So much has taken place on the continent, where we can trace back the culture and influence of the Western World.

Whether your interest is piqued by ancient, medieval, or modern European history, we’ve got you covered. Fascinated by the Roman empire? Discover the worst emperors to have ruled over it, the Great Fire of Rome that nearly destroyed the city, and how the Sack of Rome at the hands of mercenaries ushered in a new era. Can’t get enough of the medieval period? It’s not all dragons and elves here; rather, we’re doing a deep dive into famous rebellions (such as the Peasants’ Revolt and the Germans Peasants’ War), the bloody Crusades, and the real historical origins of the mythical wizard Merlin.

Finally, we reach modern European history. Prepare to be surprised by the tidbits you’ll learn about the Napoleonic Wars, the French Revolution, and other major events from the early modern period. Perhaps you’re curious about legendary historical figures. From Winston Churchill quotes to Marie Antoinette’s downfall, there’s no shortage of knowledge about influential European people in our archives.

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8 History Books From Women's Perspectives

From the ancient world to World War II, explore new points of view.

8 Panoramic Books About Empires

From the ancient world to the 20th century.

Graham Greene’s Spy Career and Its Thrilling Influence on His Work

The author was inspired by his WWII and postwar experiences.

Dante Books: Rediscovering the Medieval Poet and Philosopher

The Florentine author of the Divine Comedy was a forerunner of the Renaissance.

The "Real" Witches of Macbeth

The Weird Sisters in the Scottish play may have been based on real people.

Sir Walter Raleigh and the Search for El Dorado 

His fascinating life included two stints in the Tower of London.

The Long and Bloody History of Čachtice Castle

The Slovakian castle was home to alleged serial killer Elizabeth Báthory.

Who Was Joséphine Bonaparte?

Delving into the life of the French empress.

10 Books to Read Before Watching Napoleon

The new Ridley Scott film charts the Frenchman's rise and fall.

7 Thrilling Books About Greed That We Think Martin Scorsese Should Adapt

True stories of power and corruption are waiting for the acclaimed filmmaker to bring them to the big screen.  

Meet the French Resistance

Individual collectives were able to organize themselves into a serious threat against the Vichy government and German forces.

10 Naval History Books to Dive Into Right Now

From the Spanish Armada to Pearl Harbor and beyond.

The Tragic and Bizarre London Beer Flood of 1814 

A brewery accident led to multiple unforeseen casualties.