When Monks Went Undercover to Steal Relics
Because relics were understood to be capable of working miracles, any relic that was stolen must have wanted to be.
The San Zeno Astrolabe Tracked Time by the Stars
The astrolabe was a revolutionary tool for calculating celestial positions and local time. The device's design dates back to Islamic antiquity.
When People Thought Charitable Donations Would Save Their Souls
As the Middle Ages progressed, monasteries became a major engine of economic activity in European communities.
Tibet and China 65 Years Later
Tibet was annexed by the Chinese 65 years ago. The struggle for Tibetan independence has continued ever since.