Human Interest

Portolan charts, it was always assumed, were compiled by medieval European mapmakers from contemporary sources. A Dutch doctoral dissertation now disproves this: these nautical charts are impossibly accurate, not just for medieval Europe, also for other likely sources, the Byzantines and the Arabs ...

Explore 'prehistory,' including the last Ice Age and population migrations, as you start History 101: Western Civilization I, an online course from Education Portal. Successive video lessons address the history of ancient civilizations, including Greece and Rome, and introduce numerous historical figures, from Homer and Plato to William the Conqueror and Henry the VIII. You'll examine various myths and religions and see how art and technology influenced different societies. With so much information to absorb, the self-assessment quizzes that accompany each video will prove a valuable way to measure your mastery of each topic.