Secrets of a Medieval Castle

In this video Kevin Hicks takes you on a tour of Goodrich Castle in England and reveals some of the secrets that visitors often miss when they visit the castle. Having toured countless school groups over the years, Kevin has a great knowledge of this beautiful medieval fortress.

Located in Herefordshire, England, Goodrich Castle sits high on a hill overlooking the scenic River Wye and the surrounding countryside. The castle was originally constructed in the 11th century and it expanded over the years. During the English Civil War the castle was besieged by Parliamentarian forces, and it was the use of artillery, including "Roaring Meg", which ultimately broke the castle's defences and began its decent into ruin.

Amazing Recent Discoveries

In the following video we will be exploring some amazing recent discoveries. Watch the video to find out more!

The Unspeakable Things Pope Sixtus IV Did During His Reign

Pope Sixtus IV: A Legacy of Nepotism, Ambition, and Cultural Patronage

When Francesco della Rovere ascended to the papacy as Sixtus IV in 1471, his reign quickly became synonymous with nepotism, unchecked ambition, and an enduring impact on the cultural landscape of Renaissance Italy. His tenure as pope remains one of the most controversial periods in the history of the Catholic Church, characterized by his blatant favoritism toward his family and allies, struggles for power, and a complex legacy that intertwines corruption with significant contributions to art and infrastructure.

Nepotism Elevated to New Heights

Upon assuming the papal throne, Sixtus IV wasted no time in using his newfound authority to lavish wealth and privileges on his family. His sisters, who previously led modest lives, were granted luxurious homes in Rome, complete with every conceivable comfort. His nephews benefited even more extravagantly. Pietro and Giuliano della Rovere, despite their lack of qualifications, were made cardinals almost immediately. Pietro’s rapid rise continued as he became Bishop and later Archbishop of Florence in 1473. His influence within the papacy grew until his sudden death that same year, leaving a vacuum that was filled by other members of the della Rovere family.

Giovanni della Rovere was appointed Lord of Papal Lands in Senigallia and Mondavio and secured a strategic marriage to a daughter of the powerful Montefeltro family, further cementing the della Rovere’s influence. However, Girolamo Riario, perhaps the most favored of Sixtus’ nephews, enjoyed the greatest rewards. As Captain-General of the Church, Girolamo controlled the papal military, and he was granted lordship over Imola and later Forlì. His marriage to the daughter of the Duke of Milan underscored Sixtus’ determination to build alliances through familial ties.

Sixtus’ nepotism extended beyond his family. Francesco Salviati, a personal friend, was made Archbishop of Pisa, despite widespread criticism of his qualifications. Over the course of his papacy, Sixtus created 34 cardinals, many of whom were appointed based on personal loyalty rather than merit. This widespread favoritism drew sharp criticism from contemporaries, such as Stefano Infessura, who accused Sixtus of prioritizing greed, vanity, and personal indulgences over the spiritual responsibilities of his office.

Controversy and Criticism

The shadow of scandal hung over Sixtus’ papacy, with rumors suggesting that his appointments of cardinals were motivated not only by nepotism but also by personal relationships. Some critics speculated that Sixtus was a closeted homosexual who rewarded his lovers with high-ranking positions in the Church. While there is no definitive evidence to support these claims, they reflect the pervasive dissatisfaction with Sixtus’ conduct as pope.

Beyond personal controversies, Sixtus’ papacy was marked by his relentless pursuit of power. He clashed with the King of France over royal interference in papal decrees, a conflict that underscored his yearning for the unchallenged authority of earlier popes. Sixtus’ ambitions extended to grandiose plans, such as launching new crusades and reuniting the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Yet, these efforts yielded little success, leaving a legacy of lofty but unfulfilled aspirations.

Contributions to Rome and the Renaissance

While his governance of the Catholic Church was fraught with corruption and failure, Sixtus IV’s impact on the city of Rome and the broader cultural sphere was undeniably significant. Recognizing the need for urban renewal, he invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including paving roads and constructing bridges that improved transportation and connectivity in the city. He also undertook the restoration of numerous churches, enhancing the spiritual and architectural heritage of Rome.

As a patron of the arts, Sixtus played a pivotal role in the Renaissance. He supported renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli and fostered scientific and academic advancements. His papacy saw the creation of the Vatican Library, a monumental institution dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. Sixtus’ influence extended beyond Italy, as evidenced by his approval of Sweden’s first university in Uppsala.

A Complex Legacy

Pope Sixtus IV’s reign epitomizes the contradictions of Renaissance popes. On one hand, his blatant nepotism and power struggles tarnished the spiritual integrity of the papacy, drawing the ire of contemporaries and historians alike. On the other hand, his patronage of art, science, and infrastructure left an indelible mark on Rome and the broader Renaissance movement.

In the end, Sixtus IV remains a figure of paradox—a pope whose failings in governance were matched by his achievements in culture and urban development. His papacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership, where ambition and self-interest often coexist with genuine contributions to society.

Alexander the Great's Unbeatable Mindset

This video is a look inside the mind of one of history's greatest commanders, Alexander the Great. By exploring the heroic tales of his past this video aims to teach the principles that led to his legendary success.

Unicorns: Magical Icons or Violent Beasts?

Unicorns are all over the place in popular culture these days - movies, TV shows, toys, clothing and books for children and adults alike. But you might be interested to learn that the majestic, all-white horse with a spiralized horn on its forehead is just one version of the many varieties of unicorn that have appeared in folklore throughout history.

Mysterious Genetic Origins of Native Americans Tracked to China

According to recent genetic and DNA research, some of the first Native Americas came from the north coast of China. According to a new genomics research, some of the initial arrivals occurred during the last ice age and shortly thereafter, in two different migrations. People from the north coast of China were among the earliest humans to arrive in the Americas, arriving in two independent migrations during and after the last ice age, according to a new genomics research.

Explorers might have arrived in the New World by a terrestrial route through an ice-free corridor, although this was most likely not the initial migration. The kelp highway theory is the polar opposite of the old 'ice-free corridor' route. The findings suggest that, in addition to the previously identified ancestral sources of Native Americans in Siberia, northern coastal China acted as a genetic reservoir that contributed to the gene pool.

Neanderthal Skeleton Changes What We Know About Human Evolution

Remarkably, Paleo-anthropologists are not super clear on when the Neanderthals first began to separate themselves from their own ancestors, but the fossil record tells us that Neanderthals were definitely around by about 300,000 years ago. They mysteriously disappeared around 40,000 years ago, as modern humans first began to move into Europe.

However, given the difficulty of interpreting the fossil record, scientists are divided on why these primitive humans no longer walk the Earth. Many believe that modern humans out-competed Neanderthals, eventually leading to the neanderthal extinction. In the end, you’ve got one human population that replaces the other, which historically does not happen in a peaceful manner.

Ancient Lost Map Reveals Location Of Atlantis

Atlantis has spellbound historians and adventurers for many centuries - a legendary city made famous in descriptions by Ancient Greek scholar Plato. The exact whereabouts of it has been a mystery. The key to uncovering this legendary city's mystery may lie within the recently discovered map. However, newly unearthed, ancient and lost, mysterious map could possibly disclose where the mythical city of Atlantis is located!

Before we explore the specifics of the map, let's quickly go back in time to comprehend the importance of Atlantis. Plato's dialogues suggest that Atlantis was an advanced civilisation - a nation of islands that existed over 11,000 years ago. Society was believed to be a utopia, abundant in resources and highly advanced technologically. The gods sank Atlantis in a disastrous event as a punishment for its arrogance and hubris.

Discovering the Wonders Above - Journey to the Top of Sigiriya the Ancient Sky City

Prepare to be blown away as we take you on an awe-inspiring journey to Sigiriya, an ancient sky city in Sri Lanka that was built on top of a towering rock fortress. You'll be left speechless as we reveal the remarkable engineering and design that allowed this city to stand tall for over 1500 years, defying the laws of physics and gravity. Stay with us until the end of this video, as we uncover the hidden secrets and stories of Sigiriya that will leave you marveling at the ingenuity and creativity of our ancient ancestors. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the incredible beauty and wonder of Sigiriya!

This incredible ancient city is over 1500 years old, and located at a whopping 656 meters up a hill which is 200m above the see level, making it a fortified marvel that might have been built long before humans could construct houses. The city's structures are so well-planned and thought out that experts say they should not have existed at the time of its construction. But here it stands, surrounded by lush gardens and forests, with pools of water and fountains on top of a 180-meter-high rock. And let's not forget the underground pathways and reservoirs that were simply too advanced for its time!

In today's video we look at Discovering the Wonders Above - Journey to the Top of Sigiriya the Ancient Sky City

Incredible Ships We've Brought Up From the Deep

Uncover the fascinating stories of incredible ships rescued from the depths of the sea. From the Mary Rose to the Vasa, witness the daring missions to salvage history and preserve maritime treasures. Enjoy!

The Forgotten Country that Destroyed Egypt

In the shadowy folds of history, where ancient pharaohs once held sway, the mighty land of Egypt wrestled with the formidable Kushite Empire. From the heart of Nubia, King Piye, a Kushite monarch and devoted worshiper of Amun-Ra, led his armies against the Egyptian chieftain Tefnakhte, seeking to unify a divided land. This monumental clash echoed throughout Upper Egypt to Heracleopolis, and down the Nile to the palaces of Thebes. In the aftermath, as the dust settled on this epic struggle, a seismic shift in power occurred, reshaping Egypt's destiny. What unfolded next was an era of unforeseen change; the land of the pyramids found itself navigating a path strewn with Kushite imprints and the echoes of Nubian victories, indelibly etched in the Victory Stela of Piye. Embark on a journey back through the corridors of time to understand what happened to Egypt after this tumultuous encounter with the Kushites. Explore the impact on its people, the new capital that rose from the ashes, and the extraordinary reign of Kushite Nubian King Piye, forever reshaping the landscape of both Egypt and modern Sudan.

Hero, Beast, or Both? The Complex Lore of the Centaur | Monstrum

Humans have domesticated animals as beasts of burden for thousands of years and the vital role horses play in the evolution of culture in particular has inspired countless equine folklore, but none are quite like the centaur. Watch the video below to find out more!