Château de Brissac is a castle located in the commune of Brissac-Quincé, the department of Maine-et-Loire, France. The castle is recorded to have been built during the 11 ^th century, and has a long and interesting history. Like many castles around the world, the Château de Brissac is said to possess its own resident ghost. This is the ‘la Dame Verte’ or Green Lady, who is said to be the ghost of an unfaithful wife murdered by her husband during the 15 ^th century.

Dubbed as the ‘tallest castle in France’, the Château de Brissac is said to have originally built as a castle by the Counts of Anjou during the 11 ^th century. During the 15 ^th century, the château was rebuilt as a fort-like structure by one of Charles VII’s ministers. During the French Wars of Religion, which broke out during the 16 ^th century, the château was made into his possession by Henry of Navarre (who would later reign as Henry IV of France). When Henry became the King of France, the château was given to Charles II of Cossé as a reward for his support. Charles was also awarded the title ‘Duke of Brissac’.

The Green Lady : One of the most infamous residents of the Château de Brissac is the ‘la Dame Verte’ or Green Lady, who is the château’s resident ghost. The Green Lady is said to be the ghost of a woman by the name of Charlotte de Brézé, who was the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII and his mistress, Agnes Sorel.

She was also the half-sister of King Louis XI. In 1462, a marriage was arranged between Charlotte and Jacques de Brézé, a nobleman. It has been claimed that the marriage was politically motivated, and that the two did not love each other. Additionally, it has been said that the two individuals had quite different characters. For instance, Jacques is said to have enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, whist Charlotte was more inclined to a sophisticated life.

On May 31, 1477, Jacques is said to have returned from a hunting trip, had dinner with his wife, and then went to his room. It seems that the couple did not sleep in the same bed, and in the middle of the night, a servant woke Jacques up to inform him that his wife was having an affair with a man by the name of Peirre de Lavergne. Jacques caught his wife and her lover red-handed, and in a fit of rage, murdered the adulterous couple. Apparently, Jacques moved out of the château shortly after the murder, as he could not stand the moaning of his late wife’s and her lover’s ghosts.

Today, it is claimed that only the ghost of Charlotte remains in the Château de Brissac, as there are no reported sightings of Pierre’s ghost (who perhaps might have moved on at some point of time). The dukes of the château and their families are said to have grown accustomed to her presence, though it is claimed that guests have been frightened by her. Her favorite haunt is said to be the tower room of the chapel, where she can be found in her green dress, hence the name ‘Green Lady’. Additionally, it has been claimed that the ghost’s face has holes in place of her nose and eyes, perhaps a reflection of what was done to her when she was murdered. Her moans are also said to be heard throughout the château in the early hours of the morning.

The Library of Alexandria stands as one of the most iconic symbols of human intellectual achievement and one of the greatest cultural tragedies in history. Founded in the 3rd century BCE in Alexandria, Egypt, the library was envisioned as a center for learning and a repository for all the world’s knowledge. Its rise and mysterious fall have captivated historians, scholars, and the public for centuries, largely because it represents both the heights of scholarly ambition and the fragility of human achievement in the face of conflict and change.

The origins of the Library of Alexandria trace back to the reign of either Ptolemy I Soter or his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus. These rulers, successors to Alexander the Great in Egypt, sought to establish a hub of learning that would rival Athens. Situated in one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, the library quickly became a magnet for scholars, scientists, philosophers, and poets from across the Mediterranean. At its peak, the library may have housed between 400,000 and 700,000 scrolls, covering subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, and philosophy. Figures such as Euclid, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes are believed to have studied or worked there, contributing to its reputation as the greatest scholarly institution of the ancient world.

Despite its grandeur and influence, the Library of Alexandria did not vanish in a single cataclysmic event. Instead, it appears to have suffered a slow decline through a series of unfortunate incidents and political upheavals. One of the earliest and most cited episodes occurred in 48 BCE during Julius Caesar’s civil war. As Caesar set fire to ships in Alexandria’s harbor, the flames are believed to have spread to parts of the city, potentially damaging the library or associated storage facilities nearby. However, sources vary on the extent of the destruction, and it is unclear whether the main library building was affected.

The Roman era brought further instability. While the library may have continued under Roman rule, there is evidence of neglect and possible damage in subsequent centuries. A significant blow came in 391 CE when the Serapeum—an annex of the Library and a temple to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis—was destroyed by Christian zealots during a period of religious upheaval. This act marked a turning point, as the rise of Christianity increasingly clashed with pagan institutions and knowledge systems that had flourished under earlier empires.

Another oft-cited but controversial account involves the Muslim conquest of Alexandria in the 7th century. According to later Islamic sources, the Caliph Omar allegedly ordered the destruction of the remaining books, claiming that if the writings agreed with the Qur’an they were unnecessary, and if they disagreed, they were heretical. However, this account is widely debated and considered by many historians to be apocryphal or fabricated long after the fact. There is no contemporary evidence to support it, and some scholars argue that by the time of the conquest, the Library had already ceased to exist in any meaningful form.

The true story of the Library of Alexandria’s destruction is ultimately a tale of gradual erosion rather than dramatic obliteration. A combination of fires, wars, religious conflict, political instability, and cultural shifts contributed to its decline over centuries. Its loss was not just the destruction of a building, but the disappearance of vast quantities of ancient knowledge—some of which may never be recovered.

Despite the mystery surrounding its fate, the legacy of the Library of Alexandria endures. It has become a powerful symbol of intellectual curiosity and a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of knowledge. In 2002, Egypt inaugurated the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina near the site of the ancient library, aiming to rekindle the spirit of learning and scholarship that once defined the city. In the digital age, efforts to preserve information globally—through digital archives, cloud storage, and open-access platforms—echo the library’s original mission to gather and safeguard the world’s knowledge.

In conclusion, while the precise details of the Library of Alexandria’s destruction remain unclear, its impact on human history is undeniable. The dream it represented continues to inspire generations, reminding us that knowledge is a treasure worth protecting at all costs.

Former Uruguayan President José Mujica, known as “Pepe”, died at the age of 89 two days ago. The ex-guerrilla who governed Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 was known as the world’s “poorest president” because of his modest lifestyle. While in office, Mujica rejected moving into the presidential residence (a mansion), as heads of state around the world usually do. The leftist icon, known for his humility and progressive politics, died after a battle with cancer.

Instead, he remained with his wife – politician and former guerrilla Lucía Topolansky – in their modest home on the outskirts of Montevideo, with no domestic help and little security. This combined with the fact that he always dressed casually, that he was often seen driving his light blue 1987 Volkswagen Beetle and gave away a large portion of his salary, led some media outlets to call him “the world’s poorest president”.

He also donated around 90 percent of his US$12,000 monthly salary to charities that support low-income individuals and small entrepreneurs. He didn’t believe in god or religion and was at best a pantheist. Mujica had revealed in 2024 that he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which later spread to his liver. He chose to stop treatment earlier this year and spent his final days on his farm, where he lived throughout his presidency.

The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, emblematic of a real prison, offers a unique historical experience that lacks the charm and privacy you might find in a traditional hostel. However, the experience more than makes up for it, especially for budget-conscious travellers. Open to all, Ottawa’s Jail Hostel makes for a memorable night’s accommodation that won’t break the bank.

For 110 years, the thick-stoned building on Nicholas Street was known as the Carleton County Gaol, an imposing hell designed to imprison Ottawa’s most notorious offenders. Built in 1862 as a model British prison, the reality of the jail was hardly civilized. Tiny, freezing cells were crammed with both men and boys as young as five years old, reeking of excrement, the floor crawling with rats and bugs. The prison was eventually shut down in 1972 due to cruel living conditions but opened the following year as a refurbished youth hostel.

As travelers started spending nights in the hostel, many reported unexplainable events that occurred all over the building and grounds.

• The Ghost of Patrick Whelan: Arguably the hostel’s most famous spook, you’ll see Patrick Whelan walking the halls toward the gallows where he was hanged. His restless spirit is said to be caused by an undignified burial after his execution.
• The Hole: Also known as solitary confinement, this area of the jail is filled with an ominous, negative energy. Visitors report overwhelming feelings of despair in this cramped, lightless space.
• The Gallows: The jail’s preferred method of execution is still standing and functional, so don’t try it out. Hotel guests have heard footsteps, disembodied voices and other baffling sounds coming from the execution chamber.
• The Lounge: The hostel’s lounge was once used to house women and children prisoners, echoes of whom can still be heard today. Visitors claim to hear sounds of children crying and screaming, as well as knocking on doors and footsteps in the empty room.

1. The Maypole Dance

May Day is probably best known now for the medieval tradition of “dancing the maypole dance,” a custom that continues to be practiced. Fair young maidens circle the decorated pole weaving together patterns of ribbons in the process. Hawthorne and lily of the valley are traditional flowers used for garland. Similar ribbon dances were performed in pre-Columbian Latin America and were later incorporated into Hispanic ritual dances.

2. Masculine and Feminine

The pole is thought by many to (not so subtly) represent the masculine, while the decorations of flowers, wreaths and ribbons are thought to symbolize the feminine. Although some scholars assert that sometimes a tree is just a tree — the pole was not a phallic symbol, but rather a nod to the sacred nature of the tree. The pole was traditionally made of maple, hawthorn or birch; the men of a community would select the tallest, straightest tree they could find, and place it in the village green.

3. Rolling in the Hay

The celebration of fertility and abundance led to couples disappearing in the fields and woods for a “roll in the hay,” so to speak — the practice of which promised abundance. In general, it was a day marked by a libidinous mood; excessive promiscuity encouraged increased fertility in general for the year to come.

4. It Was Once Banned

Persecution of May Day festivities began as early as the 1600s, and in 1640 the Church ruled against the debauchery when the British Parliament banned the traditions as immoral. A much tamer version was brought back in 1644 under the rule of Charles II.

5. Fairy Tale

Some beliefs held that May Day was the last chance for fairies to travel to the Earth.

6. Facial Treatments

Tradition dictates that washing one’s face in the dew from May Day morning beautifies the skin.

The Hotel Kurrajong, located in Canberra, Australia, is known for its reported hauntings, particularly by the ghost of former Prime Minister Ben Chifley, who died in the hotel in 1951. Some guests and staff have reported experiencing unusual occurrences, such as flickering lights, unexpected drafts, and mysterious sounds, adding to the hotel’s reputation as a haunted location.

Elaboration:

Chifley’s Presence:

Ben Chifley, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949, lived at the Hotel Kurrajong during his time in Parliament. He died in the hotel in 1951 after suffering a heart attack in his room.

Haunting Reports: Many guests and staff have claimed to have experienced paranormal activity, including seeing Chifley’s apparition, especially in the area of the hotel where he died.

Other Reported Phenomena: Besides Chifley’s supposed spectral presence, reports also include flickering lights, unexplained cold spots, and unusual sounds.

Historical Significance: The hotel is not only considered haunted but also has a rich history, having served as a prominent residence for many political figures, including Prime Minister Chifley.

Chifley Experience: Some visitors can even book a “Chifley Experience” which includes staying in Chifley’s former room (now known as The Chifley Suite) and enjoying various perks.

Moldova is a small country between its big neighbours, Romania and Ukraine. 2.6 million people live here, and we mostly hear about Moldova in connection with Russia’s growing influence in the region. But Moldova also has good wine or a Czech village. Let’s get to know a few interesting facts you will not find in the news.

1. You can visit a Czech village in Moldova

The small village of Huluboaia in the southern part of Moldova was founded in the late 19th century by a group of 153 Czechs. Today, only a few locals speak Czech, but a group of volunteers visit every summer to promote Czech language education and revive Czech customs and traditions.

2. Moldova is the least visited country in Europe

Only 11,000 tourists visit Moldova every year. This is probably due to its location and the few tourist attractions, but those who have visited Moldova are always happy to return. The Orheiul Vechi monastery complex, carved into the rock by monks in the 13th century, is worth a visit. The best time to visit the country is the wine harvest season in October when many wine festivals are held.

3. The most extensive wine cellars are located in Mile?tii Mici

Winemaking has a great tradition in Moldova and is one of the leading industries. Moldovans mainly grow white wine, and there are still interesting native varieties to be found.

The wine cellars in the village of Mile?tii Mici have the most extensive collection of wines and have made it into the Guinness Book of Records, with almost 2 million bottles stored here. The entire length of the cellars is 250 km, but today only about 120 km are used.

4. Chi?in?u has one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe

Before World War II, Moldova had one of the largest Jewish populations. Over 60,000 were killed during the Holocaust, and more than 20,000 were buried in the cemetery in Chi?in?u. The cemetery itself was founded in the 17th century. During the 20th century, however, it had to retreat from its original size – in 1958, part of it was closed for road construction, and in 1961 for a park and tennis court.

5. Special bath for newborns

The arrival of a new family member is celebrated traditionally in Moldova. It is customary for the baby to be bathed for the first time by the eldest woman on the father’s side. Apart from water, they add flowers (for a nice life), honey and milk (to give the baby a sweet life) and money.

6. Moldova is a paradise for nut lovers

Moldova is one of the world’s largest exporters of walnuts. The local climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing walnuts. They are widely used in the local cuisine, and sweet cakes with walnut filling are very popular.

50 Berkeley Square is a townhouse in Mayfair, London, built in 1750. Nowadays, it is not known for being haunted. In fact, for many years it was actually a bookshop. The first few owners of the house, including Prime Minister George Canning, had no issues. The trouble only started when a man named Thomas Myers moved in. They say Myers had been rejected by a fiancée, and fell into a depression. We don’t know about that, but what is true is that from 1859 until the 1870’s Myers slept during the day and roamed his house at night holding a candle. He never left the premises, and the house fell into disrepair around him. Supposedly, after death, he continued to wander about with his candle.

The legend about the house varies, but most versions state that the attic room of the house is haunted by the spirit of a young woman who committed suicide there. She purportedly threw herself from a top-floor window after being abused by her uncle and is said to be capable of frightening people to death. The spirit is said to take the form of a brown mist, though sometimes it is reported as a white figure. A rarer version of the tale is that a young man was locked in the attic room, fed only through a hole in the door, until he eventually went mad and died. Another story is that the attic room is haunted by the ghost of a little girl who was killed there by a sadistic servant.

One tale speaks of a maidservant who was either given the haunted room to sleep in, or else was sent up to put sheets on the bed in that particular room. Either way, it didn’t end well for her because, in both versions, she was found in the room a gibbering wreck who never recovered her reason and so was unable to say what it was that she had seen that had affected her so. Then there was the story about the fearless young man who opted to volunteered to spend a night in the dreaded chamber and who vowed to do battle with any supernatural entity that dared to show its face. In the middle of the night he was found dead in bed, his eyes were wide open in terror.

It is alleged that in 1872, on a bet, Lord Lyttleton stayed a night in the building’s attic. He brought his shotgun with him and fired at an apparition. In the morning he attempted to find the apparition, but could only find shotgun cartridges. The following year the local council issued a summons to the house’s owners for failure to pay taxes, but it is claimed that they were not prosecuted because of the house’s reputation for being haunted.

In 1887 it was alleged that two sailors from HMS Penelope stayed a night in the house By morning one was found dead, having tripped as he ran from the house. The other reported having seen the ghost of Myers approaching them aggressively. No phenomenon has been reported since it was bought in the 1930s. Though many contemporary media outlets have reported happenings at the house, more recent investigators claim that nothing unusual has ever taken place there. It has also been noted that many of the stories about the house were exaggerated or invented by later writers about its ghosts.

They have done it! It’s something that seems straight out of a blockbuster scifi movie that Hollywood put out but in this case, it’s real. A biotech company, Colossal Biosciences, says it has bred three animals with key physical features of the dire wolf — a species that has been extinct for more than 12,000 years. Colossal Biosciences it used novel gene-editing technology to alter gray wolf DNA that led to the birth of the pups. Dire wolves recently featured prominently in the HBO series Game of Thrones. Colossal says it extracted dire wolf DNA from two fossils — a roughly 13,000-year-old tooth found in Ohio and a 72,000-year-old inner ear bone discovered in Idaho.

Colossal also announced that it had bred four cloned red wolves, the most endangered wolf species in the world, and said its technology could be used to help threatened animal populations across the globe rebound. But some in the scientific community object to the Dallas-based firm’s claim to have returned the dire wolf — or Aenocyon dirus — from extinction with its process of using genetically modified gray wolf embryos. The company used what it learned about dire wolves from that ancient DNA to modify the cells of the modern gray wolf, which it says is the closest living relative to the prehistoric species. Colossal scientists made 20 edits to the gray wolf genome — including 15 edits in 14 genes that were the “exact extinct variants” — to create animals with dire wolf traits such as larger bodies and thicker, paler coats.

That modified DNA was then used to create embryos, which were implanted into surrogate female dogs. Three healthy pups with dire wolf traits were born, which the company named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi. Still, critics have questioned whether the three dire wolf pups are in fact the real thing — or a version of the gray wolf meant to look like it. In response to some of the criticism, the company said it was not trying to create an exact genetic replica of the dire wolf, but rather produce animals that can fill the void that dire wolves left in nature and carry the animal characteristics that were lost when they went extinct.

Here’s are some weird laws in Bermuda:

Bermudian citizenship is primarily determined by birthright, meaning a person born in Bermuda to Bermudian parents is considered a citizen.

Individuals without Bermudian status but residing on the island since 1989 can apply for permanent residence certificates, allowing them to stay and work indefinitely, but with limitations like high landowning taxes and no right to vote.

The age of consent for consensual anal intercourse was 18, while for other sexual activities, it was 16. In 2019, a law was enacted to establish a universal age of consent for all consensual sexual conduct at 18.

Line fishing, spearfishing, and lobster diving are prohibited in designated protected areas, according to the Government of Bermuda.

The Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority advises recreational users of small unmanned aircraft (drones) to prioritize safety, says the Government of Bermuda.

Bermuda does not have specific anti-SPAM laws, but the collection and use of personal information for direct marketing are subject to individual rights, according to Appleby.

Bermuda’s legal system is based on the common law system of England and Wales.

Same-sex relationships are legal, and same-sex domestic partnerships are recognized, but same-sex marriages are not allowed, according to the UK government’s travel advice.

Noise regulations exist to prevent disturbances and annoyances, especially outside of certain hours, according to the Summary Offences Amendment Act 2010.

In the mysterious Valley of the Kings, among the tombs of Pharaohs and their Queens, it is said that some are still lingering. Visitors claim to have seen a spectral figure on horse as well as the infamous curse of the tomb of Tutankhamun still haunts the empty graves. The Valley of the Kings in Egypt along the Nile’s western bank, is renowned for its regal tombs and the treasures they hold. However, beneath the golden sands and storied hieroglyphs lie tales of mystery and spectral encounters, making this archaeological wonder a contender for one of the most haunted places in Egypt.

The Ghost of the Pharaoh and his Fiery Chariot

At any given day there are thousands of visitors in The Valley of Kings. Visitors and archaeologists exploring the Valley have reported eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena. The valley’s night watchmen say they have heard odd screams echoing through the desert valley as well as angry shouting. There are also mysterious footsteps and wheels clattering heard in the dead of night. These mysterious sounds are thought to come from the ghosts of the deceased kings and queens. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures flitting through the tomb corridors, while others speak of disembodied whispers echoing within the ancient chambers in the Valley of the Kings. The presence of an otherworldly energy is said to intensify during the silent hours of the night, when the Valley rests in an eerie stillness. Some claim it is a fiery chariot pulled by black horses.

The Curse of the Pharaohs

Before getting into the story about tutankhamun, we need too look a the history of the phenomenon he curse of the pharaohs. The Curse of the Pharaohs, commonly known as the Mummy’s Curse, is a legendary curse believed to afflict those who disturb the mummies of ancient Egyptians, particularly pharaohs. This curse is said to bring bad luck, illness, or even death, indiscriminately affecting both thieves and archaeologists. While some argue that scientific explanations such as bacteria or radiation may underlie the curse, its origins trace back to cultural narratives rather than scientific evidence.

Despite stories of curses dating back to the 19th century, stories about them increased after Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. However, no curse was found inscribed in the pharaoh’s burial chamber, although strange rumors started about what happened to the crew present after.

The Pharaohs’ Restless Spirits

On November 4th that year a group led by the British Egyptologist Howard Carter descended the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley. Tut was a pharaoh believed to begin his rule as a 9 year old in 1333 BCE until his untimely death in 1323 BCE. After he was mummified and buried he stayed that way in peace for 3000 years. Until 1922 that is. Carter and his team spent the end of November excavating their way down to his tomb and burial chamber. When Carter reached the door to this room, he made a tiny hole and saw the room filled with treasures and the final resting place for the Egyptian pharaoh. And it is believed that when they opened that door, they also opened up the curse that lingered inside of the tomb.

The widely publicized belief in the curse surged after the deaths of Lord Carnarvon and others associated with the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was a keen amateur Egyptologist who was financing the project and joined Carter as they opened the door. He died aged 56 of blood poisoning, and so did the rumors of the curse that killed off the crew in a decade begin. He was not the only one people thought were cursed though. Prince Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey of Egypt, shot dead by his wife in 1923. People have speculated that he actually was cursed by the mummy. So was allegedly Sir Archibald Douglas Reid, who supposedly X-rayed the mummy and died mysteriously in 1924.

Sir Lee Stack was the governor-general of the Sudan and he was assassinated in Cairo in 1924. Arthur Mace of Carter’s excavation team, said to have died of arsenic poisoning in 1928. Carter’s secretary called Richard Bethell died his bed in 1929 by smothering and his father committed suicide in 1930. Howard Carter remained skeptical and called the curse ‘Tommy Rot’.. Carter himself lived until 1939, long after the curse was supposed to take him. Scientifically, the deaths attributed to the curse have been questioned, with some proposing links to toxic fungi.

Despite the sensationalized deaths linked to Tutankhamun’s curse, a study showed that six of the 26 present during the tomb’s opening lived long and healthy lives. Ancient curses, occasionally found in tombs, are rare and often directed towards protecting the tomb’s ritual purity rather than warning against intrusion. Skeptics argue against the curse’s validity, highlighting that many individuals associated with the excavation had no ill fate.

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, boasts unique features, including being home to Europe’s only wild monkey population, having a runway that crosses a main road, and a history linked to the “Pillars of Hercules”.

Here are some more weird and interesting facts about Gibraltar:

Europe’s Only Wild Monkeys: Gibraltar is home to the only wild monkey population in Europe, consisting of Barbary macaques, which are believed to have been introduced by the Moors.

“Pillars of Hercules”: Gibraltar, along with Mount Jbel Musa in Morocco, are known as the “Pillars of Hercules,” a reference from ancient Greek and Roman legends.

Runway Crossing a Main Road: Gibraltar International Airport’s runway crosses Winston Churchill Avenue, a major thoroughfare, meaning traffic must stop for aircraft takeoffs and landings.

Low Tax Rates: Gibraltar is known for its low tax rates, making it an attractive location for businesses.

Small but Dense: With a population of around 33,000 people in a small area (2.6 square miles), Gibraltar has one of the highest population densities in the world.

Tunnels: There are more kilometers of tunnels than roads in Gibraltar, with over 50 km of tunnels weaving through the Rock.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise: The Rock of Gibraltar is a popular spot for birdwatchers, as it’s a migratory path for birds between North Africa and Europe.

Unique Flora: The Gibraltar candytuft is a flower native only to the Rock, and wild olive and pine trees grow on the Upper Rock.

Neanderthal History: Gorham’s Cave, located below the Rock of Gibraltar, was a Neanderthal stronghold and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There used to be a law according to which men over the age of 80 were not allowed to become pilots.

A law existed in Ottoman Turkey that made plucking unripe olives punishable by two years of imprisonment.

Suleiman the Magnificent banned the consumption of coffee and forbade people from visiting coffee houses since they had become places for political discussion.

During the Ottoman era, gypsies were not allowed to have or even ride horses for people believed that they would carry out crimes while riding them.

It was prohibited for people to play games in coffee houses such as backgammon and chess owing to the deadly black plague.

While insulting people can land you in trouble, insulting Kemal Ataturk, or the Turkish flag is a huge crime that can result in imprisonment for five years.

Disrespecting the Turkish Lira is also illegal and carries a punishment of six months to three years of prison.

Not having your ID with you can also cause issues. Everyone in Turkey, whether they are citizens or non-citizens, must carry their IDs since the local police perform random checks at touristy and busy locations.

Here are the 10 largest lakes in the world by surface area:

1. Caspian Sea (371,000 km² / 143,000 mi²) – Though called a “sea,” it is technically the world’s largest lake.
2. Lake Superior (82,100 km² / 31,700 mi²) – The largest of North America’s Great Lakes.
3. Lake Victoria (68,870 km² / 26,600 mi²) – Africa’s largest lake, located in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
4. Lake Huron (59,600 km² / 23,000 mi²) – Part of North America’s Great Lakes, bordering the U.S. and Canada.
5. Lake Michigan (58,000 km² / 22,400 mi²) – The only Great Lake entirely within the U.S.
6. Lake Tanganyika (32,600 km² / 12,600 mi²) – The world’s longest freshwater lake, stretching across four African countries.
7. Lake Baikal (31,500 km² / 12,200 mi²) – The deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, located in Russia.
8. Great Bear Lake (31,000 km² / 12,000 mi²) – The largest lake entirely within Canada.
9. Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa) (29,600 km² / 11,400 mi²) – Located in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
10. Great Slave Lake (27,000 km² / 10,400 mi²) – The deepest lake in North America, located in Canada.

The “Dark Ages,” a period roughly between 500 and 1000 CE in Europe, is characterized by a perceived decline in culture and science after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, with feudalism, superstition, and the influence of the Catholic Church as key features. Here’s a more detailed look at some key aspects of this period:

Timeline and Terminology:

Time Period: The “Dark Ages” is a term used to describe the early part of the Middle Ages, roughly from the fall of the Western Roman Empire (around 500 CE) to the beginning of the High Middle Ages (around 1000 CE).

Origin of the Term: The term “Dark Ages” was coined by Renaissance scholars like Petrarch, who viewed this period as a time of decline compared to the classical era.

Controversy: The term is considered somewhat controversial among historians, as it doesn’t fully reflect the advancements and developments that occurred in other parts of the world during this time, like the Islamic world.

Key Characteristics:

Feudalism: A hierarchical social structure with a king at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants, was the dominant system during this period.

Superstition and Religion: The Catholic Church held significant influence, and superstition was widespread, impacting various aspects of daily life.

Limited Scientific and Cultural Advancement: The period was characterized by a perceived decline in scientific and cultural progress compared to the Roman era.

The Black Death: The Black Death, a devastating plague, swept through Europe during this period, causing widespread death and disruption.

The Crusades: The Crusades, a series of religious wars, also occurred during this period, leading to significant conflict and violence.

The Carolingian Renaissance: A brief period of cultural and intellectual revival occurred during the reign of Charlemagne in the late 8th and early 9th centuries.

The Bible: The Bible was copied by hand during this period, and the Catholic Church played a central role in preserving and spreading religious knowledge.

Medicine: The practice of medicine reverted to primitive methods dominated by superstition and dogma.

The legend of Atlantis has fascinated people for centuries. The story originates from Plato’s dialogues, Timaeus and Critias, written around 360 BCE. Here are some key details about the myths surrounding Atlantis:

1. Plato’s Account

Plato describes Atlantis as a mighty and advanced civilization, larger than Libya and Asia combined. It was said to have existed 9,000 years before his time and was located beyond the Pillars of Hercules (modern Strait of Gibraltar). The Atlanteans were powerful but became corrupt and greedy, leading the gods (particularly Poseidon) to destroy their land in a cataclysmic flood and earthquake, sinking it into the ocean.

2. Theories & Speculations

Since Plato’s time, various theories have emerged about whether Atlantis was real, symbolic, or a mix of both. Some popular ideas include:

• A real lost civilization: Some believe Atlantis was based on real locations, such as Minoan Crete, Santorini (Thera), or even the Caribbean.
• A metaphor for moral decay: Many scholars argue Atlantis was Plato’s allegory for the downfall of societies due to corruption and hubris.
• A memory of ancient disasters: Some link Atlantis to real disasters, like the volcanic eruption of Thera (Santorini) around 1600 BCE, which devastated the Minoan civilization.
• Alien or supernatural origins: Fringe theories suggest Atlantis was home to advanced alien beings or was destroyed using unknown technology.

3. Influences on Popular Culture

Atlantis has inspired countless stories, from medieval maps marking it as a real place to modern books, movies, and TV series. Writers like Francis Bacon and Ignatius Donnelly popularized Atlantis in modern times, linking it to theories of a lost super-civilization.

4. Possible Locations

Some theorized locations include:

• Santorini (Greece) – Destroyed by a volcanic eruption.
• The Azores (Portugal) – Mid-Atlantic islands possibly linked to a submerged landmass.
• Cuba & the Caribbean – Ruins found off the coast of Cuba sparked speculation.
• Antarctica – Some theories suggest an ice-covered Atlantis.

Conclusion

Whether Atlantis was real or just a philosophical cautionary tale, it continues to capture the imagination of historians, scientists, and conspiracy theorists alike. The search for Atlantis is as much about human curiosity as it is about uncovering lost history.

Would you like details on a specific aspect, such as archaeological evidence or modern theories?

The beautiful Zvíkov Castle in the Czech Republic is thought to be haunted by a demonic imp that resides inside of the old castle towers as well as a residence Lady in White and a hellhound guarding a secret entrance.Nestled on a rocky outcrop above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers in the Czech Republic, Zvíkov Castle is a magnificent fortress steeped in history and often called The King of Czech Castles. Its majestic towers and formidable walls have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of political intrigue, battles, and conquests that shaped the country. But beneath the Zvíkov Castle’s grandeur lies a darker side, one that is shrouded in mystery and haunted by legends of ghosts, curses, and malevolent spirits.

Zvíkov Castle has a rich and fascinating history, one that is full of political intrigue, battles, and conquests all the way from the Bohemian P?emyslid dynasty. The castle played a key role in many of the major events that shaped the history of medieval Bohemia, including the Hussite Wars, the Thirty Years’ War, and the rise of the Habsburgs. During the Hussite Wars, Zvíkov Castle was besieged by Hussite armies, who attempted to storm the castle’s walls. The castle’s defenders held out for several months, but were eventually forced to surrender. The castle was later destroyed by the Hussites, but was rebuilt by the Rosenbergs in the 16th century.

Zvíkov Castle is renowned for its ghostly sightings and paranormal experiences. Visitors to the castle have reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls, hearing strange noises and footsteps, and feeling cold spots and sudden drops in temperature. Some have even claimed to have been touched or pushed by unseen hands. One of the ghosts said to be haunting the castle is called the Zvikov’s Imp. He is said to be haunting the ancient tower Markomanka, a tower with mysterious markings or runes in the stones. He has also been reported to haunt another tower called Hlíza or The Black Tower.

Stories have been circulating about him for hundreds of years and is known for playing tricks on people like punching, poking, moving their objects or tripping them. It is said that people that have visited the castle tell about seeing strange things in their photoes when coming home as well as experiencing technical issues. Animals are also said to be affected and have shown bizarre behavior, almost like possessed. This story most likely comes from the stories about the Rarášek from Slavic folklore. Described as a sort of imp or a trickster spirit. Another story told about the Zvíkov Castle is that anyone that sleeps over in the main tower is said to die within a year.

Another thing to beware is down in the catacombs of the castle where it is said that bloody hellhounds roam and have been blamed when some hear strange howling in the night. According to the legends there is a secret passage they are guarding from the gothic chapel of St. Anne from the 1200s. Another one of the enduring legends of Zvíkov Castle is that of the White Lady, a ghostly apparition that is said to haunt the castle’s halls, although she is said to not be as demonic as the other strange occurrences from the castle. Many visitors to Zvíkov Castle have reported seeing the White Lady, dressed in a flowing white gown, gliding through the castle’s rooms and appearing in the stairs. Some have even claimed to have heard her weeping as she wanders the castle.

Zvíkov Castle is a hauntingly beautiful fortress steeped in history and legend. Its dark past is a testament to the trials and tribulations of medieval Bohemia, and it’s haunted legends continue to intrigue and fascinate visitors to this day.