MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 611

Diet of Worms

On April 18, 1521, Martin Luther confronted the emperor Charles V in the Diet of Worms where he refused to retract his views that led to his excommunication.

Lost Gold of the Dark Ages

Television event: The National Geographic Channel (250 in the Omaha area) is airing "Lost Gold of the Dark Ages" on Sunday, April 18th at 8:00 p.m. This is the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold found to date. Move over King Tut 

Mary Ann's Book signing

April 17, 2010 -- Thank you Beth Black, owner of The Bookworm at Countryside Village for your hospitality.

Thanks to my family and friends who made this book signing event such a success.

The Roman Coloseum

Emperor Vespasian ordered the construction of the Colosseum which was dedicated by his son and successor Titus a year after his father's death. The Colosseum took ten years to complete with a seating capacity for 50,000-75,000 spectators. The "grand opening" consisted of 100 days of games. Earthquakes in 492 and 508 caused portions of the Colosseum to fall but it was a 9th century earthquake which caused half of the outer shell to collapse.

9th Century Solar Eclipses

From 801 to 900 there were 222 solar eclipses of which 78 were partial, 74 were annular (sun and moon are exactly in line) , 64 were total and 6 were hybrids (transitions between total and annular; extremely rare). The greatest number of eclipses in one year was four, in 810, 828, 875, and 893.

April 17 2010 Booksigning Omaha NE

April 17th, 2010 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm
Stop by The Bookworm in Countryside Village for "The Briton and the Dane" booksigning event. The address is 8702 Pacific Street, Omaha, NE 402-392-287

857 Rhine Valley

History Trivia: In 857, there was mass hysteria in the Rhine Valley due to Ergot poisoning. The hallucinogenic fungus (LSD) replaces the rye grain which was baked as bread and killed thousands. Ergotism is also known as Holy Fire and St. Anthony's Fire because of the burning sensation symptoms noted in the extremities.

Fourth Crusade

History Trivia: April 12, 1204 - Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) was sacked during the Fourth Crusade. Fire destroyed much of the city which left thousands homeless. The great Library was destroyed. Ancient Greek and Roman works not destroyed by fire were stolen. Unfortunately the Crusaders were ruthless and spared no one and nothing as they inflicted their revenge for the massacre of Roman Catholic merchants and their families which occurred in 1182.

Napoleon banished to Elba

April 11, 1814: Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France and one of the greatest military leaders in history was banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba as required by the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

King of the Western Franks

History Trivia: April 10, 879 – Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks