Introduction The Levant Crisis also known as the Damascus Crisis, the Syrian Crisis or the Levant Confrontation was a military situation that took place between British and French forces in Syria in May 1945 soon after the end of World War II in Europe. French troops had tried to quell nationalist protests in Syria at… Read More
Introduction Evacuation Day (Arabic: عيد الجلاء), is Syria’s national day commemorating the evacuation of the last French soldier and Syria’s proclamation of full independence and the end of the French mandate of Syria on 17 April 1946. Background After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was divided into several new nations, creating the modern Arab… Read More
Introduction Königstein Fortress (German: Festung Königstein), the “Saxon Bastille”, is a hilltop fortress near Dresden, in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, above the town of Königstein on the left bank of the River Elbe. It is one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe and sits atop the table hill of the same name. The 9.5 hectare… Read More
Introduction The Veronese Easter (Italian: Pasque Veronesi, or singular Pasqua Veronese; French: Pâques véronaises) was a rebellion during the Italian campaign of 1797, in which inhabitants of Verona and the surrounding areas revolted against the French occupying forces under Antoine Balland, while Napoleon Bonaparte (the French supreme commander in the Italian campaign) was fighting in… Read More
Introduction The cernide or cernida (also known as the cranide in Dalmatia) were territorial armies of the Veneto and Istria that annually received some military training. Background The name cernida derives from the fact that the one or two young men were chosen (cf. Italian: cernere ‘to choose, select’) for every ten from among the… Read More
Introduction The Capitulations of Santa Fe between Christopher Columbus and the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, were signed in Santa Fe, Granada on 17 April 1492. Background They granted Columbus the titles of admiral of the Ocean Sea, viceroy, and governor-general and the honorific don, and also… Read More
Introduction The Siege of Kaunas was laid by the Teutonic Order on the newly built Kaunas Castle in spring 1362. It was the first brick castle built by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After a month-long siege, the castle was captured and destroyed. Its commander Vaidotas, son of Kęstutis, and 36 others were taken captive.… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 