Category Archives: literature

A Bishop Chickens Out. Would You?

Posted on August 13, 2016 by 100swallows

“The incense is in that bowl, Basílides,” said the Roman official. “When you are finished making your offering to the emperor, I will give you this certificate with my signature. Keep it with you and show it to any Roman … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Christianity, history, literature, Mérida, religion, Romans, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Cervantes Leaves His Pretty Wife and Looks for a Job

Posted on July 24, 2015 by 100swallows

A few days after his wedding Cervantes must already have suspected that he had made a mistake. His wife was cheerful and  pretty and passably wealthy but he couldn’t stand her little town. How was he going to spend the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1, Cervantes, history, literature, Spain, Spanish Armada | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

How Xenophon Saved His Army

Posted on February 19, 2015 by 100swallows

“So—is this the end?” Xenophon asked himself. “You asked for it and now you got it.” He was lying in a tent in the middle of the Persian Empire. He was with a batallion of Greek mercenaries, though he was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, history, literature, The Greeks, war, warfare | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments