Mine (so far) is ancient history. The Mesopatamians, Babylonians, and Persians especially, but also the Greeks and Romans is just absolutely fascinating. I think it's amazing what they were able to accomplish back then.It's fun studying/researching it too, because for a lot of things there's no definite or one answer. It's a lot of deductive reasoning or speculation gathered from other evidence. Example: I can't prove Cyrus II was a follower of Zoroastrianism, but I can present some evidence that makes it likely his policies were influenced by it.
I like ancient Greece as the civic cradle of Western civilization. I like ancient Rome for the way it dominated in grandeur in creating the foundation upon which Western Civ sprung. I like the Middle Ages in Europe (France, Germany), the Italian Renaissance, and the early Modern age of the 17th/early 18th Century in Europe as well, particularly England. I also like American colonial history. I'm not quite as big on the American Civil War, but come on – it's history – so I still do like it.
Local history is a good choice. I especially like before-and-after photos of areas that I am familiar with. It's amazing to see how people of a different age lived according to their way of life among the same buildings that I live around in the current day. For example, this house (photo from 1888), is a house right around where I live.
Now, or as one may say, current. It is absolutely amazing how we still ignore lessons taught again and again, by those far wiser than we. Yes, this is my favorite period – how could anyone be more stupid? Than right now, in history?
Is it OK to change one's mind here? The pre-Medieval migration of the Germanic tribes is quite interesting too. As is the latter half of the 19th century.
Is it OK to change one's mind here? The pre-Medieval migration of the Germanic tribes is quite interesting too. As is the latter half of the 19th century.
As I tell my girl friends, change your panties as needed. But what is your favorite underwear? And why?
I'd have to agree that Ancient History is very interesting. For me, I'm amazed by America's Founding Fathers…especially Ben Franklin. He was brilliant, imo. Hopefully, as I get further along in my college courses, I'd like to study the history of Germany since its relative to my ancestry. At one time, I was very interested in pre-revolutionary Russian history but I'm not sure I want to focus in that area. So much history, so little time it seems…lol…
Major in American History and minor in either Ancient World or a non Western History. This way you are well rounded and most colleges employ about 7 American History scholars to every other discipline.
Thank you for the advice. I'm strongly leaning towards American History as I'm appreciating with age (and classes) the history of America. I've visited other European history posting boards and realized how important it is to be a part of American History & archiving our history for future generations.
18th and 19th century Prussia, I think the Prussian rise to Great Power staus is fascinating and little understood in the English Speaking world. Too many people point to Bismarck and Hitler, they but stood on the shoulders of giants however.