History Hound Travels

Did you know that…..

• Diamonds were probably first discovered in India, around 800 BC?
• The first known engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477?
• South Africa’s diamond deposits were discovered in 1866?
• There are diamonds in Western Canada?
• The largest rough diamond was discovered in 1905 and weighed 3,106 carats?
• carats are named from the seeds of the carob tree, used to balance the scales in ancient Oriental bazaars?

Vikings have long been considered the rapers and pillagers of the Old World, but they were alsotraders and colonists who helped shape Britain, and also the US. This site on Viking History is a must read for any history enthusiast. I’m assuming that’s everybody, for the purposes of this discussion