History Schmistory: When In Rome
Saturday, June 28, 2025
“When in Rome do as the Romans do†is a commonly used idiom. An example of its use in a conversation would go something like this:
Person #1: “I refuse to try that sushi!â€
Person #2: “C’mon, try it! When in Rome do as the Romans do.†which means, when in a new place behave like they do.
We may understand the meaning of the saying but do we know the origin of it? Well, it all started back in the 16th century when Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan gave some good advice to Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. Saint Augustine had asked Saint Ambrose if they should fast on Saturdays, like the Romans did. Ambrose replied by saying, “When I am here, I do not fast on Saturday; when I am in Rome, I fast on Saturday.†Of course he said this in Latin but that’s beside the point. Eventually this turned into the phrase that we know today. So when in Rome, fare come i romani!
History Schmistory, June 24: Dance Dance Revolution!
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
1374Â –Â A sudden outbreak of St. John’s Dance caused people in the streets of Aachen, Germany, to experience hallucinations and begin to jump and twitch uncontrollably until they collapse from exhaustion.This phenomena, know as “Dancing Mania” spread throughout Europe over the next few decades.
And still continues to effect “victims” all over the world today…
History Schmistory, June 16: Wait, She Didn’t Die?
Monday, June 16, 2025
1567 – Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in Lochleven Castle prison in Scotland. While we had mentioned in a previous “History Schmistory” that Monty Python says Ms. Mary dies, we were on a mission to find the REAL story. Take that Monty!
In case you missed it, here’s another clip of Mr. Python’s take on the Q of S….
History Schmistory, May 15: Mary Queen of Scots
Thursday, May 15, 2025
1567 – Mary, Queen of Scots marries James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. Later, according to Monty Python, she dies:
All The Countries of the World!
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Check out our brand-spankin’-new video featuring EVERY COUNTRY on the PLANET!!
Da Vinci Birthday Week Continues!
Sunday, April 20, 2025
New Video! Get up close and personal with Mr. Da Vinci himself!
History Schmistory, April 15: Kid Born in Vinci
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1452. Leonardo Da Vinci born out of wedlock in Vinci, Italy. Because he is illegitimate, he will need to find a trade, instead of becoming a government worker like his father.
Leonardo Da Vinci Birthday Bash Begins
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
On April 15, 2014, the world’s greatest painter and scientist turns 562! Â Celebrate every day with the Renaissance Man!
Find the Eggs!
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The History of the Easter Bunny in America. Can you find the eggs? Count ’em, post a comment, and forward to a friend! We’ll post a clue every day till Easter!
Happy April Fools’ Day!
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Marco goes out for a walk on April Fool’s Day. Bad idea…