On 20th November, 1975, fifty years ago last Thursday, Juan Carlos was proclaimed king and inherited absolute power, in accordance with the succession law established by General Franco, who had been the dictator of Spain since 1936. However, in a significant move, the king relinquished that power, paving the way for what the Spanish call “la Transición,” the transition to…
It’s the end of the world as we know it. Strangely enough, I remember that this song, by the American band REM, was the most requested on a radio show years ago after Mr Trump was elected as the US President for the first time. It seemed to reflect the mood of the show’s audience, almost bordering on hysteria. ‘It’s…
The Edict of Milan marked a significant turning point for Christians throughout the Roman Empire. For nearly three hundred years, Christians had faced varying degrees of persecution, ranging from minimal tolerance to outright hostility. However, in February 313, a political agreement was reached between the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius in Mediolanum. This proclamation established religious toleration for Christianity within…
Since ancient times, the arrival of winter in the Northern Hemisphere has been met with feelings of anxiety and dread, something we often overlook in our comfortable, modern lives, thanks to the support of modern technology and inventions. In the not-so-distant past, nature was an unpredictable and often volatile force, making this time of year particularly challenging. As the days…
Once, a friend of mine applied for a new job. Part of the application was a history of his life – a curriculum vitae, or simply a CV. He wrote it, but being humble and modest, he didn’t emphasise his achievements as he didn’t want to be seen as a braggart or poseur. When he submitted the application, the manager…