Integrating Lessons in History

As Austin and I drove to Academie Duello together today, we had an interesting conversation about history, intermingled with present-day events and human behaviour.

I told Austin about the recent news story of a South Korean oil tanker seized by Somali pirates about 690 nautical miles north of the Somali coast. When I read about the desperation that drives some Somalian men to become pirates, it seemed similar to the desperation that drove some Norsemen to become Vikings. They needed to find a means to provide for their families, so some resorted to violent attacks and raiding.

Austin's view was that people need to do what they're good at, be it diplomacy or violence, to keep their Empire alive. He went on to explain that not only did the Vikings choose violence and surprise attacks, but they were good at it, too. He explained that the Persians used diplomacy to expand their empire, because they were particularly good at that.

I talked about how modern-day Persian leaders may not be viewed by the world, as diplomatic. For instance, the president of Iran wants to do nuclear testing and build nuclear arms. Austin feels that world powers may be against Iran doing these activities, only because it could make Iran stronger. I said, "Yes, they wouldn't want another nation to be more powerful." Austin interjected, "Unless they are an ally..." and I countered, "No, even if they are an ally, the United States wants to be the strongest world power." Austin expressed an opinion that the United States is the modern-day Roman Empire.

Austin told me about the Persian "immortal" army of 10,000 men. Anytime a Persian fighter was killed, he would be immediately replaced. Aynsley (teacher at Academie Duello) explained that Austin has remembered correctly, what he learned. Aynsley described it like a machine. The Persian army was always 10,000 men. No more. No less.

Austin explained that when the Persians employed democratic means to grow their empire, they would invite other groups to join them. If the other groups declined (opted to keep their religion and culture), the Persians would attack. The other groups were not aware that this would be the result of their decision not to join the Persians.

I asked Roland (teacher at Academie Duello) about the claim in Austin's Barbarians book, that "the Thing" was the earliest known lawmaking body in Europe. He feels there may be a distinction between "legal" matters and "theological" guidelines set down by the Church (which would have been in place earlier than Viking laws). Europe was not a region yet, during times of the Roman Empire, so Austin's inquiry about Roman laws being in place prior to "the Thing" makes sense.

Aynsley was impressed by Austin's statement about the U.S. being the modern-day Roman Empire. He laughed, saying that they hadn't taught that in class, and he can't say he disagrees with Austin ;)

Aynsley and I talked about the Viking settlement at the northern tip of Newfoundland, at L'Anse aux Meadows. It sounds like a great place to visit, and I am very keen to find out if there is any way we could go there this summer, when we are visiting the maritimes. This would be a trip spanning several days, however, and could be quite expensive.