Roundabout History

Welcome to Roundabout History Dear History Enthusiasts, I'm thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural edition of Roundabout History, your weekly journey through the fascinating corridors of the past. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or just beginning to explore the annals of time, this newsletter is your ticket to uncovering the hidden gems, untold stories, and remarkable figures that have shaped our world. Roundabout History, seeks to show how history is more than just dates and...

Lesson Sixty-One François Mackandal Dear History Enthusiasts and Revolutionists, This week, we spotlight a figure whose name still echoes through the history of revolution and resistance: François Mackandal—the maroon leader, herbalist, and rebel mastermind who helped ignite the fire that would eventually become the Haitian Revolution. From Enslaved Man to Maroon Leader François Mackandal was born in Central or West Africa and brought to Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), then the richest...

Lesson Sixty Maroons in Nova Scotia Dear History Enthusiasts, Today we will be revisiting the compelling story of the Jamaican Maroons. This time focusing on their continued history after the Jamaican Maroon Wars, regarding their displacement to Nova Scotia. This is an often overlooked chapter in Canadian history that bridges the Caribbean and the Atlantic coast of Canada. Their arrival, resistance, and legacy continue to shape the identity of African Nova Scotians and the wider fabric of...

Lesson Fifty-Nine The Maroons Dear History Enthusiasts, This week, we spotlight the remarkable story of the Maroons—Africans and their descendants who resisted slavery by forming independent communities throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. Their name, derived from the Spanish word cimarrón (meaning "wild" or "untamed"), has become synonymous with rebellion, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Who Were the Maroons? The Maroons were formerly enslaved Africans who escaped colonial...

Lesson Fifty-Eight Fee Codes Dear Health Policy Enthusiasts, This week, we're diving into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of medical billing: the history and evolution of medical fee codes—particularly how some procedures remain highly paid even after becoming faster, safer, and less complex. The Origins of Medical Fee Codes Medical fee codes were first introduced to standardize healthcare billing, ensuring that physicians were compensated fairly for their time, expertise, and the...

Lesson Fifty-Seven Surfing Dear History Enthusiasts, Welcome back to this week's newsletter, where we dive into the rich and exhilarating history of surfing. From its ancient Polynesian roots to its global popularity today, surfing has evolved into a beloved sport and lifestyle, captivating millions around the world. Ancient Beginnings Surfing's history begins in the wild waters of the Pacific, where ancient Polynesians were the first to ride waves. As early as 1000 AD, Polynesians used...

Lesson Fifty-Six The Oldest Republic on Earth Dear History Enthusiasts, This week, we journey to a tiny yet remarkable nation nestled within the mountains of Italy—San Marino, the world’s oldest republic. While many think of Greece or Rome when discussing ancient democracy, San Marino holds the title of the longest-surviving republic, a political system it has maintained for over 1,700 years! A Republic Born in Exile San Marino’s story begins in the early 4th century CE, during a time of...

Lesson Fifty- Five Lazarus Species Dear Nature Enthusiasts, This week, we're diving into one of the most exciting and hopeful phenomena in the natural world: Lazarus species — organisms that seemingly come back from the dead. What Are Lazarus Species? Named after the biblical figure Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, Lazarus species refer to animals or plants that were believed to be extinct, sometimes for decades or even centuries, only to be discovered alive and well in the wild. These...

Lesson Fifty-Four The Emu War Dear History Enthusiasts, This week, we’re venturing into one of the most bizarre and fascinating chapters of military history — a “war” not fought between nations, but between Australian soldiers and a flightless bird. The Great Emu War of 1932 After World War I, many Australian veterans were given farmland in Western Australia under a government settlement scheme. However, by the early 1930s, these farmers were struggling — not just with poor soil and...