English

In the 12th century, the thriving wool industry cradle of Northern Europe and the trading region of Northern Italy met halfway at the Champagne fairs in the market squares of Lagny, Bar-sur-Aube, Troyes, and Provins. It was here that itinerant traders sold wool, silk, spices, furs, gemstones, precious metals, and salt.

The colossal works of philosophers and poets had a decisive impact on the German people's spirit and the mentality of the individual. In the absence of political unity, Germany's destiny was of an intellectual nature. Germans have always believed in ideas, considering them the sole drivers of historical changes rather than political or military...

The appearance of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans rewrote the course of European history. The Balkan states in the path of Ottoman conquests fought a life-and-death struggle against this formidable opponent. Other states sought to preempt this danger, making the "Turkish question" a central issue in foreign policy and diplomacy across Europe. The...