Author: Antoine P Borg

A copper engraving of Prague besieged by Swedes in 1648

The Lasting effects of the Thirty Years’ War

I've written plenty of articles about the effects of the 30 Years' war on Prague and Czechia in general. I knew bits and pieces of the story so I decided to put all my research into a larger article to put things into context.
A photo of Kilmashogue wedge tomb - Dublin, Ireland

Do you know Dublin has a surprising megalithic tomb?

I find pre-historical buildings fascinating. We don't know why they built them, who designed them or how ?‍♂️. The lack of writing means we will never know. All we do know is what we can conclude from the ruins which is never enough. This aura of mystery piques my interest. ?
A photo of Prague, as seen from the top of the Lesser Town Bridge Tower - Prague, Czechia

How to find the hidden mysteries of alchemy in Prague

Prague has alchemical symbols hiding in plain sight. Regular readers will be familiar with some of these. There is a larger pattern of alchemical symbols hiding in the streets of Prague. This article guides you through the mystical underbelly of the City of a Thousand Spires!
A photo of the plaque commemorating the SAS - Ghent, Belgium

For people interested in World War II stories

There's a plaque on the wall in the castle in Ghent, Belgium, thanking the city for the symbolic establishment of the SAS. In Belgium. The SAS? Symbolic establishment? I started digging deeper to find out what this was all about.
A photo of the National Museum - Prague, Czechia

The Lost Walls of Prague’s New Town

I've written about the walls of Prague's Old Town, which the city destroyed. It's unfortunate they removed such a historical feature. Once Prague had a New Town and external fortifications there was no need for the walls around the Old Town.
A copy of Maniac ravings or Little Boney in a strong fit by James Gillray

How did the British take control of Malta?

I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is not true, but few are aware of this part of our history.
A photo of the view on Bezděz castle - Liberec, Czechia

How to see a quarter of Bohemia in one go

About an hour's drive north-east of Prague, the Gothic Bezděz castle watches over the region of Liberec. The view from the top of the Devil's Tower is such that you can see one-eighth of the entire country!
A photo of the altar at White Friar Street Church - Dublin, Ireland

St Valentine was not Irish – but he is now

I’ve written about relics of saints before. They exist because people believe proximity to part of a saint ?means  ‘something’ can rub off. Dublin has the remains of St Valentine so I went to take a look.