Behavior & Beliefs

Medjed

Medjed the Smiter: A God Like No Other

“He is one who smites the enemies of Osiris. He sees, but is unseen. He strikes, yet cannot be stopped.” — Ancient Egyptian funerary text, paraphrased Among the richly symbolic and visually consistent pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities, one figure is an utter anomaly. His name is Medjed, often translated as “The Smiter.” He doesn’t […]

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The Affair of the Poisons

The Affair of the Poisons: Unveiling the Scandal at the Heart of Louis XIV’s Court

The Affair of the Poisons (1679–1682) in France is one of the most notorious episodes in European history involving secret poisonings, and it is often associated with the larger societal fears of poisoning, particularly involving women. This affair, which unfolded during the reign of Louis XIV, was characterized by a series of high-profile trials, scandals,

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Giulia Tofana and the Elixir of Liberation

The Infamous Aqua Tofana: Poison, Power, and the Perception of Women in History

In the 17th century, a powerful and deadly concoction emerged from the streets of Italy, forever cementing itself in history as one of the most infamous poisons ever used. This poison, known as Aqua Tofana, played a critical role in the lives of women living in oppressive and abusive marriages during a time when divorce

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