Like all countries subjected to colonization, Chile’s history is a long tale of bloody struggles. From pre-Columbian times through the colonial period, into the era of revolutions, and further into the 20th and 21st centuries, Chile has battled for prosperity.   While many can look towards Chile today as a model for success, Chile also serves as a lesson in the vicissitudes of changing fortunes and the barbarism to which humanity is capable of stooping.   This is the story of Chile.   Pre-Columbian Chile Mapuche sculptures. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Before the Spanish arrived, Chile was home to around half a million people. These people lived in small, scattered tribes and had no governmental unification. Their survival was based mainly on hunting and fishing, with a fair amount of agriculture. In the south, the groups were more likely to be nomadic.   Conflict at this time was not uncommon. The people to the west of the southern Andes fought against the Chincha and then the Quechua, which formed part of the Inca Empire, an entity that was expanding but had suffered turmoil in the form of a civil war around the time of Spanish arrival.   In the late 15th century, the Inca Empire conquered what is now northern Chile but was halted by the Mapuche people, who lived further to the south. The Inca Empire then suffered the devastating effects of a civil war shortly before the Spanish arrived and put an end to the Indigenous way of life.   Spanish Conquest Pedro de Valdivia by Federico de Madrazo. Source: Store Norske Leksikon   In 1526, the Spanish arrived and changed the dynamic of South America forever. With their sights set on conquest, the Incan Empire fell rapidly in 1533 to the Conquistadors under the command of Francisco Pizarro. The Spanish then moved their attention south and attempted to take control of the long strip of land between the Pacific and the western edge of the Andes.   Under the command of conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, the forceful conquest of what is now Chile began. In 1541, he founded the town of Santiago, now Chile’s capital and biggest city. The territory under Spanish rule expanded towards the north and the south and was known as New Extremadura. As the Spanish pushed southwards, there was increased Indigenous resistance, known as the Arauco War.   In 1553, the Mapuche, under the leadership of a chief named Lautaro, rose up in revolt and captured and killed Valdivia. By the end of the 1550s, the land south of Santiago had been consolidated under the leadership of Governor Don García Hurtado de Mendoza. The Araucanians, however, still managed to wage a low-intensity guerilla war against the Spanish until the 1880s.   The Colonial Era Begins Araucanian chief. Associated name on print: “Duval.” Source: Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons   Chile was not rich in minerals, but it did have productive soil, and the colonial period began with extensive efforts in agriculture. Production, however, was not enough to cover the costs of its settlement, and at this point, the colony was an unattractive prospect for those seeking their fortune. By the end of the 16th century, there were only a few thousand Spanish settlers and very few enslaved Africans. To add to the difficulties, the Indigenous people proved unreliable as a labor source.   For these reasons, Chile was not profitable for the Spanish Crown, and it had to be subsidized to be kept part of the empire. Security was a huge issue, and vast sums of money had to be spent to keep Spanish property safe from Indigenous militants.   Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and impassable mountains to the east, Chile was isolated and difficult to reach. As a result, it generated a distinct character that was markedly different from that of many other South American colonies. One example of this difference was the low number of slaves brought in from Africa and the higher proportion of European settlers.   Despite its isolation, the northern end of Chile was in close contact with the territories of Bolivia and Peru. Both countries started vying for their own place on the continent at a time when revolutionary sentiment was at a significantly high level. Chile would thus be drawn into the same cycle of revolution against Spanish control.   Road to Independence The Battle of Rancagua by Giulio Nanetti. Source: Wikipedia   The first spark for independence came during the Napoleonic Wars. Spain was unable to administer its colonies, especially after it was invaded by France. Chile, like other South American colonies, was forced to survive on its own, and as a result, these colonies developed a greater sentiment for autonomy. Chile was no exception.   In 1810, the governor-general was pressured to resign, and in his place, a junta was established to govern in the interim until another government could be established. Spain, however, would not stand idly by and watch its colony declare independence. In 1814, the crown sent an army to restore control of its colony. At the Battle of Rancagua, the Spanish reasserted their control. This ended the period in Chile known as la patria vieja (the old fatherland).   Statue of Bernardo O’ Higgins in Castro, Los Lagos. Source: Wikimedia Commons   From 1814 to 1817, Spain took full control of Chile in a period known as the Reconquista. During this time, loyalists suppressed those with rebel intent. These efforts, however, simply drove more people to support the insurrection in Chile, and the Reconquista came to an end at the Battle of Chacabuco on February 12, 1817. Chilean independence leader Bernardo O’Higgins joined the armies of Argentinian leader José de San Martín, who helped several South American countries gain independence.   New Struggles General Manuel Bulnes by Raymond Monvoisin, 1843. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Thus began the six years known as the Patria Nueva, during which time independence leader Bernardo O’Higgins became the leader of Chile, declaring independence in 1818. With the armies of Spain dealt with, new struggles arose as liberals and conservatives vied for power in the country.   O’Higgins’ liberal reforms angered conservative elites within Chile, and he was forced to resign in 1823. The country was plunged into civil war, which lasted until 1830 with a conservative victory.   Later that decade, conflict would come to a head with a Bolivian-Peruvian alliance that threatened Chilean control of the Pacific. Chile declared war on their rivals and saw victory at the Battle of Yungay in 1839. General Manuel Bulnes, commanding the Chilean forces, became president.   Rule within Chile was still conservative, and liberal forces still kept pressure on the government to change.   More War & Expansion Map showing territorial control before the War of the Pacific. Source: Wikimedia Commons   A new conflict arose with the Chilean Civil War of 1851, in which the liberals were again defeated. However, it was clear that liberalization of Chilean society was necessary. It had become highly stratified and was a hotbed for further conflicts. President Manuel Montt addressed the issue by reducing the power of landowners and the church when he liberalized the constitution.   Despite defeating Bolivia and Peru in 1839, the countries were still in a state of high tension as they sought to gain control over vital resources. In 1879, Chile again went to war against Bolivia and Peru. This time, Chile not only triumphed but annexed vital resource-rich lands from Peru and Bolivia, cutting off Bolivia’s access to the sea in the process.   Meanwhile, the native Araucanians in the south were pacified, and at the end of the 19th century, Chile stretched over 2,500 miles north-south. Immigration to the south increased, and vital resources were exploited. Chile became a prime producer of nitrate, coal, and copper.   In 1891, another civil war erupted, this time between the government, which wanted to preserve the president’s authority, and a congressional junta, which sought to limit the president’s powers. After eight months, the congressional forces were victorious, thus beginning Chile’s parliamentary period.   Despite the changes, oligarchic rule continued, and a growing working class was excluded from political power.   Into the 20th Century Salvador Allende in 1972. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The parliamentary period came to an end in 1925 when a coup led by the working classes seized power and set up a junta. A new constitution was adopted, which protected the working classes and separated church and state.   In 1927, General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo seized power and ruled until 1931. The first years of his rule were successful, and the country flourished with money loaned from American banks. The Wall Street Crash of 1929, however, took its toll in Chile as well, and Del Campo lost popularity amongst a growing desire from the electorate for social change.   Democracy returned in 1932, and politics evolved similarly to how they evolved in many other Latin American countries. Parties formed coalitions around three political pillars: left, center, and right. This pattern was and still is known as the tres tercios (three-thirds). From 1938 to 1946, the country underwent massive change as a left-wing coalition reformed the country based on the New Deal in the United States implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt.   Democracy flourished for several decades due to a dynamic system in which parties were able to shift alliances and form governments. In addition, a strong system allowed for the easy management of political compromises. This system worked well until Salvador Allende’s election in 1970 when he ran as the socialist candidate for the Popular Unity alliance.   Allende won a plurality but not a majority. This would not have been a problem had Allende not been openly Marxist. His political stance was something that the West felt compelled to counter, and the United States became involved in undermining Allende’s administration.   Pinochet Augusto Pinochet official portrait, 1974. Source: Wikimedia Commons   On September 11, 1973, Chile’s path of governance was violently redirected when a military coup was staged and toppled the socialist presidency of Salvador Allende, who committed suicide after a last stand at the presidential palace.   At the head of this coup was Augusto Pinochet, who ruled as a despot until 1990, when he was forced to step down as head of the government. During this time, Chilean governance was characterized by an intensely anti-Marxist ideology, and many thousands of suspected leftists were tortured and forced to work in labor camps, while witch hunts throughout the country led to the murder of thousands of others.   Spreading the anti-Marxist sentiment, Pinochet formed Operation Condor, a network of intelligence agencies across South America that persecuted left-leaning individuals. Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador all cooperated in eliminating socialists, communists, and other leftists across the continent. All of this happened with the support of the CIA and the tacit support of several Western countries also involved in the fight against the influence of the Soviet Union.   Pinochet’s rule seemed so secure that he allowed for a referendum in 1988 to whether he should have another eight-year term in office. The results surprised him. Garnering only 44 percent of the vote, he was forced to hold elections and step down from his role as authoritarian dictator of Chile.   Pinochet retained the position of senator for life, but this was later rescinded as investigations of his crimes came to light. He died in 2006 before he could ever stand trial. It is estimated that up to 3,200 people were murdered in Chile while 80,000 people were interned, and tens of thousands were tortured under Pinochet’s brutal regime.   Return to Democracy Michelle Bachelet in 2006. Source: Wikimedia Commons   In 2006, the same year as Pinochet’s death, Michelle Bachelet became Chile’s first woman president, ushering in an era of social change. She is still a leading voice for equality and human rights, and she was re-elected in 2013.   In the 21st century, Chile has undergone shifts in political power from center-left to center-right and back again. In 2020, amid widespread protests, a referendum was held to change the constitution from the one created by the Pinochet regime and enacted in 1980.   The referendum result was a resounding landslide to create a new constitution and set the country on a more progressive path for the future, one in which the gap between the rich and the poor can hopefully be addressed. Since then, two new drafts of the constitution have been drafted and then rejected by voters; the process has essentially been postponed until a new administration comes in.   Flag of Chile. Source: needpix.com   Chile has a unique and turbulent history characterized by frequent conflict and passion for change. Over the centuries, vastly unequal societal dynamics have given rise to popular movements seeking to redress the problems inherent from the nation’s very beginnings.   While democracy seems firmly entrenched now, it is still subject to movements that threaten to upturn perceived injustices.   Chile’s story is not over, yet the country survives as a strong, independent nation with solid ideals and a passionate electorate.

  As with any nation, the United States currency serves a dual purpose as the country’s medium of exchange and a tangible link to the nation’s rich history. Among the iconic leaders who best exemplify the country’s legacy are some of the nation’s most celebrated presidents. From George Washington on the $1 bill to Ulysses S. Grant on the $50 note, the portraits staring at us from within our wallets honor the nation’s leaders whose leadership and vision have left an undeniable mark on United States history.   $1 Bill: George Washington  Portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart Williamson, 1803. Source: Clark Art Institute   As the first president of the United States, George Washington’s image has arguably always been synonymous with American leadership since the nation’s inception—a status only solidified by his portrayal of the $1 bill, the nation’s most commonly used denomination. The former general, more widely known as the “Father of His Country,” played pivotal roles in the American Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States.   As the United States’ first commander-in-chief, he led a ragtag group of soldiers to victory against the more formidable British forces. Following the conflict, Washington was unanimously elected his nation’s first president. He would forever be known for setting several precedents for those that followed, including a two-term tradition, a cabinet system of advisors, and the tradition of inaugural addresses to the nation.   While local state banks placed Washington’s likeness on their locally printed currency, the Founding Father’s image standardization across all federally issued $1 bills took a similar road to all others on this list. The $1 bill was first issued during the Civil War in 1862. Known at the time as a United States Note or a Legal Tender Note and meant to address the coin shortage and stabilize the national currency, the note first featured Salmon P. Chase, Lincoln’s Secretary of Treasury. The First president would not appear on the bill until 1869, when the Federal government introduced a new series of notes, and even then, it looked nothing like we are used to today. That design showed Washington on the left side of the bill with a sword and shield-armed figure representing “Victory” on the right.   $1 Note issued by the Metropolitan Bank (Washington DC), 1854. Source: Harvard Business School, Baker Library   It would not be until the introduction of Silver Certificates in 1878 that Washington would genuinely become synonymous with the $1 bill. The premise behind the new certificates (produced until 1968) was their representation of a specific amount of bullion held in the US Treasury. In essence, each bill, or certificate, was a federal government’s promise that its holder could exchange it for its equal value of silver dollars.   While Washington was once again prominent on the note, in 1886, the $1 Silver Certificate also featured his wife, Martha Washington. To this day, she is the only woman ever depicted on US paper currency as the central figure. Eventually, the currency was redesigned twice, first in 1923 into large-size notes and then again in 1929 into traditional smaller-size notes. The currency now officially placed George Washington as the prominent face on the $1 bill.   The transition to the Federal Reserve Notes and the complete elimination of the Silver Certificate’s convertibility into silver in 1968 cemented the design with George Washington prominently on the front, the bald eagle, and the pyramid with the Eye of Providence on the back, where it remains to this day.   $2 Bill: Thomas Jefferson  1917 version of a $2 bill depicting Thomas Jefferson. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the United States’ third president, does not need an introduction. Although his legacy has more recently been highlighted for the man’s paradox of owning enslaved people while touting America’s ideals of liberty and equality, Jefferson is still celebrated mainly for his contributions to the United States’ history. Apart from drafting the nation’s founding document, Jefferson oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the nation’s size, and established the University of Virginia, a pioneering institution focusing on independent thought.   As with the $1 bill, the first $2 banknotes were introduced in 1862 as part of the Legal Tender Act, which allowed the federal government to print paper currency to finance the war effort. The original $2 note featured not Thomas Jefferson but the first Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton (who would later get his own prominent place on the $10 bill).   The third president’s first appearance came in 1869 with the introduction of the new note series. Jefferson’s portrait and the accompanying US Capitol on the back would remain on the bill through the large note and Silver Certificate reiterations until Jefferson’s plantation home in Monticello appeared on the reverse side during the transition to a smaller bill size in 1928.   Apart from a few minor changes, the $2 bill’s biggest alteration came during the nation’s 1976 Bicentennial Celebration, which replaced Monticello with a new engraving of John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of Independence. Because the bill today is printed in lesser quantities than all others, reflecting its lesser demand in circulation, it is now seen more as a curiosity and a collectible than actual currency.   $5 Bill: Abraham Lincoln  Alexander Garnder’s image of President Abraham Lincoln taken on November 8, 1863. Source: Library of Congress   Abraham Lincoln is one of the most revered figures in American history; thus, it was no surprise that his image would grace national currency. The main difference is that while all others had long moved on from the presidency (except Ulysses S. Grant) or were long dead before their likeness appeared on respective bills, Lincoln was the sitting president when he first appeared on the $5 note in 1862. The American Civil War defined the sixteenth president’s time in office, an event which he played a large role in ending while simultaneously preserving the union and leading to the abolishment of slavery.   Like the bills mentioned before, the United States Treasury first issued the $5 note during the war in 1861. Like the $2 bill, the $5 note also depicted an image of Alexander Hamilton. Since 1862, Lincoln’s face has become the banknote’s staple, apart from a brief period during the early Silver Certificate era.   Introduced in 1886, the new $5 Silver Certificates portrayed Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious Union General from the Civil War, and Running Antelope, a Native American chief. The latter was best known for the Treaty of 1868, which he signed on behalf of the Lakota people in a forward-thinking step toward peace. Although celebrated as a skilled diplomat, orator, and supporter of peaceful coexistence with white settlers, the American government would eventually prove him wrong by breaking all the treaty’s promises, leading to renewed conflict. The latter was partially responsible for Abraham Lincoln’s return to the $5 note in 1899, reaffirming his place on the currency. Lincoln’s image remained unchanged through the shift from larger-sized notes to their smaller counterpart in 1929, with only his Memorial in Washington DC being introduced on the reverse side.   $20 Bill: Andrew Jackson  Andrew Jackson by Thomas Sully, 1824. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Perhaps the most discussed banknote on this list recently is the $20 bill, mainly because of calls for its redesign to better showcase America’s new, more inclusive history, especially that of women and minorities.   President Andrew Jackson, a complex figure in American history, is both revered and vilified. Elected in 1828, Jackson was viewed and referred to as the “People’s President” because of his appeal to the “common man.” Throughout his presidency, known as “Jacksonian Democracy,” the Tennessee man emphasized individual liberty, limited government, and expanded suffrage to white men. Yet, where he is celebrated for expanding democratic participation, his forced removal of Native American tribes and lack of opportunities for women and minorities at the time, whom he overlooked in his quest to bring equality to the “common man,” severely tarnished his legacy.   $20 bill issued by the Allentown National Bank in Allentown, PA, 1929. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Whereas before Jackson, the $20 bill in circulation since 1863 featured Alexander Hamilton and symbolic imagery of liberty, the US Treasury chose the seventh president’s image in 1875, touting his influence on American politics. When the United States government expanded its Gold Certificate initiative, with money in circulation representing a specific amount of gold held by the Treasury, James Garfield, recently assassinated, briefly replaced Jackson on the $20 note in 1882. Ironically, while the Gold Certificate $20 bills featured Garfield, other, non-gold backed National Bank Notes and United States Notes still depicted the seventh president. By 1905, Jackson would once again be the only image on the front of all $20 notes in circulation.   As Jackson’s policies toward Native Americans and his pro-slavery stance have more recently clashed with new American societal norms and morals, the calls for having him replaced on the $20 bill led the US Treasury to announce in 2016 its plans for a redesign. The plan calls for moving President Jackson to the back of the bill while placing Harriet Tubman, the famous abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad, on the front. As of this writing, the redesign has been delayed countless times.   $50 Bill: Ulysses S. Grant  Ulysses S. Grant’s $50 Gold Certificate Note from 1913. Source: US Government Bureau of Engraving and Printing   Ulysses S. Grant, who graces the largest currency denomination depicting an American president, is a towering figure in American history, known for his military genius and failed presidency. Grant’s claim to fame and reasoning for being included in US currency stems more from the former than the latter, as he first appeared on the $50 before he took office. As the Union General during the Civil War, Grant’s unwavering determination and strategic acumen were instrumental in defeating the Confederacy and ending the bloody conflict. While he has more recently been praised for his stance on rebuilding the nation and ensuring equal rights for newly freed slaves during his presidency, his administration was plagued by many of his appointees’ corruption scandals.   Ulysses S. Grant first appeared on the $50 note in 1869, the year he became president, his portrait replacing that of, once more, Alexander Hamilton. Reflecting his rising status as a national hero, his inclusion on the banknote while he was still alive and not yet the nation’s commander-in-chief only helped solidify him as one of America’s most popular and revered figures. While his presidency was lackluster compared to his battlefield genius, the US Treasury decided to stick with the eighteenth president, transitioning his likeness to the Federal Reserve Notes and later to their smaller version in 1929. Just as Grant’s memorial as the General of the Union forces stands before the steps of the US Capitol in Washington DC, the home of the American Congress graces the back of his $50 bill.

  Planet Earth is home to plenty of historic cities where empires have risen and fallen and from which new cultures have evolved. Many destinations used to serve as centers of power in the past, and their legacy continues until the present time. If you’re a lover of ancient ruins and relics, and if you have a knack for all things history, then the following historic cities are the next place to be as soon as you set off on your next adventure.   1. Athens, Greece Ruins of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Source: Pexels   The birthplace of democracy and Western civilization needs no introduction. This is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years. Athens was a major center of art, politics, and philosophy in the 5th century BC during its golden age. After all, it was home to figures like Plato and Socrates.   The most famous historical landmark of the city is the Acropolis, home to iconic structures like the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The crown jewel of Athens was built in the 5th century BC, and its temples were dedicated to the goddess Athena.   Other must-see sites in Athens include the Ancient Agora, which was once the heart of political and social life, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took over 600 years to complete and was dedicated to the king of the gods.   You would also want to explore the birthplace of ancient Greek Drama, the Theatre of Dionysus, as well as the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games. If you want to learn about Athen’s rich cultural legacy, then we recommend you visit the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.   2. Boston, USA Old State House, Boston. Source: Wikimedia Commons   America is a living tapestry of history, and Boston is one of the country’s oldest cities. This charming cultural mecca was founded in 1630 and had a major role in the American Revolution. The Puritans settled in Boston in the 17th century, where they established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They also built America’s first public school.   Boston’s significance in the fight for independence during the American Revolution can’t be overlooked. After all, this is the place of the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Thanks to its role in the war, Boston was nicknamed the “Cradle of Liberty.” In 1636, Harvard University was founded, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1861, which turned Boston into an education center.   Make sure to visit the Old State House, the Boston Common, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Old North Church whenever you’re in Boston. These historical landmarks will give you a glimpse into the rich revolutionary past of the city.   3. Cusco, Peru Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Perú. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Although the origins of this city remain a mystery, what’s certain is that it was built with a clear focus on distinct urban planning. It also served in the past as the capital of the legendary Incan Empire. Manco Capac, the legendary founder and first ruler of the Inca civilization, is often credited with founding Cusco in the 12th century.   One interesting fact is that Manco is said to have designed the layout in the shape of a puma to symbolize strength. In the 16th century, after the Spanish arrived in the city, they built colonial structures over the Incan foundations. This allowed the merging of two powerful cultures. Thanks to its cultural heritage and historical significance, Cusco was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   When you’re in this iconic Peruvian city, you’ll need to see the Sacsayhuamán, a massive Incan fortress overlooking Cusco. Also, add to your list the Church of Santo Domingo, which used to be known as Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) before the Spanish invaded. Plaza de Armas is Cusco’s central square. This is where you can visit the Cusco Cathedral and La Compañía de Jesús. Other must-see historical sites include the Tambomachay and Q’enqo archaeological complex.   4. Fez, Morocco Fez el-Bali, Fez, Morocco. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Idris I founded this ancient and cultural city of Morocco in the eighth century. He was the first ruler of the Idrisid dynasty. Under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties in the 12th and 13th centuries, Fez was at its peak as a hub of spiritual and intellectual life. It was famous for its mosques, universities, and artisan traditions.   The most famous landmark of Fez is its well-preserved medina (Fez el-Bali). This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. When you’re in Fez, you will marvel at the charming labyrinthine streets, witnessing what medieval Morocco looked like since this area remains largely unchanged for centuries now.   Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque is a must-visit as this is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating universities. It was founded in 859 AD. Other historical sites of Fez to add to your bucket list include the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, the grand and iconic blue-tiled gate Bab Bou Jeloud, and the Chouara Tanneries.   It’s also worth exploring the Dara Batha Museum, home to an impressive collection of Moroccan arts and crafts, as well as the Moulay Idriss II Mausoleum, a famous religious site dedicated to the founder of Fez.   5. Havana, Cuba Old Square in Havana, Cuba. Source: Pexels   The vibrant capital of Cuba has a rich history influenced by revolution, colonialism, and diverse cultures. The Spanish founded the city in 1519, and it quickly became a stopping point for ships that moved treasures from the Americas to Spain. This was mainly thanks to Havana’s strategic location in the Caribbean. The Cuban capital kept flourishing until the country’s independence in 1898 after the Spanish-American War.   Havana experienced dramatic political changes, particularly when Fidel Castro led the Cuban Revolution in 1959, transforming the city into the heart of revolutionary Cuba.   A trip to Havana is a must if you love exploring history and culture. You will enjoy the cobbled streets and colonial-era buildings of the historic center, Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Capitolio is another remarkable historical site in Havana. This one was modeled after the U.S. Capitol and was completed in 1929. Other historical landmarks worth visiting in the city include the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, which dates back to the 16th century, the Plaza de la Revolución, one of the world’s largest city squares, and the Malecón.   If you have more time on your hands, we recommend you visit the 18th-century Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, the Gran Teatro de La Habana, and Hemingway’s House or Finca Vigía, which is the former home of Ernest Hemingway.   6. Rome, Italy The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Source: Flickr   You probably already know that this is one of the most historically significant cities in the world. The Eternal City has been around for more than 2,500 years now. According to legend, Romulus founded it in 753 BC, and from there, it became the heart of the Roman Empire.   Rome is the perfect spot if you’re into history and art. The Colosseum, the most iconic symbol of ancient Rome, should be first on your list. You would also want to explore the unique collection of ruins at the Roman Forum, as well as the Pantheon, which was built as a Roman temple in 126 AD and then converted into a Christian church.   Vatican City is a must-visit, particularly St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s biggest church, along with the Vatican Museums.   Other historical landmarks worth exploring in Rome include the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Catacombs, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, and the Capitoline Hill and Museums.   7. Quito, Ecuador Plaza Grande, Quito, Ecuador. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The capital of Ecuador was formerly part of the Inca Empire, so it has a rich history dating back to the pre-Columbian era. Spanish colonialists founded the city in 1534. In 1978, it became one of the first South American cities to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early 19th century, Quito played a significant role in Ecuador’s fight to become independent from Spain.   You’ll notice that many of the historical landmarks in Quito represent the colonial past and revolutionary spirit of the city. This includes the Plaza Grande or Independence Square, which houses important historical buildings, such as the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Quito, and the Archbishop’s Palace.   The 17th-century Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús is a must-visit in Quito. The interior is covered in gold leaf and intricate Baroque designs, so it’s something interesting to see for art and history lovers.   You will also enjoy visiting the massive neo-Gothic church of Basilica del Voto Nacional and marvel at the breathtaking views from its towers. Other historic landmarks worth exploring in the city include the San Francisco Church and Monastery, the hilltop of El Panecillo, Calle La Ronda, and the Casa del Alabado Museum.   8. Luxor, Egypt Sphinxes in Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt. Source: Pexels   This former capital of ancient Egypt was previously known as Thebes. It was the center of power for pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II. Today, Luxor is considered one of the world’s richest archaeological sites, sometimes even called the world’s greatest open-air museum.   One of the most notable historic landmarks worth visiting in the city is the Karnak Temple, famous for its massive columns and statues. The Luxor Temple is famous for its statues of Ramses II, and it’s worth seeing it illuminated at night. Across the Nile, you can see the Valley of the Kings, which holds over 60 tombs, including King Tut’s.   It’s worth adding the Valley of the Queens, home to the stunning Tomb of Nefertari, to your bucket list when visiting Luxor. Other historic sites we recommend you visit include the Temple of Hatshepsut, the towering Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu, The Ramesseum, which is a temple built by Ramses II, Deir el-Medina, and the Luxor Museum.   9. Luang Prabang, Laos Monks visiting Wat Xieng Thong temple, Luang Prabang, Laos. Source: Flickr   Renowned for its cultural and spiritual heritage, Luang Prabang is one of Laos’ most historically significant cities. In the 14th century, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang. Since then, it served as both the royal and religious center of Laos for so many centuries.   Luang Prabang is famous for its traditional Lao architecture, French colonial buildings, and Buddhist temples. So its history is rich with a mix of foreign influences. The first historical landmark you need to see when in this northern Laos city is the Wat Xieng Thong temple which was built in 1560. This site had a significant importance in royal ceremonies. The Royal Palace, which serves today as the National Museum, is where you can see various royal artifacts.   If you want to see Buddha Statues, then Pak Ou Caves is the place to be in Luang Prabang. It’s home to thousands of these iconic structures. As for Mount Phousi, it offers stunning views of the city and surrounding rivers. Other historical landmarks worth exploring in Luang Prabang include the Wat Visoun, Wat Sene, and Wat Mai temples.   10. Varanasi, India View of Varanasi City on the Ganges River, India. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Varanasi continues to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s often referred to as “Kashi” or “Benares.” It has a history that spans over 3,000 years. For so long, Varanasi has been a major center of Hinduism, spirituality, and learning. It’s actually situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River.   Legend says that Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s principal deities, has founded this historic Indian city. This is why Varanasi is considered the holiest of the seven secret cities in Hinduism.   A key historical landmark you need to visit when you’re in Varanasi is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It attracts millions of pilgrims every year.   As for the steps leading down to the Ganges River, these are known as the Ghats of Varanasi. There are nearly 100 of them, and the Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous among them all.   Other historical sites worthy of visiting in and around the city include the Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, the 17th-century Ramnagar Fort, the Tulsi Manas Temple, and the Alamgir Mosque.

They left the road this week before a scheduled concert in Anchorage, Alaska. Continue reading…

Donald Trump said Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) should be prosecuted for insider trading. “Nancy Pelosi has a little problem because her husband sold their Visa stock, they had a lot of Visa stock, one day before Visa was announced that Visa’s being sued by the Department of Justice,” Trump said. “Nancy Pelosi sold vast amounts of Visa stock one day before the big lawsuit that we all read about a few days ago was brought against Visa,” he continued. “Nancy Pelosi should be prosecuted for that,” he added. WATCH: #BREAKING: President Trump has just called on Nancy Pelosi to be PROSECUTED for insider trading HELL yes! Pelosi and her husband just made MILLIONS dumping Visa stock immediately before the DOJ decided to pursue action against them, causing the stock to rank. This… pic.twitter.com/b0KWnF4foj — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 26, 2024 From the New York Post: The former House speaker’s husband, Paul Pelosi, unloaded 2,000 shares of Visa stock worth between $500,000 and $1 million on July 1, financial disclosures show. On Tuesday, less than three months after the massive transaction, Visa was hit with a DOJ lawsuit alleging that the company illegally monopolized the debit card market. Trump, 78, suggested that Nancy was aware of the looming lawsuit and tipped off Paul before he dumped the stock. BREAKING: Former President Trump has just called on Nancy Pelosi to be prosecuted for insider trading. pic.twitter.com/y36eaxnKTX — Leading Report (@LeadingReport) September 26, 2024 “Trump called out the story we broke yesterday,” X account ‘Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker’ wrote. “To be clear, she sold a couple months before the DOJ lawsuit, not a day before But his point still remains, it’s a very bad look And why we’ll keep calling her out,” it added. LFG Trump called out the story we broke yesterday To be clear, she sold a couple months before the DOJ lawsuit, not a day before But his point still remains, it’s a very bad look And why we’ll keep calling her out https://t.co/EwylPpyw3Q — Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker (@PelosiTracker_) September 26, 2024 BREAKING : The DOJ plans to open up a lawsuit against Visa saying they illegally monopolized the US debit card market Pelosi sold ~$1 Million dollars of Visa $V just 2 months ago Wild. — Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker (@PelosiTracker_) September 24, 2024 “Christopher Josephs, the tech entrepreneur who runs the ‘Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker’ on X, posted a screenshot of a congressional filing on July 3 which showed that the former House speaker’s husband, Paul Pelosi, had sold 2,000 shares of Visa worth between $500,000 and $1 million,” the New York Post noted. BREAKING: Pelosi is back on the Trading Desk She just bought ~$5M of Broadcom $AVGO and another $1.2M of Nvidia $NVDA She also sold ~$500K of Tesla and ~$536K of Visa $V pic.twitter.com/RGQoG4oW3F — Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker (@PelosiTracker_) July 3, 2024 * Image from Nancy Pelosi Stock Tracker X Post * The New York Post noted: The disclosure form shows that Pelosi’s transaction is marked “SP,” or spouse — a reference to husband Paul, the San Francisco-based venture capitalist and real estate investor. At the time Paul Pelosi sold Visa stock, there was no public indication that an antitrust lawsuit against the company was imminent. Shares of Visa closed down 5.5% at $272.78. “Speaker Pelosi does not own any stocks, and she has no prior knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions,” the congresswoman’s spokesperson told The Post. Nevertheless, critics have claimed that Nancy Pelosi’s perch in Washington gives her potential access to non-public information that is relevant to the markets. “At various critical inflection points in history, members of our government have engaged in trading at a time which their conflicts are called into question,” Ron Geffner, a former enforcement attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission, told The Post.

Dan Cleary, who teched for Jane’s Addiction for 17 years, has spoken about the onstage altercation that caused the rockers’ indefinite hiatus earlier this month