Inhabited bridges were marvels of the medieval age.
By far the longest was London's, considered a wonder of the world.
A brief thread on living bridges... 🧵
Old London Bridge was among Europe's most significant sites: a place of both royal pageantry and religious pilgrimage.
Built in just 30 years, it was an undertaking on par with Europe's greatest castles and cathedrals. It was completed in 1209 and stood for over 600 years, for centuries as London's only river crossing.
Into his books he wove a profound (but not heavy-handed) Christian message - one that inspired millions.
8 things to know about his remarkable life... 🧵
1. He wasn't a writer
Tolkien was 45 when he published his first book. It was his astonishing life experience beforehand that led him to become a great artist.
This was his résumé before becoming an author...
• Linguist (spoke ~15 languages)
• Code-breaker (recruited for WW2, though not called into action)
• Conlanger (invented his first language age 12)
• Soldier (fought at the Somme in WW1)
• Professor (taught Anglo-Saxon studies at Oxford)
What are some perfectly preserved medieval towns that are like stepping back in time? Here are a few... 🧵
1. Monteriggioni, Italy
Italy's most intact walled medieval settlement. Except for some 16th century restorations, almost no work has been done since these structures were built in 1219.
2. San Gimignano, Italy
Medieval Italy is perhaps best known for its towers. San Gimignano once had over 70 of them, not 14. They were built in competitive spirit with one another - families that built the tallest won the greatest status.
A thread of monumental buildings that were planned but never realized... 🧵
1. The Palace of the Soviets, Moscow
At the heart of the grand Soviet vision for Moscow: the world's tallest structure, topped by a 300-foot statue of Lenin. Construction began in 1933 but ended in 1941 to divert resources to the war effort - upon Germany's invasion.
Stalin demolished the wonderful Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to make way for it (as he did 400 other churches in Moscow). After the Soviet Union collapsed, it was gloriously rebuilt.