(Encyclopedia) Philby, Harry St. John Bridger, 1885–1960, British explorer, official, and author. He joined (1917) the British foreign service, was sent on a special mission to Arabia, and became the…
(Encyclopedia) Louis III, c.863–882, French king, son of King Louis II. He became joint ruler with his brother Carloman on the death of Louis II (879), despite the attempts of Louis the Younger to…
(Encyclopedia) Robert II (Robert Curthose), c.1054–1134, duke of Normandy (1087–1106); eldest son of King William I of England. Aided by King Philip I of France, he rebelled (1077) against his father…
Read biographies of prominent figures in the Middle East, learn about the history of the countries in upheaval, and more
by Beth Rowen
Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi Anti-government…
(Encyclopedia) Michael, 1921–2017, king of Romania (1927–30, 1940–47). His father, Prince Carol (later Carol II), renounced his right of succession in 1925, and young Michael ascended the throne…
U.S. Department of State Background Note Index: People History Government and Political Conditions Economy Foreign Relations U.S.-Saudi Arabian Relations PEOPLESaudi Arabia's 2007 population…
(Encyclopedia) Husayn ibn AliHusayn ibn Aliĭˈbən äˈlē [key], 1856–1931, Arab political and religious leader. In 1908 he succeeded as grand sherif of Mecca and thus became ruler of the Hejaz under the…
(Encyclopedia) Joanna II, 1371–1435, queen of Naples (1414–35), sister and successor of Lancelot. The intrigues of her favorites kept her court in turmoil. Her second husband, James of Bourbon, tried…
(Encyclopedia) Menelik IIMenelik IImĕnˈəlĭk [key], 1844–1913, emperor of Ethiopia after 1889. He was originally ras (ruler) of Shoa (central Ethiopia). After the death (1868) of Emperor Tewodros II,…
