The Rhine River is constantly mentioned in articles about Rome and the Reich. For the Romans, the Rhine became a physical reminder of the Empires limit. Crossing that barrier put the traveler beyond civilization. The Rhine for Hitlers Third Reich became a catalyst for redressing the Great Wars defeat and a blinding nationalist revival. The Rhine flowed deeply into the psyche for both.The Edge of CivilizationThe Roman Empire at its greatest extent. Source: inspiredpencil.comFor the Mediterranean Sea-based Romans, the Rhine Rivers winding path became the Empires northern border. The Roman legions had reached the Rhines edge by 50 BCE, following Caesars conquest of Gaul. With the Rhines strategic importance now, Rome sought to keep German tribes on the far side. For them, the clash evolved between barbaricum and imperial civitas.Barrier, Launchpad, and GatewayRoman Empire along the Rhine River Source: WikimediaAs a barrier, the Rhine averaged 100-300 meters during the Roman era. Though a formidable barrier, German invaders still crossed; the frontier remained volatile, never truly quiet. The Romans took security here seriously, establishing fortified camps like Vetera and Mogontiacum (Mainz). The settlements kept watch and allowed for rapid response along the Limes Germanicus or German frontier.For ease of command, the Romans split the Rhine zone into Germania Inferior and Germania Superior. Eight battle-hardened legions lay stationed along the Rhine, or some 40,000 soldiers. The Empire used the Rhine for annual expeditions, too, hoping to expand imperial reach. However, the 9 CE ambush and loss of three legions at the Battle of Teutoburger Forest changed imperial thinking.Reconstructed Roman Fort Gate Source: North East MuseumsBefore this, Romes ability to invade, conquer, and assimilate never wavered. The traumatic loss of three legions to Germanic tribes changed this thought.The Rhine River became a bulwark and one not lightly crossed. To Romans, the edge of the civilized world now existed. Yes, certain tribes emigrated, earning citizenship, but Imperial thought didnt change. This status quo changed little until winter 406 CE. Here, Germanic tribes broke through the Rhine defenses, invading and settling. Romes fall wouldnt be far off.The Reichs River ViewGermania Guarding the Rhine Source: British MuseumHitlers Third Reich viewed the Rhine in different waysfirst, in a mythical light. The Rhine signified a connection to Germanys two previous Reichs. In the First Reich (800-1806) or Holy Roman Empire, the Rhine operated like an artery, connecting the different parts in Imperial cities like Mainz or Cologne. The Second Reich (1871-1918) under the Kaisers viewed their existence as the First Reich, stating the Rhine as a God given frontier. To the Reichs third incarnation, the Rhine stood as a sacred frontier echoing their predecessors.Secondly, in Nazi propaganda, the Rhine held an ideological significance. The Nazis, especially Hitler, viewed the 1918 Great War defeat as extremely humiliating. As part of the Treaty of Versailless reparations, the Allies occupied Germanys Rhineland. Demilitarized of any German presence, the rump acted as a security buffer.British Officers Crossing the Rhine. Source: mikesresearch.comWith Hitlers takeover in 1933, ending this became one of the Nazis primary goals. Under the Nazis Blood and Soil belief, the Rhine River embodied a border that separated the German racial homeland. This kept the Aryan Volk racially pure. The Nazis skillfully manipulated their people, tapping into the Rhines historical legacy as a sentinel. Germanys 1936 Rhineland remilitarization restored the Reichs west wall. Hitlers bluff succeeded, wiping out the humiliation. The Rhines last chapter came in late 1944-45.The 1945 Crisis Defense of the Rhine1936 Nazis Reoccupy the Rhineland Source: WikimediaThe Rhines importance as a Nazi symbol peaked in early 1945. Defeat loomed from East and West as Allied armies rolled steadily over the Wehrmacht. In the West, the Rhine stood as Germanys last natural barrier. Should they cross the river, their greater mobility and firepower meant a rapid Nazi defeat.Nazi propaganda revved up their propaganda, touting the Rhine. The Rhine became, quite literally, a last bulwark, echoing the late Roman Empire. The Nazis tapped the Rhines symbolic power by painting the Rhine as core to the German identity, preventing foreign contamination. Propaganda Minister Goebel encouraged the Volk to defend Germany at all costs.Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, 1945. Source: WWII MuseumYet, in March 1945, despite all the exhortations, the Allies crossed the Rhine. The cross-river attacks breached German defenses, despite better resistance. On March 7, the Americans, in a stroke of German misfortune, captured the Remagen bridge, giving them an intact crossing. Once established across the river, nothing could dislodge them.The incredibly successful crossings shattered the Rhines mythology. Nazi propaganda faltered, unable to spin a yarn as German morale plummeted. Now, no part of Germany was safe. The Rhines symbol to Imperial Rome and the German Reichs psyche as barrier, heartland, and border cant be underestimated. To them, the Rhine was a central belief.

Lionel ROUX_CCJ-(CNRS-AMU)These coins are just the latest discovery from the days of ancient Rome that archaeologists have made in the Rhne River.The French city of Arles has long been famous for its Roman history and well-preserved ancient ruins. Still, it came as a thrilling discovery for archaeologists when they uncovered more than 800 Roman-era coins in the Rhne River.The coins are just the latest incredible discovery to emerge from the rivers murk. But archaeologists have many remaining questions about their provenance, and are even hoping to find the treasure chest that once held them.The Miracle Of The Arlesian Rhne: A Trove Of Roman DiscoveriesLionel ROUX_CCJ-(CNRS-AMU)Underwater archaeologists found the coins bit by bit, eventually collecting 847 coins that mostly date to the third century C.E.According to a press release from the city of Arles, the discovery of the coins followed a series of other exciting archaeological finds in the Rhne River. In previous years, archaeologists had uncovered an ancient barge, a life-size marble bust of a man believed to be Julius Caesar, and another batch of coins.During their most recent expedition, which began in August and lasted until early October 2025, archaeologists found this newest trove of coins little by little. First, divers came across 60 coins, then 80, and then the final motherlode of 600. In all, divers collected 847 coins, including a sestertius of Roman emperor Trajan (98 to 117 C.E.) that dates back to 116 C.E.We talk about the miracle of Pompeii, but theres also the miracle of the Arlesian Rhne, said underwater archaeologist David Djaoui. Despite difficult conditions, with currents and poor visibility, the research was fruitful. In particular, we found the membrane of a boat about twenty meters long and therefore these pieces, most of which date from the 3rd century, some of which are in very good condition.So how did the coins end up at the bottom of the Rhne?Lionel ROUX_CCJ-(CNRS-AMU)More than 800 coins were found in all, with the largest single batch consisting of approximately 600.Djaoui suspects it was some kind of accident. He believes that the coins were also once held in a treasure chest like the ones we see in the movies, which archaeologists still hope to find.The Rich Roman History Of ArlesBy the time the coins sank in the Rhne River roughly 1,800 years ago, Arles had been a Roman city for centuries. The Romans first conquered the city, which they called Arelate, in 123 B.C.E., and it swiftly became a thriving economic hub. Then closer to the ocean than it is today, Arles was a port city, and its location along a major trade route between Italy and Spain gave it strategic importance to the rapidly growing Roman Empire.As such, the Romans filled the city with stunning monuments including an amphitheater (known as the Arnes) that could seat 2,000 spectators, another theatre, baths, and a sprawling necropolis. Many of these Roman structures still stand today, and Arles is renowned around the world for its wealth of ancient ruins.Public DomainArles famous Roman amphitheatre, one of its many stunning ancient ruins.After the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century C.E., Arles continued to be politically important, though it was ultimately overshadowed by its neighbor, Marseille.Today, the city is perhaps best known for both its Roman ruins and its association with Vincent van Gogh, who spent a year in the city and produced hundreds of paintings that captured Arles unique color and light.But clearly, Arles still has more story to tell. The discovery of the coins in the Rhne stands as a potent reminder of the citys rich and ancient history. And though visitors and locals alike can enjoy Arles many stunning Roman ruins on the citys streets, the Rhne River has proven again and again in recent years that there are further discoveries to be made beneath the surface.Djaoui, who is still hoping to find the coins treasure chest, is certain that archaeologists will be making new discoveries in the river for years to come: The Arlesian waters of the Rhne will continue to offer exceptional discoveries for hundreds, even thousands of years.After reading about the hundreds of Roman coins that were found in the depths of the Rhne River in Arles, France, go inside the surprisingly complicated question of when the Roman Empire fell. Then, discover the true story of the Roman emperor Caligula, the ruler who allegedly tried to make his horse a senator.The post Divers In France Just Uncovered A Trove Of 847 Ancient Roman Coins At The Bottom Of The Rhne River appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Glabb/Wikimedia CommonsHuajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the tallest bridge in the world, opened in September 2025.In 2016, China opened the Duge Bridge in the province of Guizhou. Looming 1,854 feet above the river below, the Duge Bridge was named the worlds highest bridge. But now, China has opened a new, even higher bridge the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge that now stands as the tallest bridge in the world.At 2,050 feet high (and also located in the Guizhou province), this bridge more than shatters the record previously held by Duge Bridge. Its part of a wider anti-poverty initiative in China, and already promises to transform life for locals.The Opening Of The Tallest Bridge In The WorldGlabb/Wikimedia CommonsThe Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge soars more than 2,000 feet above the river below it. Opened on Sept. 28, 2025, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge quickly broke records. Not only is it the highest bridge in the world, soaring 2,050 feet above the Beipan River in the province of Guizhou, but, at 4,600 feet long, its also the worlds longest bridge in a mountainous area.The bridge not only shattered the record held by the Duge Bridge, previously considered the highest bridge in the world, but its also far taller than any bridge in the United States. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is more than twice the height of the tallest bridge in the U.S., the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, and its nine times as high as San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge. According to CCTV, part of Chinese state media, the bridge took three years to construct. One of the key steps to ensure its safety was a load-bearing test, which saw nearly 100 trucks drive over the bridge to ensure it could support traffic. The test was a success, and the bridge opened shortly thereafter. Xinhua/Tao LiangA load-bearing test on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which ensured that the tallest bridge in the world could support the weight of heavy traffic. But the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is more than a marvel of modern engineering. Its also part of a larger Chinese initiative to combat poverty in the region, and to make remote areas of Guizhou more accessible. The Regional Importance Of The Huajiang Grand Canyon BridgeTheres a reason why the impoverished Guizhou province, which had just 2,900 bridges in the 1980s, is now home to over 32,000 bridges (some of which are still under construction). Home to many deep ravines, its inhabitants have historically relied on long, cramped bus rides to get from place to place. But bridges like the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will help transform their lives. According to CCTV, the worlds tallest bridge has cut down the travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes. From my hometown to the county seat, there was only one bus per day, just as there was only one from the county seat to Guiyang, the provincial capital, Wu Chaoming, manager of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge construction project, who grew up in Guizhou, recalled. The bus was bursting at the seams with people, like tightly packed bamboo shoots in spring. People would even climb onto the luggage rack on the roof.Glabb/Wikimedia CommonsNot only is the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge a stunning sight, but the worlds tallest bridge is also playing an important role for locals in the historically poor Guizhou province. But while the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge undoubtedly serves a practical purpose, its also meant to draw tourists. Visitors to the bridge will be able to take a high-speed glass elevator to a cafe at the top of one of the bridges towers and walk along a 1,900-foot-high glass walkway. For those brave enough, the bridge will eventually offer opportunities to go paragliding and bungee jumping. Transportation authorities in China expect that the bridge will attract roughly 1 million people a year, giving a much needed boost of tourism dollars to the Guizhou province. Bridge building is part of a larger initiative to bring wealth to Guizhou, which is why the region now has so many bridges, and is known as the worlds bridge museum, according to CCTV.Visitors will certainly come upon an incredible sight. The worlds tallest bridge is simply stunning both from the ground, and from the sky. After reading about how the tallest bridge in the world just opened in China, take a look at the Back Long pedestrian bridge in Vietnam, the longest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Or, learn the surprising history of the Old London Bridge, which once boasted homes and shops.The post The Tallest Bridge In The World Just Opened In China Standing More Than 2,000 Feet Above The Ground appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Matija Strlic/OdeuropaThe project hopes that museums will use these scents for their exhibits.If they had to guess, scientists think historic Europe may have smelled like tobacco or experimental plague remedies. And now, they are working to identify more of these smells and archive them in a digital library.According to the The Guardian, a team of European scientists from various fields, including artificial intelligence, have banded together to work on an ambitious project called Odeuropa. Their primary objective is to identify certain odors reminiscent of Europe between the 16th and early 20th centuries, document them, make them accessible to the public online, and then potentially employ them at various museums. But in order to determine what exactly each period of Europe smelled like, researchers will first have to focus on developing artificial intelligence that can identify descriptions of smells and images of aromatic items in more than 250,000 documents written in seven different languages.Then, that information will be used to create an online encyclopedia of European odors alongside contextual descriptions about them.OdeuropaThe study will employ historians, scientists, and artificial intelligence.Once you start looking at printed texts published in Europe since 1500, you will find loads of references to smell, from religious scents like the smell of incense through to things like tobacco, said William Tullett of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and a member of the Odeuropa team.That could take us into all kinds of different scents, whether that is the use of herbs like rosemary to protect against plague, [or] the use of smelling salts in the 18th and 19th centuries as an antidote to fits and fainting, explained Tullett, who wrote the book Smell in Eighteenth-Century England.Indeed, 17th-century London likely reeked of plague remedies like burning rosemary or tar.Wikimedia CommonsThe smell of tobacco, which has a long history within the colonial European trade, is one prevalent smell.The researchers hope that in identifying scents that appeared to be the most common in Europe between the 16th and 20th centuries, they can then map how the meaning and use of those odors have evolved over time.Old smells, or smells of objects, tell us a lot about how those objects degrade, how they can be preserved, and also how those smells can be conserved, said team member Matija Strli of Londons University College.For example, tobacco, which has native origins in pre-colonial America, was an exotic and expensive commodity when it was first introduced in Europe in the late 15th century. But tobaccos standing in European society changed in the following years as it became a ubiquitous trading commodity. It is a commodity that is introduced into Europe in the 16th century that starts off as being a very exotic kind of smell, but then quickly becomes domesticated and becomes part of the normal smell-scape of lots of European towns, said Tullett. Once we are getting into the 18th century, people are complaining actively about the use of tobacco in theatres.OdeuropaAfter identifying common smells, the researchers will then work with chemists and perfumists to recreate them.In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Europes past, the results of this multimillion-dollar research project could potentially help enhance ones experience in a museum. The team plans to collaborate with chemists and perfume makers to recreate these distinct smells and attach them to museum exhibits. The Jorvik Viking Centre in York, for instance, has done something like this before by recreating smells reminiscent of the 10th century in their exhibits.One of the things that the Jorvik Viking Centre demonstrates is that smell can have a real impact on the way people engage with museums, said Tullett. We are trying to encourage people to consider both the foul and the fragrant elements of Europes olfactory past.Next, take a look at the unusual foods that were commonly eaten in Medieval Europe. Then, read about this study, which found that the human tongue can actually smell.The post Well Soon Know What 1500s Europe Smelled Like Thanks To Scientists Who Are Recreating Its Scents appeared first on All That's Interesting.

In Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, we've been guaranteed a free SEGA character every month or so, with October's being Hatsune Miku, a character that isn't technically owned by SEGA, but we'll let it slide.

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OpenAI is acquiring the CEO of Roi, an AI financial companion. Roi will sunset its service as its talent heads to OpenAI, ostensibly to help boost revenue in consumer apps.

Car accidents injure over 100,000 pets annually in the United States. Unrestrained dogs become dangerous projectiles during crashes, putting both pets and passengers at serious risk.We at DogingtonPost tested dozens of restraint systems to find the best dog safety belt options. The right choice depends on your dogs size, your vehicle type, and specific safety certifications.Which Safety Belt Type Works Best for Your DogDog safety belts come in three distinct categories, each designed for specific situations and dog sizes. Harness-style safety belts offer the most comprehensive protection by distributing crash forces across your dogs chest and torso. The Center for Pet Safety completed a landmark pet travel harness study in 2013 examining various harness systems. These systems connect directly to your vehicles seat belt mechanism and prevent your dog from becoming a projectile during sudden stops.Harness Systems Provide Maximum ProtectionQuality harness systems feature three-point attachment designs that secure your dogs torso while they allow comfortable movement. The Clickit Sport harness uses patented Infinity Loop webbing that reduces damaging forces by up to 75% compared to basic restraints. Proper harness sizing follows the two-finger fit standard you should fit two fingers between the harness and your dogs body. This fit prevents escape while it maintains comfort during long trips.Seat Belt Attachments Work for Quick TripsBasic seat belt adapters and clips cost significantly less than harness systems but provide limited crash protection. The AUBELL 3-in-1 adapter features 900-pound tensile strength and works with dogs up to 110 pounds. These systems connect your dogs existing collar to the seat belt mechanism through a metal carabiner clip. However, the Center for Pet Safety warns that collar-based restraints can cause neck injuries during impacts and should only be used for short, low-speed trips.Booster Seats Suit Small Dogs Under 25 PoundsBooster seats with integrated restraints elevate small dogs to window level while they provide crash protection. The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed transforms from a comfortable bed to a secure carrier and passed CPS crash tests for dogs under 25 pounds. These systems work best in rear seats and must be secured with both the seat belt and LATCH anchors (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for maximum stability. Installation takes under five minutes and the elevated position reduces your dogs anxiety during travel.Each safety belt type offers different advantages, but the effectiveness depends heavily on specific safety certifications and proper installation methods that well examine next.What Safety Features Matter MostCenter for Pet Safety certification stands as the only reliable indicator of crash protection for dog restraints. The CPS conducts tests at 30 mph with real-world collision scenarios, while most manufacturers rely on static pull tests that fail to simulate actual crash forces. Several harnesses have passed CPS tests since 2013, which makes certification the primary factor in your selection process. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness earned a 5-star CPS rating and survived impacts that destroyed 95% of tested products. Products without CPS certification often fail catastrophically during crashes and turn safety equipment into additional hazards for your dog.Proper Fit Prevents Escape and InjurySize charts vary significantly between manufacturers, which makes measurements more reliable than weight recommendations. Measure your dogs chest at the widest point behind the front legs and add two inches for proper harness fit. The EzyDog Drive harness offers micro-adjustments across chest and neck areas and accommodates dogs with unusual proportions. Padding thickness directly affects comfort during extended travel the AllSafe Comfort harness features 15mm padding compared to 5mm on budget alternatives. Escape-proof designs like the Ruffwear Load Up include secondary chest straps that prevent dogs from backing out and address the primary failure point in standard harnesses.Installation Speed Affects Daily UseQuick-connect systems reduce installation time from five minutes to under 30 seconds and make daily use more practical. The Kurgo Enhanced Strength harness connects with a single click mechanism that works with any standard seat belt. Vehicle compatibility issues occur most frequently with bucket seats and vehicles manufactured before 2002 that lack modern seat belt designs. The Kurgo Direct to Latch system bypasses seat belt compatibility problems and connects directly to LATCH anchors found in all vehicles since 2002. Tether length adjustments between 16-24 inches provide movement freedom while they maintain crash protection (though longer tethers reduce safety effectiveness during impacts).The next step involves matching these safety features to your dogs specific size and weight requirements for optimal protection.Which Safety Belt Best Fits Your Dog SizeSmall Dogs Under 25 Pounds Need Specialized ProtectionSmall dogs under 25 pounds face unique crash protection challenges because standard harnesses distribute forces across insufficient body mass. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness remains the only option for dogs in this weight range and transforms the 500 pounds of force that a 10-pound dog creates in a 50 mph crash into manageable loads. The harness features energy-absorbing vest padding that reduces impact forces by 40% compared to basic restraints.Installation takes 15 seconds with the quick-connect system that attaches to any standard seat belt mechanism. The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed offers an alternative approach for dogs under 20 pounds and functions as both a comfortable travel bed and crash-tested carrier. This system passed tests with excursion distances under 32 inches for dogs up to 50 pounds, which means your dog stays within the protective zone during impacts.Medium Dogs Require Enhanced Force DistributionDogs that weigh 25-60 pounds create between 1,250-3,000 pounds of force during crashes and require harnesses with reinforced attachment points and wider force distribution systems. The EzyDog Drive harness exceeds U.S. Department of Transportation safety requirements and features dual-point chest attachment that prevents the concentration of crash forces on single pressure points.The harness includes micro-adjustment straps across five different points and accommodates dogs with deep chests or unusual proportions that standard charts miss. The AllSafe Comfort harness withstands stress tests up to 4,410 pounds and incorporates 15mm padding thickness (compared to 5mm on most products).Large Dogs Present Maximum Crash RiskLarge dogs over 60 pounds present the greatest crash risk because they create forces that exceed 3,000 pounds and most harnesses fail catastrophically at these loads. The Ruffwear Load Up harness features all-metal hardware and passed dynamic crash tests that simulate real-world collision scenarios rather than static pull tests that miss vital failure points.The OptimusGear Defender provides another option for large breeds. Currently, no crash-test standards exist for pet car harnesses, unlike child safety seat regulations. These harnesses distribute impact forces across multiple attachment points to prevent the single-point failures that occur with basic restraints (which often snap completely during high-force impacts).Final ThoughtsThe best dog safety belt matches your dogs weight to certified protection systems. Dogs under 25 pounds need the Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness, while medium dogs benefit from the EzyDog Drive or AllSafe Comfort systems. Large dogs over 60 pounds require the Ruffwear Load Up or OptimusGear Defender for adequate crash protection.Installation success depends on precise adherence to manufacturer instructions and connection checks before each trip. Position the harness snugly with the two-finger fit standard and attach tethers to seat belt mechanisms rather than headrests or loose anchor points. Test the system with gentle tugs to verify secure attachment.Proper restraints reduce driver distractions by 85% and prevent your dog from becoming a dangerous projectile during accidents (the 100,000 pets injured annually in car crashes face preventable injuries when owners invest in certified safety equipment). We at DogingtonPost continue to test new products to help you make informed decisions about canine safety and responsible dog ownership.

The Department of Justice will investigate the arrest of conservative influencer Nick Sortor. Sortor, who has been chronicling the unfolding antifa violence in Portland, Oregon, over the past weeks, was

In a major breakthrough in the Middle East, the Hamas terrorist group says it will release all remaining hostages held in the Gaza Strip. For a fourth time, Senate Democrats reject a bill to keep the