Reconstructing History aims to be your one-stop shop for the finest patterns for historical clothing and the supplies you need to make them. Owned and operated by internationally-noted historical clothing researcher Kass McGann, Reconstructing History has patterns for clothing from 10th-century Heian Japan to the Napoleonic era (1812).

300 rare Jewish books, confiscated from Iraq's Jewish community during the regime of Saddam Hussein, have been returned to Israel. The works included a 15th century commentary on the biblical Book of Job.

LiveScience columnist Heather Whipps writes a weekly column on world-changing events. A recent article discusses how the Spice Trade brought East and West together.

Egyptian archaeologists have discovered two wine presses dating to the 6th century which are believed to be from a factory which produced holy wine for export to Christians. The presses were found near the 6th century St. Catherine's Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula.

Norwegian archaeologists are abuzz over the discovery of a 9th century Iranian silver dirhem, one of the earliest Middle Eastern coins found in Scandinavia. (photo)

Medieval Bursa, near Istanbul, Turkey, became a cultural and economic center of the Ottoman Empire. Today, with it's cobbled streets and bazaars, the city offers tourists a peak into the past. Erik Fearn looks at the city for the Star Online.

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Since the birth of the honorable Barony of Twin Moons, our Noble Barons have been linked to the legend of the Grail. These Noble Barons have joined in the quest for the grail but have been unsuccessful. Our current Baron, Baron Thomas, has been privy of new information and clues linking the Grail to the lands of the Middle East. Baron Thomas has picked up his sword to become one of the Crusaders and, as this missive is being penned, is marching off to join the King in this noble battle and to follow up on his newly found information concerning the elusive Grail. Location:
Barony of Twin Moons (Fountain Hills, Arizona)

Dozens of skeletons, thought to be Muslim and dating from the 8th or 9th centuries C.E, have been removed from the site of excavations near the Temple Mount according to the Israel Antiquities Authority who have deemed the incident "a serious mishap."

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The Canton of Nimenefeld in the Barony of Windmaster's Hill, Atlantia will be putting on the event called "Midnight at the Oasis.

Midnight at the Oasis
September 19-21, 2008
Canton of Nimenefeld

Site:
Optimist Club Farms
2908 Optimist Farms Road
Apex, NC 27539

Site Restrictions:
No ground fires, no firearms, no swimming in the pond.

Autocrat:
Jodocus Menig von Badenweiler Location:
Canton of Nimenefeld (Apex, North Carolina)

Scientists from the Genographic Project, which is tracking human migrations through DNA, have found traces of a particular DNA signature in Lebanon which they link to European crusaders.

The countries of Denmark and Cyprus recently banded together to honor a 12th century Danish king who died on the island during the First Crusade.

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Celebrate the four years of dedication that our Baron and Baroness, Guillaume and Rowen, have given to Hidden Mountain. Join us for the Hidden Mountain Hafla -- a grand middle eastern style party featuring middle eastern music and A&S. A sideboard of delicious food prepared by Hidden Mountain's youngest head cook, Amanda Rebellina will be served all day. The fighters will have one more opportunity to test their skills and to honor Baroness Rowen and Baron Guillaume. Location:
Barony of Hidden Mountain (Harleyville, South Carolina)

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The Barony of Dun Carraig invites you to return to another day in the Medieval Middle East. There will be the usual drumming, dancing and enough fabulous food & drink to keep all attendees happy throughout the day. We are also being graced by Her Majesty’s presence this year!

Where:
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
27108 Mt. Zion Church Rd
Mechanicsville, MD. 20659

Location:
Barony of Dun Carraig (Mechanicsville, Maryland)

New research from the University of Haifa shows that a healthy trade existed between the eastern Mediterranean and China during the 12th and 13th centuries. The trade consisted mainly of ceramics and pottery.

The March 1, 2008 edition of American Public Media's The Splendid Table features a discussion of Islamic cooking with Charles Perry, historian of Arab cuisine.

Writing for The Guardian, Jim Al-Khalili sheds light on the contributions of Arab scientists in the Middle Ages.

The University of St Andrews in Scotland is opening a new interdisciplinary center for Medieval Studies that is one of the largest such centers.

Fit TV has a new fitness program featuring bellydance as a way to trim and tone. The program is hosted by Kim Pechet, "a belly dance instructor and fitness professional."

Steve Muhlberger of Muhlberger's Early History shares information on Frankish Women Warriors as they appeared in Middle Eastern sources.

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Greetings! Please join me in Dragonsspine on Saturday, February 23rd to rid yourself of the winter doldrums. Bask in the warmth of good friends, stuff your mouth and belly with delicious food, share your best "No ****, there I was . . . " Estrella War stories, and dance and drum to your hearts content.

Shake the MidWinter Blues: Middle Eastern Potluck and Dance Party

There is no site fee but please bring food to share for the potluck feast Location:
Barony of Dragonsspine (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

An 11th century Egyptian rock crystal jug, one of only six known examples of its kind, may sell for as high as US$10 million at auction.

The Internet is alive recently with reports that a secret cache of Islamic texts disputing the origins of the Koran has resurfaced after 60 years of suppression.

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The Barony of Thescorre is pleased to announce The College of Three Ravens to be held on February 23, 2008, at the Western Presbyterian Church, 101 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY (phone: 315-597-9171). The hall opens at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM. The site is very dry, non-smoking & all flames must be enclosed. The site is not handicapped accessible.

The College theme for this year is: "Everything Middle Eastern and Asian". We would like to see classes that have a ME or Asian bent to them.View class list here. Location:
Barony of Thescorre (Palmyra, New York)

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The Barony of Brendoken presents Qaina: a Middle-Eastern dance and music event March 29, 2008.

Site: Tadmoor Shrine Center
3000 Krebs Dr.
Akron, Ohio 44319

Time: 11 am - 11 pm.

Activities:

• Classes
• Show
• Dinner
• Hafla

Fees: $15 in advance for SCA members $18 in advance for non-SCA members $17 at the door for SCA members $20 at the door for non-SCA members Location:
Barony of Brendoken (Akron, Ohio)

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Texas) will host Traces of the Calligrapher: Islamic Calligraphy in Practice, c. 1600-1900 and Writing the Word of God: Calligraphy and the Qur´an through February 3, 2008.

Errant Knight offers stunning hand-made authentic artefact replicas including court belts, sword and armour belts and jewelry. All items are thoroughly researched to ensure historical accuracy.

Based on a single fingerprint preserved in one of his paintings, scientists have speculated on the ethnicity of Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci and believe he may have had Arabic heritage.

A new cookbook, Medieval Cuisine Of The Islamic World: A Concise History With 174 Recipes by: Zaouali, Lilia; Translated by M.B. DeBevoise, has been published by the University Of California Press.

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Come dance the night away with the Shire of Loch Cairn as it hosts Saltare! There will be classes all day and dancing all night! Other activities include a Midde Eastern Hafla, various contests, Hors D'heuvres during the evening and more!

Henry Horton State Park
4358 Nashville Hwy
Chapel Hill, TN.

Accomadations are available at Park Inn located at Henry Horton State Park. There are 72 rooms including 4 suites with kitchenettes. Each unit has 2 double beds. All rooms are carpeted, air-conditioned, and equipped with TV's and phones. For reservations call 1-866-836-6757, ask for the SCA, reservation code 1840, we have a block of rooms reserved at a special rate but the rooms will be released on December 1, 2007 so reserve NOW! Location:
Shire of Loch Cairn (Chapel Hill, Tennessee)

The History Channel has created a website with interactive links covering the history of all the major holidays on the calendar.