An Idiots Guide to the Renaissance

Hiking through History: The Acropolis of Athens

The ancient iconic pillars and monuments emerge out of Athens, and symbolize one of the mot important historical sites in the world. Long before the Apostle Paul gave his famous "Mars Hill" message in Acts 17, this site had hosted Socrates, Alexander the Great, King Xerxes, Spartan and a host of invading armies.  The first Christian message preached to the western world happened here.  “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you." - Apostle Paul Act 17 Inspirational travel, Biblical archeology, and history.

Ephesus, Turkey: When Worlds Collide

Rich with history, biblical connections, and sits just on the edge of the mysterious eastern world, Ephesus, Turkey is the worlds largest outdoor archeological park.  Along with the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses, Ephesus was the site of the Apostle Paul's ministry. In Acts 19 a large dispute 2with the locals is recorded. The Apostle John also lived here, and church tradition tells us he brought Mary the Mother of Jesus with him.   Combining history, travel advice, and Biblical archeology, John Hacks History seeks to illuminate Biblical truth.

Chasing Vincent in Arles, France

My favorite place on planet Earth. Vincent Van Gogh painted over 70% of his work here. The Romans used it as a decimated town between Spain and Italy. In 1979 two families joined together here to form the world renownd Gipsy Kings.  As you stand on the hill looking south, you can feel the Mediterranean breeze blowing on your face. These winds originate from Africa. To the East is Italy, and to the West is Spain and the setting Spanish Sun. As your back Paris at your back, infused with Moorish African  and ancient Roman influences.

An Idiots Guide to the Renaissance

Imagine Steve Jobs, Socrates, Henry Ford, Elvis Presley, The Easter Bunny and Albert Einstein all lived in the same town, graduated from same High School - and did their greatest work at the same time! Thats what the Italian Renaissance in Florence was like. Right around the same time, in the same location, artist like DiVinci and Michelangelo  turned the world from dark to light, from superstition to science, and from black and white to vivid color.

Rome: How Christianity defeated an empire

A typical American man thanks about the Roman Empire at least once a day. Every day. Rome is a popular theme in movies, literature, architecture and military training. How do you make sense of Roman history, and sort out the vast history? When traveling to Rome can understanding the history of the Roman Empire add a greater level of enjoyment to your travels? How  is the emergence of Christianity tied to the Roman Empire?