End of Empires: Theme of Historicon

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A Historical Look at Our Empires

Throughout our world history dating back 500 plus decades, many empires have risen and declined. We have read countless books and articles and scanned through educational webpages relating to our world history on the famous empires to include some of the following.

Egyptian Dynasty Era

Egyptian Dynasty

Egyptian Dynasties

The Egyptian dynasty consisted of a succession of a kings all who were related by blood each one having the throne through their right of inheritance.  There were a total of 31 dynasties broken down into seven categories based on time periods leading up the arrival of the Greeks which were lead by Alexander the Great.

Chinese Dynasties

Ancient China dates back thousands of years. During this time, just like the Egyptians, much of China was ruled by Dynasties, rulers who were all part of the same family. The first emperor of China was Qin Shi Huangdi. The Chinese Dynasties were in existence from 2205 BC to year 1644.

Persian Empires

Cyrus the Great is attributed to leading the Persian Empire. Cyrus’ strategy was to conquer nearby territories and unite them with the existing empire thus, creating a larger empire. This vast empire continued for over 20 decades. The land known as Media consisted of east and west Asia and continued to expand. The Persian Empire lasted from 550 BC to 331 BC.

Carthaginian Empire

An informal empire of Phoenician city-states throughout modern Spain and North Africa from 575 B.C.E to 146 B.C.E.

Other famous and well-researched empires included the Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.  We learn about our modern day society through thorough examination of our past and the various tragedies.  We can examine leadership principles effective for modern day by studying the rise and fall of our leaders of the past such as Alexander the Great and  Qin Shi Huangdi and Cyrus the Great.

Carthaginian Empire

Carthaginian Empire vs Roman Empire

The end of empires is the theme for the upcoming annual wargaming convention known as Historicon which is a little over a month away from today.  The theme will be including long ruling and short-lived empires from the very early empires to modern empires. Historical Miniature Gaming Society, organization which also  aims to offer a wide range of historical periods and a variety of tabletop miniature gaming as a means to allow us to study and relive our past through simulation and role-playing. Wargaming can be fun and entertaining, but can also be educational.  As people, we often learn best through visual aids and wargaming can be a way for both young and old to see firsthand what the greatest measure a soldier can give to his country and cause.

John Hill (1945-2015) was a regular attender, presenter and facilitator of his creative works to include Across A Deadly Field, Johnny Reb and Squad Leader. He undoubtedly will be missed this year at Historicon 2015, which is the largest historical wargaming convention in the United States.  John Hill always featured his renowned games to his fans with enthusiasm, extreme enjoyment and dedication.  There will be memorial speeches and memories shared for all in attendance. Below is a YouTube video of my father, John Hill, speaking last year at Historicon 2014 honoring Dean West for his contributions to the wargaming community and pinning him into the Legion of Honor.


Please feel free to leave comments and I will respond shortly.


12 Comments

  1. Annette Baker

    Dear Lu & Stephanie,

    I JUST came across this website. How wonderful to see and hear John. We often speak fondly of him. With his passing, along with other gamers this past year, Duke arranged a Memorial Service for all of them to be held at Historicon 2015. It was fitting to honor these men & remember their contributions to what Duke calls, “The Grand Obsession.” \

    We hope there will be an occasion where we can get together again.

    With love,
    Annette Baker (& husband, Duke Seifried)

    Reply
    1. Stephanie (Post author)

      Hi Annette!

      I am so glad you found this site I created as a legacy to my father. I know I mentioned it a couple times to Uncle Duke in a few emails he and I exchanged back and forth. As you might see, there are several pictures and photos of Uncle Duke throughout this website to include Uncle Duke Saying Good-Bye to John and about the speeches he did at Historicon 2015 honoring those which have passed away.

      My mom and I miss my father very much. We also speak fondly of him too. I do hope Uncle Duke and you are doing well. I am sure we will get together again soon.

      Stephanie

      Reply
  2. Justin

    What a wonderful website to find! I often catch myself on the history channel learning true history on several different topics. Here I find so much more than the history channel!

    This is great, informative, easy to read, and I will be back to learn more!

    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Stephanie (Post author)

      Hi Justin!

      I am glad you found the historical knowledge shared on this website useful. John Hill, my father, was a history buff and knew more about history than most university professors. He also had the belief that learning history should be fun which lead to his miniature wargame designs such as Squad Leader and Johnny Reb and Across A Deadly Field. My father believed wargames should be educational as well as entertaining.

      Thank you for visiting today. Have a great day!

      Steph

      Reply
  3. Roslyn

    Hello,
    Although I do not consider myself a person keenly interested in history, I am fascinated by history’s great leaders!
    I believe that Cyrus The Great was influential enough that he is referenced in the Bible. Love that!
    Bookmarked this site under WA Pleasure label. I wish to see other info you will present.
    Enjoyed the read,
    Roslyn

    Reply
    1. Stephanie (Post author)

      Hi Roslyn:

      Thank you for leaving a comment today. I appreciate you offering your insights into our great leaders of the past. I am glad you enjoyed the read. Please come back soon.

      Steph

      Reply
  4. Norris Darrall

    Thanks for sharing video, Steph. Am proud to consider both of those fine gentlemen as friends for over 40 years.

    Reply
    1. Stephanie (Post author)

      Hi Norris:

      How are you doing? Great to hear from you. I just heard from Dean just now and he really liked being able to “see” John once again. I am in the process of collecting a list of awards for Dean so he can use them for the urology at Historicon. Thank you for stopping by today and leaving a comment. Always good to hear from you! Keep in touch!

      Steph

      Reply
      1. Norris Darrall

        I check in about every day or two. We are fine. Will be in Ft Wayne this weekend to play in an original Johnny Reb Game. Do it about once a month. Saw Dean’s comments and Uncle Duke could not have picked a better person than Dean for a eulogy. Keep up the good work.

        Reply
        1. Stephanie (Post author)

          Hi Norris:

          Thank you for visiting again and leaving another reply. I agree with you about Uncle Duck selecting Dean West to write the eulogy to be presented at Historicon 2015 next month — could not have picked a better person. At the memorial service, there were two people who each did a eulogy. Dean West did a really nice eulogy along with my Uncle Rich, my Dad’s brother, who works as a script writer in Hollywood. I also spoke at my father’s euology – and I am not comfortable speaking in front of crowds, but I did it for my Dad. 🙂

          We video taped both eulogies as well as my speech at the memorial service. I might see if I can get that video uploaded to this site. Dean did a wonderful job speaking at the service and highlighted some significant areas of my father’s wargaming career, so I am certain he will do an equally special job at Historicon. I am right now gathering the list of massive awards my father won per Dean’s request to be used at the Historicon eulogy. Some of the awards cannot be shared due to my father’s full-time career but will be gathering those today and tomorrow for Dean.

          Many thanks again!

          Steph

          P.S. How are the boys [not boys anymore I know] (Scott and the twins Ronald and Rolland)?

          Reply
  5. Jean

    Hi, Stephanie. I have always been fascinated by history and the different empires and dynasties. Thank you for giving a perspective of this. John Hill sounds like a truly extraodinary man!

    Reply
    1. Stephanie (Post author)

      Hi Jean:

      Thank you for your comment. I have also enjoyed reading and learning about the history and the different empires and dynasties. And yes, John Hill was a true character and one whom will be missed dearly by many.

      Steph

      Reply

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