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Exploring finances in times of the Viking Age, Roman Empire, and Alexander the Great.

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Author: Jim Ulvog

July 22, 2019Other eras

Picture of life on a South Dakota farm based on what can be seen in a probate document

In 1945 my paternal grandfather departed this vail of tears. The probate document filed for his estate the next year provides a […]

July 20, 2019January 31, 2020Roman Empire

Lorica Segmentata and Lorica Hamata, body armor worn by Roman Legionaries.

The body armor presented on a Roman Legionnaire, whether on ancient statues, modern re-enactors, or illustrations is usually the scaled plate armor […]

July 19, 2019July 20, 2019Other eras

First estimate of value of my grandfather’s estate at close of probate

The probate document for my paternal grandfather listed the assets in his estate. What is the total value of his estate? Let’s […]

July 13, 2019August 3, 2019Roman Empire

Caligae – the marching boots worn by Roman Legionnaires

Legionnaires in the Roman army wore marching boots, called caligae (singular caliga). These may appear to be merely an open sandal. However, […]

July 6, 2019September 26, 2019Roman Empire

Balteus or cingulum- belt worn by Roman Legionnaires. Pugio – dagger carried by soldiers.

Roman soldiers would wear a belt around their waist. I have not seen much discussion on the purpose of the belt. It […]

May 8, 2019May 6, 2019Other eras

Cash-based income statement of farm in 1945/1946 – part 4

Previous post listed the cash transactions in the estate of my paternal grandfather from the day he passed away until a probate […]

May 6, 2019Other eras

Cash transactions listed in 1945 probate filing – part 3

The estate of my paternal grandfather went through probate in 1946 after he died in 1945.  The probate filing listed the cash […]

April 29, 2019May 6, 2019Other eras

Prices of farm animals in 1945 – part 2

The probate filing for the estate of my grandfather, Daniel Ulvog, provides a lot of information about the farm. Let’s look at […]

April 25, 2019May 6, 2019Other eras

Glimpse into economic life on a farm in 1945, provided by probate documents – part 1

My paternal grandfather passed away on June 1, 1945, near the end of World War 2. Disposition of his estate was officially […]

April 24, 2019U.S. Civil War

Indicator of coast-to-coast travel cost and wages for school teacher in San Diego back in 1865

Docent at the School House Museum in the Old Town San Diego State Historical Park explained the people of San Diego hired a […]

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American Civil War (6) coins (15) comparing wages/prices across time (30) construction/time/cost (16) economic development (2) hoards (9) money (23) Old Testament (4) population (3) prices (27) ships (17) travel cost/time (3) Ulvog farm (15) wages/compensation (19) weaponry (18) weights (3)
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