The dancing Sun King

French king Louis XIV liked to use dance as a way of projecting his absolute power. A year before his glorious coronation, he embodied the rising sun – dressed as the sun god, Apollo – in the centre of the planetary system.

This finger ring symbolises the wearer's loyalty to Mary I of Scotland, also known as Mary Stuart.
Secret support for Mary Stuart

Rings can be more than simply adornment, expression of personal sentiment or symbols of status, they can also conceal or openly show allegiance to a political cause. In some cases, such affiliations could have dangerous consequences, even death.

Switzerland – a nation of skiers: How much is reality? How much is myth?
The whole country is skiing! The whole country…?

For years, Switzerland has celebrated itself as a nation of skiers. Where does this self-image come from? Is it more of a myth, or more of a reality?

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