History, as we know, is static and does not accept the subjunctive mood. Everything was as it was, and nothing else was given. But if the events of ten years ago often remain mysteries for us, then what can we say about those events from the time of which ten or more centuries have passed. Take, for example, the Middle Ages, some of whose mysteries the author of this book tried to understand. For example, we know that the Mongols, who devastated Kievan Rus, did not touch Novgorod. However, why did this happen, why did the khans not take the ancient city? We know that the national heroine of France, Joan of Arc, was born into the family of a wealthy peasant, and left this world at the stake in a square in Rouen. So, at least, says Jeanne’s official biography. However, there are many other versions regarding the life and death of the Maid of Orleans, for example, that she came from a royal, not a peasant family, and that another woman rose to the fire instead of her. Riddles, versions, alternative research, previously unknown facts - probably what makes history so interesting is that not everything in it is neatly sorted and that there will always be people who want to learn more and solve its mysteries...