What is your favorite part of history to read/learn about?

I enjoy reading just about any history, but lately I've been most occupied reading about the Spanish Civil War. From the political infighting to inherent drama of village-against-village it really was incredibly sad. Of particular interest to me were the International Brigades; they easily foreshadow modern day international combatants in the Middle East.

I wonder if I would have had the courage of my convictions had I lived through that time, and then have to wonder if I actually have the courage of my convictions right now. That should be the ultimate goal of all history, in my mind.