HISTORY

President Franklin D. Roosevelt used the map to justify the United States entering World War II—but as one historian told Mental Floss, “was a fiction forged by the British intelligence service.”

They hurl thunderbolts, throw wild parties, and mess with the lives of mortals. Can you match each description to the correct god or goddess?

Ever wondered why prom-goers wear corsages and boutonnieres? Learn the fascinating history behind these floral trends and their evolution through time.

Arlington is some of the most hallowed ground in the United States. But despite its great importance, the cemetery has had more than its share of scandals.

These tributes to fallen soldiers may not be as instantly recognizable as the Vietnam Memorial and others, but their stories are no less fascinating—including one that doubles as a mausoleum right in Manhattan.

The continent of Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland, but on many maps they're roughly the same size.

Just as much a symbol of the presidency as the White House itself, Air Force One is probably the world’s most recognizable plane.

While they might not have been old enough to drive, they were old enough to steer history. 

The Chinese philosopher and sage had a lot of wise things to say. But many of the quotes you've seen online were actually said by someone else. Can you tell them apart?

From initiatives to preserve American culture to things that change how we get around and communicate.

In 1947, the seemingly everyday, innocent thoughts of a teen girl were published. But they weren’t so everyday: they were the thoughts of Anne Frank.

In 1855, D.C. residents were anything but thrilled with a gift from the pope.