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Jacques Louis David’s portrait of Antoine and Marie Anne Lavoisier. Antoine Lavoisier was a chemist during the Enlightenment who was later beheaded.

10 Illuminating Facts About the Enlightenment

The period of scientific, artistic, and political revolutions isn’t known as the “Age of Reason” for nothing.

'TIME' has logged the most intriguing person of the year for nearly a century—and for 2023, that person is Taylor Swift.

Every ‘TIME’ Person of the Year Since 1927

The magazine has named the most newsworthy subjects annually for the past century, with a few surprises.

Soviet Chanel: How “Red Moscow” Became the Most Popular Perfume in the USSR

Just a whiff of Krasnaya Moskva (Красная Москва, or “Red Moscow” in English) is enough to transport Russian citizens to the nostalgia of their childhoods.

Arizona judge Sandra Day O'Connor testifies at her confirmation as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1981.

How Sandra Day O’Connor Beat the Odds, Ruled the Court, and Became the Most Powerful Woman in America

Discover how Sandra Day O’Connor overcame the odds to become the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice.

The Underground Cheese Caves of Missouri

in the 1980s, Springfield was home to a subterranean labyrinth made up of cheese wheels.

Peer Pressure: 10 Facts About Jury Duty

Failing to appear can mean a fine, jail time, or being forced to write an essay about the importance of serving.

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco.

4 Royal European Families Have Twins—But Only One Set Includes a Future Ruler

With more twins being born than ever, it should be no surprise that a handful have royal blood. In Europe, four ruling families of Europe currently have a set of twins.

Each country has its own quirky election rules.

15 Facts About Elections Around the World

Voters in the U.S. may head to the polls on Tuesdays, but the rest of the world prefers to save its votes for Sunday.

Still from 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1951) beside illustration of a theremin.

Audio Invasion: How the Theremin Went From Soviet Labs to Hollywood

The theremin—a spooky instrument that scored the biggest sci-fi films of the 1950s—was invented by accident.

'Tis the season to restock your COVID test supply.

The Government Is Mailing Out Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Again—Here’s How to Get Them

The USPS will soon be on its way with more government-issued at-home COVID test kits. Here’s how to make sure they stop at your door.

Dee Snider defends artistic freedom during the 1985 PMRC Senate hearing on the perils of rock music.

Parental Advisory: When Tipper Gore Took on ‘80s Rock Music

Suggestive lyrics from bands like Twisted Sister led to the 1985 Parents Music Resource Center Senate hearing on whether musicians should be allowed to rock without parental supervision.

The U.S. government recruited a (phony) vampire-esque creature.

False Fang: When the CIA Staged a Vampire Attack

In the 1950s, American counterinsurgents decided to play into Philippine folklore by orchestrating a deadly 'vampire' attack.

5 European Princesses Who Are Preparing to Reign

In the coming decades, five princesses are expected to ascend the thrones of Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

A detail from ‘Napoleon Crossing the Alps’ by Jacques-Louis David

15 Epic Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte

One of the most fascinating figures to ever live was born 246 years ago.

Patrick Henry delivers his famous "give me liberty" speech.

10 Facts About Patrick Henry

He’s best remembered for saying “Give me liberty or give me death,” but did Henry actually utter those words?

You probably shouldn’t do it—unless there really is a fire.

Is It Illegal to Falsely Shout 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater?

Back in 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. sort of made it seem like it was against the law to yell “fire“ while in a crowded theater, so we understand if you’re confused.

4 Big Misconceptions About Spies

No, spies aren't all focused on national security. Yes, the CIA did deploy a mission called Operation Acoustic Kitty.

Feeling Adventurous? The U.S. Government Is Giving Away Lighthouses

If you've always wanted to live in a lighthouse, now is your chance.

A photograph on display at the Bradbury Science Museum at Los Alamos National Laboratory shows the first thermonuclear test on October 31, 1952.

9 Explosive Facts About the Manhattan Project

America’s greatest physicists assembled under the Manhattan Project to create the deadliest weapon the world had ever seen—an atomic bomb.

The combat veteran is the first Asian American woman from Illinois ever elected to Congress.

17 Things You Might Not Know About Tammy Duckworth

From serving in the Iraq War to becoming the first U.S. senator to give birth in office, Tammy Duckworth has an impressive history of overcoming adversity with grit and humor.

Not 'The Defender,' but we needed to show you something.

A Century-Old Experimental Submarine, 'The Defender,' Is Found 'Hiding in Plain Sight' in Long Island Sound

The peculiar sub had wheels and other innovative features.

The Reason U.S. Presidents Aren't Allowed to Drive Cars

From Lyndon B. Johnson to Joe Biden, presidents can get neither fast nor furious behind the wheel.

California might prompt sweeping changes in how candy is manufactured.

A New California Bill Could See Skittles and Other Candies Pulled From Shelves

Controversy over red dye no. 3 could soon spill over into the candy aisle.

25 Fascinating Facts About Daylight Saving Time

Love it or hate it, daylight saving time means you have to reset your clocks twice a year and either gain or lose an hour of sleep.

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