Skip to main content
Mental Floss
History Section Header

History

The Latest

She redefined what it meant to be a royal in the modern age. On what would have been her 65th birthday, we count down 13 powerful photos that illustrate Princess Diana’s evolution, her humanitarian reach, and the style choices that made her a global icon.

Nursery rhymes tend to be about dark subject matter if you look closely. “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” is an exception, with perfectly innocent lyrics—despite a very troubling theorized origin.
Meagan Bojarski|
The story of Rhaenyra Targaryen of 'House of the Dragon' bears striking similarities to the life of Empress Matilda, whose claim to the English throne launched a civil war.
Eden Gordon|
Accounts of fiery, winged serpents were once considered authentic because they came from famous leaders and researchers.
Chelsea Thatcher|

Government and Politics

The world's oldest and youngest leaders currently have a 60-year age gap between them.
Jenny Cohen|
An examination of the so-called "Kennedy Curse" and how family members have publicly responded to it.
Logan DeLoye|
The rare but pivotal elections that changed the conversation about American democracy.
Colin Scanlon|
People get a lot wrong about this secretive government agency.
Jake Rossen|
Do members of congress get paid during government shutdowns? And do they get free health insurance? Let’s get to the bottom of some common myths.
Ellen Gutoskey|
On November 5, people across Great Britain celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks. But who was Guy Fawkes and why does he have a celebration named after him?
Claire Cock-Starkey|
From tragic factory fires to toxic food scandals, some safety laws we may take for granted today actually have some pretty unsettling backstories.
Colin Scanlon|
The WPA helped everyone from Jackson Pollock to Louise Nevelson.
Ellen Gutoskey|

Presidents

Many of these presidential firsts never made the history books.
Logan DeLoye|
This president also had a black bear, two lion cubs, and a raccoon named Rebecca.
Jenny Cohen|
From skinny-dipping to petroleum jelly with breakfast, these strange morning habits of U.S. presidents actually happened.
Logan DeLoye|

War

'House of the Dragon' has nothing on some of these historical family meltdowns, from the Medici and Pazzi rivalry to the Wars of the Roses.

Mystery

From Greek fire to Roman concrete, scientists still don't totally understand how these marvelous ancient inventions functioned.
Lorna Wallace|
Experts aren't positive why some people hear a humming noise that never ceases. However, new research may offer an explanation for the sound, which inspired the show "The Listeners."
Eden Gordon|
London's Natural History Museum is home to a stolen gem that may still be causing misfortune to its owners.
Eden Gordon|
Despite decades of investigation, these baffling mysteries continue to defy evidence and expert analysis.
Logan DeLoye|

Misconceptions

From "I used to think I was the strangest person in the world..." to "You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled," we’re debunking the most popular quotes frequently misattributed to Frida Kahlo.
Nitya Rao|
Chlorine actually has a neutral smell—so if your pool smells strongly of chlorine, it's actually not a good sign.
Eden Gordon|
Did Yoko Ono break up the Beatles, and did they all really hate each other following the band's dissolution? Learn the truth about six major Beatles misconceptions.
Paul Anthony Jones|
June 19 marks Juneteenth National Independence Day. Learn more about the history here.
Jane Alexander|
From "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind to Hanson's "MMMBop," these deceptively cheerful '90s songs hid dark messages behind upbeat music.
Jenny Cohen|

Royalty

From one specific cocktail to astrology, here are five things you might not know Princess Diana was fond of.
Jane Alexander|
Even if you’re not a noble, earning one of their titles doesn’t always require a royal wedding.
Lucas Reilly|
You’ll be happy these folks aren’t your relatives.
Shayna Murphy|

Civil Rights

From Fannie Lou Hamer to Shirley Chisholm, these extraordinary Black woman changed the world forever.
hourglass in yellow

Learn More About History

HistoryHistory Vs..Civil RightsCivil WarCold WarGovernment and PoliticsKing TutLawMilitaryMisconceptionsMysteryPhilosophyPresidentsRoyaltyTitanicVietnam WarWarWorld War IWorld War II