HISTORY

An (Almost) Comprehensive History of Rat Kings

Myth, hoax, or Mother Nature's freak accident? Here's the story of nearly every rat king ever discovered.

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.

Retro furniture from IKEA's Nytillverkad line.

IKEA Is Reviving Designs From Its Past in Celebration of Its 80th Anniversary

IKEA’s Nytillverkad line is inspired by vintage looks that should be familiar to long-time shoppers.

(Clockwise from yellow) Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.

Divorced, Beheaded, Died: A Guide to King Henry VIII’s 6 Wives

It would be easier to keep these not-so-merry wives of Tudor straight if half of them weren’t named Catherine.

A Brief History of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Weird, Wonderful Career

Yankovic’s bizarre brilliance in reimagining hit songs into parodies is one of the best parts of pop culture.

Adam Rainer, The Little Person Who Became a Literal Giant

Under 5 feet tall as an adult, Adam Rainer had the growth spurt to end all growth spurts.

9 Remote Islands and Towns You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

Some are more than a thousand miles from the nearest human civilization.

[4k, 60 fps] A Trip Through New York City in 1911

This Stunning 4K Video Shows What New York City Looked Like in 1911

The city that never sleeps had a lot more hats and a lot less traffic in the early 20th century.

When Queen Victoria Employed an Official Rat-Catcher

The story of Jack Black, the eccentric “rat and mole destroyer to her majesty.”

The inventor of Scrabble was inspired by 'The Raven' author.

How Edgar Allan Poe Inspired ‘Scrabble’

The game wouldn't exist if not for a minor plot point in a nearly two-century-old story.

For Sale: The Hampshire Estate Where Jane Austen Wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and Other Books

The house where Jane Austen grew up is now ritzy enough to suit her wealthier characters.

Is there beaver butt secretion in your vanilla ice cream?

A Brief History of Castoreum, the Beaver Butt Secretion Used as Flavoring

Is there beaver butt in your vanilla ice cream?

And so Krypton sent their only son, Kal-El...

Failure to Launch: Why Winston Churchill's ‘Sarcophagus-Like’ Airplane Pod Never Took Off

The UK’s Prime Minister was in poor health but still needed to fly. The solution? Stuff him in a big egg.

Don't be afraid to throw around a curse or two!

7 Ancient Roman Curses You Can Work into Modern Life

"Never do better than the mime."

What Is the Wilhelm Scream?

The Wilhelm Scream sound effect has been heard in everything from 'Star Wars' to 'Avatar.' But why do so many filmmakers use it?

9 Facts About Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month, occurring each April, is a relatively new event on the yearly calendar—but the history of Arab immigrants in the U.S. goes way back.

The Reason We Celebrate Earth Day on April 22

The annual celebration raises awareness of environmental issues. But who decided we should mobilize on April 22?

15 Facts About the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the oldest, largest, and most celebrated achievements of human ingenuity, but there are still a few things you might not know about China’s ancient landmark.

7 Mysterious People Without a Past

History is loaded with people who have disappeared without a trace; rarer are the ones who seem to have emerged from nowhere.

A Brief History of Neopets

You might think of Neopets as nothing more than an internet-based Tamagotchi—but they helped pave the way for Web 2.0.

10 Fascinating Facts About Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft broke new ground in the battle for women’s rights with the publication of 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'—but there's far more to her legacy than just one book.

It had a little something to do with syphilis.

The Reason People Wore Powdered Wigs

For nearly two centuries, powdered wigs—called perukes—were all the rage. The chic hairpiece would have never become popular, however, if it hadn't been for a venereal disease, a pair of self-conscious kings, and poor hair hygiene.

Barnum Brown changed paleontology and pop culture forever by discovering Tyrannosaurus rex.

How Barnum Brown Discovered ‘T. rex’ and Became History’s Greatest Fossil Hunter

Like his most famous discovery, fossil hunter Barnum Brown was larger than life.

70 Huge Facts About the ‘Titanic’

The 'Titanic' sinking became the most infamous shipwreck in history—but what really happened on that unusually calm night in the North Atlantic?

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