HISTORY

Trosky Castle was built atop volcanic plugs in the Czech Republic.

10 Wondrously Unusual Castles From Around the World

From Europe's smallest castle to a fortress built into a cliff, these unique castles all break the mold.

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.

Lady Gaga wearing the Tiffany Diamond at the 91st Annual Academy Awards.

10 of the World’s Most Controversial Gemstones

Precious stones like the Cullinan Diamond, the Tiffany Diamond, and the Koh-i-noor Diamond have troubled histories.

A hand-carved totem pole in Vancouver's Stanley Park.

8 Ways to Experience Indigenous Heritage in One Canadian Province

Indigenous-led tourism is driving a cultural revival in British Columbia. Here's how to experience the Canadian province's 10,000-year-old traditions.

(From left to right) W.E.B. Du Bois, Che Guevara, and Empress Dowager Cixi.

15 Historical Figures’ Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Here’s how to pronounce ‘Elie Wiesel,’ ‘Cixi,’ and 13 other famous names from history.

The Riveting Reason Blue Jeans Have Those Little Metal Studs Over the Pockets

If you’re wearing jeans, you’ll probably spot some tiny metal rivets surrounding the front pockets. Like a lot of details in life, we’ve become accustomed to seeing them. So why are they there?

Rogue waves have the power to sink freighters.

10 Surprising Facts About Rogue Waves

These freak waves are rare and unpredictable—and are believed to have caused numerous shipwrecks.

The Zany History of Mini Golf

Whether you call it mini golf, putt putt, or a cheap date, miniature golf has been popular since the 19th century.

Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’ at The Art Institute Of Chicago.

15 Things You Might Not Know About ‘American Gothic’

While this deceptively simple portrait has clearly captured the imagination of the nation, the story behind its creation and rise to fame makes it all the more compelling.

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.

Marylanders pledge allegiance to Old Bay.

What Is Old Bay Seasoning, Anyway?

The original Old Bay seasoning recipe had dozens of ingredients—but McCormick’s current one is shrouded in secrecy.

~Check out~ a few of these overdue tomes.

11 Ridiculously Overdue Library Books That Were Finally Returned

Next time you bring back a library book a few days past its due date, know that your fine could have been a lot worse.

5 Ways Catherine the Great Changed Russia

From arts and education to coups and annexations, there’s no doubt that Catherine the Great did more than history gives her credit for.

Presented by: The Great

A Cool History of Ice Cream

James Madison's wife was partial to oyster ice cream.

7 Ways People Woke Up Before Alarm Clocks

You couldn't hit the snooze button on these wake-up calls.

The Reason So Many British Pubs Are Named ‘The Red Lion’

There are more than 500 pubs in the United Kingdom called The Red Lion. It all traces back to King James VI and I.

The Forgotten Fifth Line of the “Something Old, Something New” Bridal Poem

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and something else, too?

The diners of the 1950s featured a sleek, space age design.

The Delicious History of the Diner

The history of diner dining, from their Lunch Wagon ancestors to those “We Are Happy to Serve You” take-out cups—and what the future might hold for these beloved establishments.

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?

The Original Version of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson was not happy about some of the edits made to his draft. Here's what didn't make the final cut.

People have spent a long time coming up with interesting ways to beat the heat.

9 Creative Ways People Kept Cool Before Air Conditioning

People have come up with a range of ingenious, harebrained, and sometimes grim but often remarkable ways to stay cool during a summer scorcher.

6 Fascinating Facts About Geoffrey Chaucer

'The Canterbury Tales' author Geoffrey Chaucer's work spanned poetry and prose and ranged from the humorous to the scientific—but there's so much more to know about the "father of English poetry."

What Exactly Is Canada Day?

Here’s a brief history of Canada’s national day—which celebrates the joining of the three original provinces—and how you can celebrate.

Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag in 1978.

How the Rainbow Flag Became Associated With LGBTQ+ Rights

How the rainbow became specifically associated with LGBTQ+ rights goes back to San Francisco in the late 1970s, and to one artist in particular.

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