The renowned Mona Lisa was a nobody – until Vincenzo Peruggia decided to steal her.
History
Jesus Was a Rule-Breaker: The Radical Things He Said and Did
This Christmas, honor the “reason for the season” with the same radical kindness he showed his neighbors.
7 Famous People That Were Probably in the LGBT Community
Today, we know that many historical figures were openly members of the LGBT community, and some were more secretive about their sexuality.
No, Septimius Severus Wasn’t the First Black Roman Emperor Because He Wasn’t Black
Septimius Severus was a Roman emperor who hailed from present-day Libya, making him African, but he was not black.
How Gomes Eanes De Zurara Shaped Racism in Its Current Form
Gomes Eanes De Zurara was a chronicler during the European Age of Discovery. He also wrote what was effectively propaganda intended to portray slavery and conquest as “saving savages”.
The Deliciously Retro Return of the 80s Aesthetic
From Cher’s yellow suit in Fancy to Stranger Things to Vaporwave, the 80s aesthetic has been waiting to happen…again.
What Was the First Movie Ever Made?
The technology to make movies was invented in the 19th century. While historians debate exactly which film was the first movie ever made, these are the contenders for the title.
Schrodinger’s Cat Explained Like I’m Five
Is it dead or alive? What exactly is Schrodinger’s cat all about?
The Oyo Empire | Complete Guide to the History of a West African Powerhouse
The Oyo Empire was the largest of the Yoruba empires of pre-colonial West Africa. Today, its people are scattered throughout several countries in the region.
Was the Wealthiest Man in History Mansa Musa, Mali’s African Emperor?
It’s long been speculated that the wealthiest man in history was Mansa Musa, an African emperor. But how true is this?
The Freaky Origins of Your Favorite Halloween Monsters
Ever wondered where all the monsters we dress up as come from? Here’s everything there is to know about your favorite Halloween monsters.
Raised by Wolves: The Incredible Life of Dina Sanichar
While people say someone was “raised by wolves” as an expression, the phrase can be applied literally to the life of Dina Sanichar.
From Dracula to Edward Cullen: The Evolution of the Vampire Myth
The vampire casts a long shadow over pop culture. But where does it come from? And more importantly, what lesson does the vampire teach?
How the Karen Meme Was Born and Reborn Into Our Lexicon
Before the Karen meme, there was Becky, and before her, Miss Ann. How did these names that usually represent privileged white women enter our vernacular?
Classic Retro Games You Can Now Play for Free
These retro games are out to prove that nothing beats a classic. Here are six classics you can play for free right now.
When Science and Racism Mix: The Disturbing History of the Eugenics Movement in Europe and North America
The eugenics movement was prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries. It gave way for racism to flourish under the guise of improving the human race.
The Panic of 1819: A Missed Opportunity to Address Climate Change, Human Rights, and Better Market Regulation
In this article: The Panic of 1819 was an economic depression that laid bare the human, environmental, and economic consequences of building an economy on slavery and unrestrained exploitation of natural resources. Slavery and a lack of minimum wage laws for wage laborers made for an economy with weak circulation as so few of its […]
Ready For a Real Challenge? Enter The Disturbing World of Alternate Reality Games
Blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, alternate reality games have a long history of scaring audiences and sometimes, putting them in danger.
The Bizarre History Behind Why Graham Crackers Were Invented
They’re a ubiquitous component in many desserts, but once you find out why graham crackers were invented, you’ll never look smores the same way again.
“Women Aren’t Funny”: A Brief History of the Women Who Shaped Stand-up Comedy
Stand-up comedy took shape over the course of the last 150-odd years and women have been there helping shape it from day one. Here are some of those women.
The Strangely Fabulous Fashion of Ancient Minoan Greece
Ancient Minoan fashion was bright, lively, and revealing. In some ways, it wasn’t all that different from later historical fashion trends or today’s fashion trends.
The Truth About Luxor and the Lost Golden City of Egypt
After nearly a decade of searching, archaeologists finally found Aten, the lost golden city of Egypt.
Frank Sinatra’s Mafia History: The Real Story Behind the Crooner’s Mob Ties
Frank Sinatra may be best known for his singing voice, but the legendary crooner also may have had ties to the Italian mafia. How much of that is true though?
The Aztec Legend of the Five Suns: The Divine Right to Conquer
The legend of the Five Suns was the Aztec creation myth that was used to justify their extremely violent behavior.