Ancient Norse seafaring Vikings were well-known as explorers, traders, and warriors. But when they got down, they weren’t messing around. Sure, Norse Sagas tell of epic voyages, and etymological studies have granted insight into the lands to which they traveled and settled. Archeological evidence has revealed records of weapons and […]
Did you ever wonder if the great stories of ancient mythology, tales of the men behind the Egyptian pyramids and the rulers of the fabled cities of ancient Anatolia, were real? Well, if that’s the case, then you’re in luck – there are indeed some notable true stories behind myths. […]
Humankind has been passing along legends and folklore since we’ve been able to communicate. The good news is, while many contain kernels of truth, the majority of the creepy legends shared in hushed tones over roaring fires aren’t true. Most are just exaggerated stories meant to scare listeners and sometimes […]
Sending criminals and political troublemakers to remote islands has been a pretty normal thing throughout history – just ask Australia or Napoleon. In Central America, the former penal colony on Coiba Island was once home to some of Panama’s worst criminals and most threatening political enemies. The prisons on Coiba […]
It’s an iconic car, the DeLorean, made famous by its fundamental role in the Back to the Future movies – but do you know the man behind the car? Do you know the John DeLorean story? The DeLorean’s namesake, John DeLorean, lived a life so intriguing that it’s now the […]
Versailles etiquette was as complicated and ornate as the furniture and artwork filling the great chambers of the French royal palace. The smallest details of life at court, including personal hygiene, were dictated, regulated, and policed. But more often than not, court etiquette at Versailles was more bizarre than it […]
The relationship between Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller went beyond pupil and teacher. It was based in Sullivan’s ability to open up the world for Keller. Deaf, blind, and mute due to a childhood illness, Helen Keller learned to read, write, and speak through the tireless efforts of her instructor, […]
In ancient times, the most powerful and influential cities in the world were located primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Places like Alexandria, Jericho, and Carthage once were thought to be as influential or powerful as cities like London, Tokyo, or Washington, DC, are today. By the 21st […]
In addition to being the highest point on Earth at 29,000 feet above sea level, Mount Everest is also one of the most sought after destinations of mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts. While it’s not considered one of Earth’s most dangerous mountains, people die attempting to summit its peak each year, […]
Of all the monarchs to sit on the British throne in the modern era, few are as infrequently discussed as King William IV. It’s a real shame, because the stories of his life are a real gas. Only the most dedicated of royal historians are probably familiar with facts about […]
