Tales of parents taking measures to prevent their children from marrying someone they do not approve of span the spectrum of human history. But in some cases, the measures they take are so drastic that it simply defies logic. Such was the case for a 25-year-old Parisian socialite, Blanche Monnier, who, like many women her […]
Blanche Monnier’s Parents Locked Her Away For 26 Years Read More »
Whether in North America, South America, Australia, or Europe, you can find an extraordinary phenomenon—a pair of tied-together shoes hanging over power lines. Most of us have wondered why this is done, how it started, and what in the world could be the purpose of this weird practice, but no one will argue that it
Untangling the myths around throwing shoes on power lines Read More »
The practice of crucifixion is one of the most infamous and brutal methods of execution in history. However, it’s unclear when and where the first crucifixion occurred. Still, many believe that the practice was first used by the ancient Persians and later adopted by the Romans. “Crucifixion” comes from the Latin crux, meaning “cross.” Crucifixion
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One of the most well-known faces in the fast-food industry, Colonel Sanders pioneered fried chicken to glory, not just in America but worldwide. He has been synonymous with KFC since the brand became a crash hit. An iconic businessman, if there ever was, Colonel Sanders lived a life not many would survive, only to turn
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Roman history is full of striking female leaders who opposed Rome’s power. In Britain, for instance, Boudicca led a famous rebellion by the Iceni tribe against the Roman occupation of the south of England in 60 AD. In the mid-third century AD, the Queen of the Palmyrene Empire, Zenobia, invaded the eastern provinces of the
Kandake Amanirenas: The one-eyed African queen who defeated the Romans Read More »
Viking weddings were steeped in tradition and ceremony and played a vital role in Viking society. These weddings were not just about two people getting married; they were also about joining two families and continuing the Viking community. They were elaborate affairs, with many rituals and customs that symbolized the importance of the union. From
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Juliane Koepcke spent 11 days in the forest clawing her way back to civilization after being the lone survivor of an aircraft accident in Peru. The 17-year-old was going from Lima, Peru, to the eastern city of Pucallpa to see her father, who was working in the Amazon Rainforest. She had graduated from high school
Juliane Koepcke: A Plane Crash and 11 Days in the Jungle Read More »
Al Capone is one of the most notorious gangsters in American history. One of the most interesting aspects of Capone’s story is how he received the scars that earned him the nickname “Scarface.” Even though Capone was responsible for countless violent crimes and was one of the most feared men in Chicago, a relatively minor
How Did Al Capone Get His Infamous Scars? Read More »
For centuries, the Romans have been known for their remarkable engineering feats and exquisite architecture. From massive arenas where the gladiators fought to beautiful temples, they left their mark from northern Britain to the Black Sea and from the Atlantic coast to the Red Sea. But what about the homes of ordinary Romans? What were
Everything You Need to Know About Roman Homes Read More »
When most people think of the movie “The Last Samurai,” they think of the Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Cruise. However, the true story behind this film is quite fascinating. Jules Brunet was a French military officer who fought in Japan during the Meiji Restoration. He became fascinated with Japanese culture and eventually became a samurai
The True Story of Jules Brunet, ‘The Last Samurai’ Read More »
