culture

The Incredible Story Of General Tom Thumb, The Three-Foot-Tall Sideshow Performer Who Became One Of The 19th-Century’s Biggest Celebrities

General Tom Thumb, born Charles Stratton, toured around the world with P.T. Barnum and was seen by an estimated 50 million spectators before his death in 1883.

By All That's Interesting • Apr 20, 2025

The Incredible Story Of General Tom Thumb, The Three-Foot-Tall Sideshow Performer Who Became One Of The 19th-Century’s Biggest Celebrities

General Tom Thumb, born Charles Stratton, toured around the world with P.T. Barnum and was seen by an estimated 50 million spectators before his death in 1883.

By All That's Interesting • April 20, 2025

The Chilling Story Of Varg Vikernes, The Black Metal Musician Who Fatally Stabbed His Former Bandmate

First known as a black metal musician in his native Norway, Varg Vikernes later became infamous for his murder of former bandmate Euronymous in 1993 as well as his neo-Nazism.

By Austin Harvey • Apr 20, 2025

The Chilling Story Of Varg Vikernes, The Black Metal Musician Who Fatally Stabbed His Former Bandmate

First known as a black metal musician in his native Norway, Varg Vikernes later became infamous for his murder of former bandmate Euronymous in 1993 as well as his neo-Nazism.

By Austin Harvey • April 20, 2025

‘The Regulars Are Coming Out!’ Inside The True Story Of Paul Revere’s Ride At The Dawn Of The American Revolution

On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode from Boston to Lexington and Concord to warn his fellow patriots that the British were approaching.

By Amber Morgan • Apr 18, 2025

‘The Regulars Are Coming Out!’ Inside The True Story Of Paul Revere’s Ride At The Dawn Of The American Revolution

On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode from Boston to Lexington and Concord to warn his fellow patriots that the British were approaching.

By Amber Morgan • April 18, 2025

Sword Swallowing, The Shocking Circus Act That Can Quickly Turn Deadly

Throat lacerations, perforated organs, and pierced hearts are just some of the complications that performers can suffer when swallowing swords, but despite these dangers, only 29 deaths from this ancient art form have been recorded in the past 150 years.

By Marc Hartzman • Apr 17, 2025

Sword Swallowing, The Shocking Circus Act That Can Quickly Turn Deadly

Throat lacerations, perforated organs, and pierced hearts are just some of the complications that performers can suffer when swallowing swords, but despite these dangers, only 29 deaths from this ancient art form have been recorded in the past 150 years.

By Marc Hartzman • April 17, 2025

Wall Built With Human Bones Discovered Underneath A Cathedral In Belgium

The macabre structure was found during work on a new visitor's center for the 700-year-old Saint Bavo's Cathedral.

By Natasha Ishak • Apr 17, 2025

News

Wall Built With Human Bones Discovered Underneath A Cathedral In Belgium

The macabre structure was found during work on a new visitor's center for the 700-year-old Saint Bavo's Cathedral.

By Natasha Ishak • April 17, 2025

Priceless 17th-Century Caravaggio Painting Discovered Behind Mattresses In An Attic In France

It took five years of verification and restoration to prepare the 1607 Caravaggio for auction. It is expected to go for $170 million.

By Natasha Ishak • Apr 16, 2025

News

Priceless 17th-Century Caravaggio Painting Discovered Behind Mattresses In An Attic In France

It took five years of verification and restoration to prepare the 1607 Caravaggio for auction. It is expected to go for $170 million.

By Natasha Ishak • April 16, 2025

The Inside Story Of How Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham Died Tragically At Just 32

On September 25, 1980, John Bonham died in his sleep by choking on his own vomit following a day of heavy binge drinking.

By Austin Harvey • Apr 13, 2025

The Inside Story Of How Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham Died Tragically At Just 32

On September 25, 1980, John Bonham died in his sleep by choking on his own vomit following a day of heavy binge drinking.

By Austin Harvey • April 13, 2025

Archaeologists Excavating An Ancient Maya City Discover A Child Sacrifice Altar From A Culture 700 Miles Away

A Teotihuacan altar found in a dwelling in the ancient Maya city of Tikal highlights the interaction between these two cultures — and the grisly rituals they both practiced.

By Austin Harvey • Apr 9, 2025

News

Archaeologists Excavating An Ancient Maya City Discover A Child Sacrifice Altar From A Culture 700 Miles Away

A Teotihuacan altar found in a dwelling in the ancient Maya city of Tikal highlights the interaction between these two cultures — and the grisly rituals they both practiced.

By Austin Harvey • April 9, 2025

Ancient Warrior Woman Unearthed In Armenia May Be An Amazon Of Ancient Greek Lore

The woman's strong bones, muscular frame, and numerous battle wounds suggest she was a trained warrior with a violent past.

By Natasha Ishak • Apr 9, 2025

News

Ancient Warrior Woman Unearthed In Armenia May Be An Amazon Of Ancient Greek Lore

The woman's strong bones, muscular frame, and numerous battle wounds suggest she was a trained warrior with a violent past.

By Natasha Ishak • April 9, 2025

Inside The History Of The Daguerreotype, The Pioneering Photographic Process That Captured 19th-Century Life

Named for French inventor Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, the daguerreotype was the world's first successful form of photography — and it captured historic images of everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Emily Dickinson to real-life samurai.

By Austin Harvey • Apr 8, 2025

Inside The History Of The Daguerreotype, The Pioneering Photographic Process That Captured 19th-Century Life

Named for French inventor Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, the daguerreotype was the world's first successful form of photography — and it captured historic images of everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Emily Dickinson to real-life samurai.

By Austin Harvey • April 8, 2025