curiosities

Hypatia Of Alexandria, The Ancient Greek Intellectual Stoned To Death By A Christian Mob

One of the few women in Ancient Greek academe, Hypatia of Alexandria was a renowned philosopher and mathematician — and she was killed because of it.

By Abby Norman • Jan 7, 2025

Hypatia Of Alexandria, The Ancient Greek Intellectual Stoned To Death By A Christian Mob

One of the few women in Ancient Greek academe, Hypatia of Alexandria was a renowned philosopher and mathematician — and she was killed because of it.

By Abby Norman • January 7, 2025

The Strange Saga Of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, The Alleged Iranian Exile Who Lived At Charles De Gaulle Airport For 18 Years

Stuck in legal limbo, Mehran Karimi Nasseri lived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris between 1988 and 2006, and inspired the 2004 film “The Terminal.”

By Austin Harvey • Jan 5, 2025

The Strange Saga Of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, The Alleged Iranian Exile Who Lived At Charles De Gaulle Airport For 18 Years

Stuck in legal limbo, Mehran Karimi Nasseri lived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris between 1988 and 2006, and inspired the 2004 film “The Terminal.”

By Austin Harvey • January 5, 2025

Inside The Tragically Short Life Of Robert Wadlow, The Tallest Man In World History

At 8 feet, 11 inches tall, Robert Pershing Wadlow was the tallest man in the world. But sadly, this "gentle giant" didn't live long.

By Katie Serena • Jan 2, 2025

Inside The Tragically Short Life Of Robert Wadlow, The Tallest Man In World History

At 8 feet, 11 inches tall, Robert Pershing Wadlow was the tallest man in the world. But sadly, this "gentle giant" didn't live long.

By Katie Serena • January 2, 2025

33 Photos Of The Y2K Panic, When People Feared That Computers Would Fail At The Turn Of The Century

In 1999, many worried that the world's computers couldn't handle the change to the year 2000 — and some even thought that the apocalypse was near.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 31, 2024

33 Photos Of The Y2K Panic, When People Feared That Computers Would Fail At The Turn Of The Century

In 1999, many worried that the world's computers couldn't handle the change to the year 2000 — and some even thought that the apocalypse was near.

By Austin Harvey • December 31, 2024

The Truth About Rodents Of Unusual Size, From The Monsters Of Fiction To The Massive Mammals Of Real Life

Rodents of unusual size, or ROUS, are bloodthirsty creatures in The Princess Bride, but their closest counterparts in the real world are capybaras or the massive Bosavi woolly rats of South America.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 28, 2024

The Truth About Rodents Of Unusual Size, From The Monsters Of Fiction To The Massive Mammals Of Real Life

Rodents of unusual size, or ROUS, are bloodthirsty creatures in The Princess Bride, but their closest counterparts in the real world are capybaras or the massive Bosavi woolly rats of South America.

By Austin Harvey • December 28, 2024

The Curious Story Of Operation Highjump, The U.S. Military Expedition To Antarctica In 1946

Just after World War II, the U.S. sent thousands of troops to Antarctica for "training" and "reconnaissance" — but speculation about the mission's true purpose has swirled ever since.

By Amber Morgan • Dec 27, 2024

The Curious Story Of Operation Highjump, The U.S. Military Expedition To Antarctica In 1946

Just after World War II, the U.S. sent thousands of troops to Antarctica for "training" and "reconnaissance" — but speculation about the mission's true purpose has swirled ever since.

By Amber Morgan • December 27, 2024

How Old Was Mary When She Had Jesus? Here’s What The Historical Evidence Says

Considering the Biblical account and ancient Jewish traditions, Mary was likely much younger than you'd expect when she had Jesus.

By Kaleena Fraga • Dec 22, 2024

How Old Was Mary When She Had Jesus? Here’s What The Historical Evidence Says

Considering the Biblical account and ancient Jewish traditions, Mary was likely much younger than you'd expect when she had Jesus.

By Kaleena Fraga • December 22, 2024

Over 150 Years Later, This Is Still The Tallest Couple In History

On the southern leg of the P.T. Barnum's tour, Anna Haining Swan would meet Martin Van Buren Bates. Soon after, they would enter the record books as the world's tallest couple.

By Katie Serena • Dec 17, 2024

Over 150 Years Later, This Is Still The Tallest Couple In History

On the southern leg of the P.T. Barnum's tour, Anna Haining Swan would meet Martin Van Buren Bates. Soon after, they would enter the record books as the world's tallest couple.

By Katie Serena • December 17, 2024

Workers Preparing To Lay Gas Pipes Near The Acropolis Just Happened Upon An Ancient Statue Possibly Depicting Hermes

Believed to depict the Greek messenger god, the statue was uncovered by accident just south of the Acropolis in Athens, near the 1,863-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus theater that's still in use today.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 11, 2024

News

Workers Preparing To Lay Gas Pipes Near The Acropolis Just Happened Upon An Ancient Statue Possibly Depicting Hermes

Believed to depict the Greek messenger god, the statue was uncovered by accident just south of the Acropolis in Athens, near the 1,863-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus theater that's still in use today.

By Austin Harvey • December 11, 2024

Third Man Syndrome: The Curious Phenomenon In Which People In Danger Feel An Unseen Guiding ‘Presence’

Throughout history, people facing extreme peril have reported feeling an invisible presence that helped lead them to safety, a phenomenon known as third man syndrome.

By Kaleena Fraga • Dec 10, 2024

Third Man Syndrome: The Curious Phenomenon In Which People In Danger Feel An Unseen Guiding ‘Presence’

Throughout history, people facing extreme peril have reported feeling an invisible presence that helped lead them to safety, a phenomenon known as third man syndrome.

By Kaleena Fraga • December 10, 2024