curiosities

The Sickening History Of The Rack, The Medieval Torture Device That Stretched Victims’ Limbs Until They Dislocated

Though it was an innocuous-looking wooden frame, the torture rack might have been the medieval era's most brutal device — and it was used well into the 17th century.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Aug 24, 2022

The Sickening History Of The Rack, The Medieval Torture Device That Stretched Victims’ Limbs Until They Dislocated

Though it was an innocuous-looking wooden frame, the torture rack might have been the medieval era's most brutal device — and it was used well into the 17th century.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • August 24, 2022

Inside The Blood-Soaked Story Of The Jolly Roger Pirate Flag

From 18th-century pirates like Blackbeard and Edward Low to the submarines and destroyers of World War II, the skull and crossbones pirate flag known as the Jolly Roger evolved countless times before becoming the version we know today.

By Kaleena Fraga • Aug 23, 2022

Inside The Blood-Soaked Story Of The Jolly Roger Pirate Flag

From 18th-century pirates like Blackbeard and Edward Low to the submarines and destroyers of World War II, the skull and crossbones pirate flag known as the Jolly Roger evolved countless times before becoming the version we know today.

By Kaleena Fraga • August 23, 2022

Meet Amou Haji, The World’s Dirtiest Man — Who Didn’t Bathe For Seven Decades

Amou Haji of Dejgah, Iran claimed that cleanliness causes illness and that his avoidance of bathing was the reason he managed to live to 94 without any major health problems.

By Erin Kelly • Aug 18, 2022

Meet Amou Haji, The World’s Dirtiest Man — Who Didn’t Bathe For Seven Decades

Amou Haji of Dejgah, Iran claimed that cleanliness causes illness and that his avoidance of bathing was the reason he managed to live to 94 without any major health problems.

By Erin Kelly • August 18, 2022

Inside The Wild Myths And Legends Surrounding Rasputin’s Penis

Grigori Rasputin's penis was allegedly cut off after his 1916 murder, then later pickled and placed inside a jar that was put on display in a St. Petersburg museum.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Aug 17, 2022

Inside The Wild Myths And Legends Surrounding Rasputin’s Penis

Grigori Rasputin's penis was allegedly cut off after his 1916 murder, then later pickled and placed inside a jar that was put on display in a St. Petersburg museum.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • August 17, 2022

Inside The Terrifying But Necessary Job Of A Medieval Plague Doctor

Tasked with treating victims of the Black Death, plague doctors wore all-leather suits and beak-like masks to avoid catching the fatal disease.

By Daniel Rennie • Aug 16, 2022

Inside The Terrifying But Necessary Job Of A Medieval Plague Doctor

Tasked with treating victims of the Black Death, plague doctors wore all-leather suits and beak-like masks to avoid catching the fatal disease.

By Daniel Rennie • August 16, 2022

44 Mind-Blowing Pictures Of Ordinary Creatures Under An Electron Microscope

These electron microscope images show what life is like in the invisible world of viruses, bacteria, and pollen — and it’s both surreal and spooky.

By Erin Kelly • Aug 16, 2022

44 Mind-Blowing Pictures Of Ordinary Creatures Under An Electron Microscope

These electron microscope images show what life is like in the invisible world of viruses, bacteria, and pollen — and it’s both surreal and spooky.

By Erin Kelly • August 16, 2022

Meet The Hammer-Headed Bat, The African Megabat That’s Been Dubbed One Of The World’s Ugliest Creatures

The hammer-headed bat is the largest bat species found in Africa. But while it may look like a carnivore, it only eats fruit.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Aug 16, 2022

Meet The Hammer-Headed Bat, The African Megabat That’s Been Dubbed One Of The World’s Ugliest Creatures

The hammer-headed bat is the largest bat species found in Africa. But while it may look like a carnivore, it only eats fruit.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • August 16, 2022

Inside The Mysterious Death Of Amelia Earhart And The Disturbing Theories Behind It

Decades after Amelia Earhart disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean in 1937, we still don't know what happened to this trailblazing female pilot.

By Kaleena Fraga • Aug 11, 2022

Inside The Mysterious Death Of Amelia Earhart And The Disturbing Theories Behind It

Decades after Amelia Earhart disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean in 1937, we still don't know what happened to this trailblazing female pilot.

By Kaleena Fraga • August 11, 2022

Inside The Baffling Phenomena Surrounding The Oregon Vortex And House Of Mystery

Since 1930, visitors to the Oregon Vortex have been stunned by balls rolling uphill and other seemingly gravity-defying events — but is it all an illusion?

By Kathryn Olvera • Aug 8, 2022

Inside The Baffling Phenomena Surrounding The Oregon Vortex And House Of Mystery

Since 1930, visitors to the Oregon Vortex have been stunned by balls rolling uphill and other seemingly gravity-defying events — but is it all an illusion?

By Kathryn Olvera • August 8, 2022

The Haunted History Of Pittock Mansion, The Oregon Estate Of Newspaper Tycoon Henry Pittock

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was nearly razed to create a subdivision in the 1960s before Portland residents came together to save it.

By Aimee Lamoureux • Aug 3, 2022

The Haunted History Of Pittock Mansion, The Oregon Estate Of Newspaper Tycoon Henry Pittock

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was nearly razed to create a subdivision in the 1960s before Portland residents came together to save it.

By Aimee Lamoureux • August 3, 2022