european history

Who Was The Man In The Iron Mask, The Anonymous 17th-Century French Prisoner?

Even after his death, the government took great care to hide the identity of the Man in the Iron Mask. His clothes were promptly burned at dawn and his cell was immediately scraped and whitewashed.

By Andrew Milne • Mar 5, 2020

Who Was The Man In The Iron Mask, The Anonymous 17th-Century French Prisoner?

Even after his death, the government took great care to hide the identity of the Man in the Iron Mask. His clothes were promptly burned at dawn and his cell was immediately scraped and whitewashed.

By Andrew Milne • March 5, 2020

The Mysterious Death Of Pope John Paul I

Pope John Paul I's death remains a point of contention even 40 years later.

By Katie Serena • May 9, 2018

The Mysterious Death Of Pope John Paul I

Pope John Paul I's death remains a point of contention even 40 years later.

By Katie Serena • May 9, 2018

The Chilling History Of The Hope Diamond And The Victims Of Its Alleged Curse

Today, the 45-carat Hope Diamond sits safely in the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, but the brilliant blue gem has purportedly brought death and misfortune to dozens of people associated with it over the past 400 years.

By Katie Serena • Jan 3, 2018

The Chilling History Of The Hope Diamond And The Victims Of Its Alleged Curse

Today, the 45-carat Hope Diamond sits safely in the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, but the brilliant blue gem has purportedly brought death and misfortune to dozens of people associated with it over the past 400 years.

By Katie Serena • January 3, 2018

10 Of The Most Interesting Stories From History And The Captivating Figures Behind Them

These intriguing stories involve a Mormon girl raised by the Mohave tribe, a Chinese pirate queen, and a sideshow performer known as "Lobster Boy" who was convicted of murder.

By Gabe Paoletti • Nov 22, 2017

10 Of The Most Interesting Stories From History And The Captivating Figures Behind Them

These intriguing stories involve a Mormon girl raised by the Mohave tribe, a Chinese pirate queen, and a sideshow performer known as "Lobster Boy" who was convicted of murder.

By Gabe Paoletti • November 22, 2017

How Hitler Happened: 36 Photos That Explain The Nazis’ Rise

Chilling images that reveal how and why the Nazis came to power.

By Kellen Perry • Oct 18, 2017

How Hitler Happened: 36 Photos That Explain The Nazis’ Rise

Chilling images that reveal how and why the Nazis came to power.

By Kellen Perry • October 18, 2017

How Hitler And The Nazi Party Convinced Germany To Vote For Fascism

During the election of 1932, the Nazis took power not simply with force, but with the votes of the German people.

By Mark Oliver • Aug 16, 2017

How Hitler And The Nazi Party Convinced Germany To Vote For Fascism

During the election of 1932, the Nazis took power not simply with force, but with the votes of the German people.

By Mark Oliver • August 16, 2017

Inside The 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic That Left 50 Million Dead

The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the deadliest of its kind in history, affected one in four people worldwide and claimed 50 million lives.

By Erin Kelly • Apr 30, 2017

Inside The 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic That Left 50 Million Dead

The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the deadliest of its kind in history, affected one in four people worldwide and claimed 50 million lives.

By Erin Kelly • April 30, 2017

44 Fascinating Photos That Reveal The History Of Early Flying Machines And The Masterminds Who Built Them

From Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century sketches to the very first manned gliders and airplanes, these early prototypes made modern flight possible.

By John Kuroski • Feb 27, 2017

44 Fascinating Photos That Reveal The History Of Early Flying Machines And The Masterminds Who Built Them

From Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century sketches to the very first manned gliders and airplanes, these early prototypes made modern flight possible.

By John Kuroski • February 27, 2017

The Herero Genocide: Inside Germany’s First Mass Murder

Decades before the Holocaust, the German Empire committed the 20th century's first genocide.

By Richard Stockton • Jan 17, 2017

The Herero Genocide: Inside Germany’s First Mass Murder

Decades before the Holocaust, the German Empire committed the 20th century's first genocide.

By Richard Stockton • January 17, 2017

In Spain, A Criminal Ring Of Nuns And Doctors Stole Hundreds Of Thousands Of Babies During THe Franco Era

Throughout much of 20th century Spain, a criminal network of doctors and nuns stole anywhere from 40,000 to 300,000 babies from their mothers at birth, constituting one of the most horrific yet least known events of the Franco dictatorship.

By Teresa Cantero • Apr 21, 2016

In Spain, A Criminal Ring Of Nuns And Doctors Stole Hundreds Of Thousands Of Babies During THe Franco Era

Throughout much of 20th century Spain, a criminal network of doctors and nuns stole anywhere from 40,000 to 300,000 babies from their mothers at birth, constituting one of the most horrific yet least known events of the Franco dictatorship.

By Teresa Cantero • April 21, 2016