history

The Story Of Jorge ‘Rivi’ Ayala, The ‘Cocaine Cowboy’ Who Served As Griselda Blanco’s Top Hitman

Throughout the 1980s, Jorge "Rivi" Ayala-Rivera became infamous as the ruthless hitman of Miami drug lord Griselda Blanco — then he turned on her to save himself.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 27, 2023

The Story Of Jorge ‘Rivi’ Ayala, The ‘Cocaine Cowboy’ Who Served As Griselda Blanco’s Top Hitman

Throughout the 1980s, Jorge "Rivi" Ayala-Rivera became infamous as the ruthless hitman of Miami drug lord Griselda Blanco — then he turned on her to save himself.

By Austin Harvey • December 27, 2023

44 Photos Of Appalachia That Capture The Region’s Centuries-Long Struggle With Poverty

From the mountainous region's first European settlers to the coal miners who performed backbreaking labor for low wages, the people of Appalachia have long been known for their destitution — and their resilience.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 27, 2023

44 Photos Of Appalachia That Capture The Region’s Centuries-Long Struggle With Poverty

From the mountainous region's first European settlers to the coal miners who performed backbreaking labor for low wages, the people of Appalachia have long been known for their destitution — and their resilience.

By Austin Harvey • December 27, 2023

The Brutal History Of The Thumbscrew, The Torture Device That Left Victims With Crushed Fingers And Toes

A torture device commonly used to elicit prisoner confessions in early modern Europe, the thumbscrew was designed to crush victims’ fingers or toes, leaving them in incredible pain — but alive.

By William DeLong • Dec 27, 2023

The Brutal History Of The Thumbscrew, The Torture Device That Left Victims With Crushed Fingers And Toes

A torture device commonly used to elicit prisoner confessions in early modern Europe, the thumbscrew was designed to crush victims’ fingers or toes, leaving them in incredible pain — but alive.

By William DeLong • December 27, 2023

The Incredible Story Of Edwin Booth, The Largely Forgotten Brother Of Lincoln Assassin John Wilkes Booth

A celebrated actor who toured America and Europe, Edwin Booth even once saved the life of Abraham Lincoln's son — but his legacy was forever tarnished just months later when his brother assassinated the president.

By Kaleena Fraga • Dec 26, 2023

The Incredible Story Of Edwin Booth, The Largely Forgotten Brother Of Lincoln Assassin John Wilkes Booth

A celebrated actor who toured America and Europe, Edwin Booth even once saved the life of Abraham Lincoln's son — but his legacy was forever tarnished just months later when his brother assassinated the president.

By Kaleena Fraga • December 26, 2023

How Did Frida Kahlo Die? Why The Renowned Artist’s Death Remains Shrouded In Mystery

On July 13, 1954, Frida Kahlo died at her home in Mexico City, but certain details have some convinced that her real cause of death was covered up.

By Natasha Ishak • Dec 26, 2023

How Did Frida Kahlo Die? Why The Renowned Artist’s Death Remains Shrouded In Mystery

On July 13, 1954, Frida Kahlo died at her home in Mexico City, but certain details have some convinced that her real cause of death was covered up.

By Natasha Ishak • December 26, 2023

The Life Of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, The Soviet Resistance Fighter Who Battled The Nazis Until Her Last Breath

In 1941, 18-year-old Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was executed by German troops after she gave her fellow resistance fighters one final rallying cry: "I’m not afraid to die, comrades. It is happiness to die for one’s people!”

By Maggie Donahue • Dec 25, 2023

The Life Of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, The Soviet Resistance Fighter Who Battled The Nazis Until Her Last Breath

In 1941, 18-year-old Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was executed by German troops after she gave her fellow resistance fighters one final rallying cry: "I’m not afraid to die, comrades. It is happiness to die for one’s people!”

By Maggie Donahue • December 25, 2023

Inside The Glamorous, Groundbreaking Story Of Twiggy, The English Model Whose Iconic Look Epitomized ’60s Fashion

With her cropped hairstyle, androgynous aesthetic, and mod style, Twiggy was the face of the '60s — and she remains a cultural icon to this day.

By Kaleena Fraga • Dec 24, 2023

Inside The Glamorous, Groundbreaking Story Of Twiggy, The English Model Whose Iconic Look Epitomized ’60s Fashion

With her cropped hairstyle, androgynous aesthetic, and mod style, Twiggy was the face of the '60s — and she remains a cultural icon to this day.

By Kaleena Fraga • December 24, 2023

Inside The Cabbage Patch Riots Of 1983 That Left Dozens Of Shoppers Injured

During the 1983 holiday season, people lined up in droves outside of toy stores to get their hands on a highly sought-after Cabbage Patch Kid — and the frantic hunt for the dolls soon devolved into violence.

By Hannah Reilly Holtz • Dec 22, 2023

Inside The Cabbage Patch Riots Of 1983 That Left Dozens Of Shoppers Injured

During the 1983 holiday season, people lined up in droves outside of toy stores to get their hands on a highly sought-after Cabbage Patch Kid — and the frantic hunt for the dolls soon devolved into violence.

By Hannah Reilly Holtz • December 22, 2023

This Week In History News, Dec. 17 – 23

Cat geoglyphs discovered in Peru, Roman mosaics featuring sea creatures found in Turkey, ancient battlefield uncovered in Switzerland.

By Abby Norman • Dec 22, 2023

News

This Week In History News, Dec. 17 – 23

Cat geoglyphs discovered in Peru, Roman mosaics featuring sea creatures found in Turkey, ancient battlefield uncovered in Switzerland.

By Abby Norman • December 22, 2023

Study Reveals That Scythian Warriors Likely Carried Leather Quivers Made From The Skin Of Their Enemies

New archaeological evidence seemingly confirms the Greek historian Herodotus' account of the brutal ways in which Scythians used their dead enemies' bodies.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 22, 2023

Study Reveals That Scythian Warriors Likely Carried Leather Quivers Made From The Skin Of Their Enemies

New archaeological evidence seemingly confirms the Greek historian Herodotus' account of the brutal ways in which Scythians used their dead enemies' bodies.

By Austin Harvey • December 22, 2023