modern history

The History Of Encephalitis Lethargica, The Bizarre ‘Sleepy Sickness’ That Plagued The World In The Early 20th Century

First described by neurologist Constantin von Economo in 1917, encephalitis lethargica infected more than 1 million people — and killed an estimated 500,000.

By Austin Harvey • May 22, 2025

The History Of Encephalitis Lethargica, The Bizarre ‘Sleepy Sickness’ That Plagued The World In The Early 20th Century

First described by neurologist Constantin von Economo in 1917, encephalitis lethargica infected more than 1 million people — and killed an estimated 500,000.

By Austin Harvey • May 22, 2025

Who Was ‘Deep Throat’ In The Watergate Scandal? All About Former FBI Agent Mark Felt

While working as the No. 2 official at the FBI, Mark Felt secretly cooperated with Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigated Watergate.

By Kaleena Fraga • May 21, 2025

Who Was ‘Deep Throat’ In The Watergate Scandal? All About Former FBI Agent Mark Felt

While working as the No. 2 official at the FBI, Mark Felt secretly cooperated with Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigated Watergate.

By Kaleena Fraga • May 21, 2025

The Little-Known Story Of Mary Kenner, The First Black American Woman To Earn Five Patents

Mary Kenner's best-known invention was an adjustable sanitary belt that held reusable menstrual pads, but she also designed a toilet paper holder, a back massager, and more.

By Genevieve Carlton • May 20, 2025

The Little-Known Story Of Mary Kenner, The First Black American Woman To Earn Five Patents

Mary Kenner's best-known invention was an adjustable sanitary belt that held reusable menstrual pads, but she also designed a toilet paper holder, a back massager, and more.

By Genevieve Carlton • May 20, 2025

How Võ Thị Thắng Became A Symbol Of The Revolutionary Women Who Fought In The Vietnam War

Captured by South Vietnamese forces in 1968 and punished with 20 years of hard labor, Võ Thị Thắng was famously joyful at her sentencing — confident that South Vietnam would fall long before her sentence was over.

By Kaleena Fraga • May 20, 2025

How Võ Thị Thắng Became A Symbol Of The Revolutionary Women Who Fought In The Vietnam War

Captured by South Vietnamese forces in 1968 and punished with 20 years of hard labor, Võ Thị Thắng was famously joyful at her sentencing — confident that South Vietnam would fall long before her sentence was over.

By Kaleena Fraga • May 20, 2025

Scientists Just Uncovered The Secrets Of The Ornate Swords Once Made In West Africa’s Storied Kingdom Of Dahomey

These swords were forged via a distinctive process of blending various types of iron and then folding them together into delicate patterns, a method that created uniquely beautiful blades and has never been seen anywhere else in history.

By Austin Harvey • May 20, 2025

News

Scientists Just Uncovered The Secrets Of The Ornate Swords Once Made In West Africa’s Storied Kingdom Of Dahomey

These swords were forged via a distinctive process of blending various types of iron and then folding them together into delicate patterns, a method that created uniquely beautiful blades and has never been seen anywhere else in history.

By Austin Harvey • May 20, 2025

The Tragic Story Of Johnny Cash’s Death, From The Loss Of His Wife To His Last Live Performance

Music legend Johnny Cash died at age 71 on September 12, 2003, ending an award-winning career that spanned 50 years and produced hits like "Ring of Fire" and "I Walk the Line."

By Rivy Lyon • May 19, 2025

The Tragic Story Of Johnny Cash’s Death, From The Loss Of His Wife To His Last Live Performance

Music legend Johnny Cash died at age 71 on September 12, 2003, ending an award-winning career that spanned 50 years and produced hits like "Ring of Fire" and "I Walk the Line."

By Rivy Lyon • May 19, 2025

Inside Whittier, The Bizarre Alaskan Town Where Almost All The Residents Live In The Same Building

About 60 miles away from Anchorage, at the head of the Passage Canal, lies Whittier, a town where nearly the entire population lives in a single building called Begich Towers.

By John Kuroski • May 18, 2025

Inside Whittier, The Bizarre Alaskan Town Where Almost All The Residents Live In The Same Building

About 60 miles away from Anchorage, at the head of the Passage Canal, lies Whittier, a town where nearly the entire population lives in a single building called Begich Towers.

By John Kuroski • May 18, 2025

55 Haunting Photos Of Famous People That Were Taken Shortly Before Their Deaths

From Che Guevara to Charlie Chaplin to the Challenger space shuttle crew, these poignant photos capture historical figures who left a lasting mark on the world.

By Erin Kelly • May 18, 2025

55 Haunting Photos Of Famous People That Were Taken Shortly Before Their Deaths

From Che Guevara to Charlie Chaplin to the Challenger space shuttle crew, these poignant photos capture historical figures who left a lasting mark on the world.

By Erin Kelly • May 18, 2025

Spanish Town Outraged By Botched Restoration That Turned A Historic Statue Into A ‘Potato Head’

The pantheon of horrid art restorations has a new contender: this 1923 carving in the Spanish town of Palencia.

By Marco Margaritoff • May 17, 2025

News

Spanish Town Outraged By Botched Restoration That Turned A Historic Statue Into A ‘Potato Head’

The pantheon of horrid art restorations has a new contender: this 1923 carving in the Spanish town of Palencia.

By Marco Margaritoff • May 17, 2025

The Battle Of Wizna: When Polish Troops Held Back A German Force 50 Times Their Size At The Outset Of World War II

During the Battle of Wizna in September 1939, a Polish army of just 720 soldiers was able to stand strong against 42,000 Nazis for three days.

By Amber Morgan • May 17, 2025

The Battle Of Wizna: When Polish Troops Held Back A German Force 50 Times Their Size At The Outset Of World War II

During the Battle of Wizna in September 1939, a Polish army of just 720 soldiers was able to stand strong against 42,000 Nazis for three days.

By Amber Morgan • May 17, 2025