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The Ancient Greek Text That Sparked the Mystery of the Lost City of Atlantis
Was Plato on to something, or is the lost city just that?
Quiz Around the World Geography Competition
Join Mental Floss’s geography competition to test your knowledge on all things countries, states, landmarks, and more.





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50 Best Back-to-School Trivia Questions to Kick Off the New School Year
Whether you're a student or a teacher, test your knowledge with these fun trivia questions to jumpstart the semester!
7 Things Every 1990s Bookstore Had
Every bookstore in the '90s had certain things that made them an inviting space to read and buy books. Here are a few of them!
The Best U.S. Colleges for Long-Term Career Success, According to LinkedIn
These schools consistently produce alumni who land top jobs and build lasting professional networks.
5 Household Items Every Gilded Age Family Owned
From pianos to towering ferns, wealthy Gilded Age families went the extra mile to display their financial status.
Why Are Hot Dog Buns Sold in Different Numbers Than Hot Dogs?
The more you know!
The States Where Young People Have the Best Shot at Owning Homes, Mapped
Based on homeownership rates for young people, average house sale prices, and average household income, these are the best states for young people in 2026.
The Letters Nelson Mandela Wrote From Prison Reveal His Extraordinary Optimism
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned, but his letters reveal a man who held on to hope, humor, and an unwavering belief in justice.
The Paul McCartney Song That Inspired John Lennon’s Unexpected Return to Music
A single McCartney original got Lennon back into the studio when fans least expected it.
5 Real Summer Camps That Became Horror Movie Sets
From the New Jersey summer camp used as Camp Crystal Lake in 'Friday the 13th' to Georgia's Camp Rutledge, some of these camps have dark histories of their own.
The Unexpected Summer Job That Changed Anthony Bourdain’s Life
An impromptu summer experience turned out to be the beginning of something much bigger for the world-famous chef.
Ginkgo Trees and Paper Cranes: Symbols of Peace After Hiroshima
From trees that survived the bombs to Sadako Sasaki's thousands of paper cranes, learn about the powerful symbols of hope and nuclear disarmament that emerged in the wake of Hiroshima.
8 Household Items Every Viking Family Owned
From hearths and looms to combs and ear picks, discover eight everyday household items that helped Viking families cook, work, and live.
Why Are White Flags Waved to Surrender?
The white flag has symbolized surrender for centuries, but its use wasn’t random. Discover why white became the color of capitulation.
The Story Behind Louis Armstrong’s Nickname “Satchmo”
The name Satchmo will always be connected with Louis Armstrong's career and legacy, but its origins highlight his eagerness to commit to a good joke.
7 of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Travel Destinations—And Why
I’ve visited six out of seven of these places. It’s not hard to see why these were some of Anthony Bourdain's favorite places to travel, eat, and seek out stories.
From Beatlemania to the Moon Landing: How Well Do You Know the 1960s?
Test your knowledge of the music, movies, television, trends, and unforgettable moments that contributed to the making of one of the most influential decades in history.
The States With the Most Drive-In Movie Theaters
From Pennsylvania to California, these states have the most drive-in movie theaters still showing films today.
The Surprising Way Louis Armstrong Pronounced His Own Name
Louis Armstrong’s name is almost always pronounced “Louie,” but the jazz legend himself insisted it was actually “Louis.” Here’s how the confusion started.
Quiz: Can You Name the ’90s Movie From Its Fictional School?
Rather than highlighting real schools around the world, '90s movies opted for fictional ones. Can you name the movie from the school?



































