Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

In Italy, the number 17 isn’t just unlucky—it’s associated with death. Here is why the superstition traces back to ancient Roman anagrams and lost legions.

Tim Brinkhof




Why are basketballs orange? Learn how the familiar color came about and why it replaced the dark brown balls once used in the sport.

Paul Anthony Jones










A Tudor period interior of a wealthy family home

Life was vastly different during the Tudor period, though you might be surprised to learn how similar some of their household items were to what we use today.

Chris Wheatley




Solar eclipse

Today, solar eclipses are sometimes seen as good times to rest, reflect, and break out of old patterns. Ancient cultures and religions all ascribe their own meanings to these celestial phenomena.

Eden Gordon






BOOK-INDIESTORE

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!

Chelsea Thatcher

Why do we say “two peas in a pod” to describe things that are nearly identical? The expression dates back centuries—and peas are the perfect comparison.

Paul Anthony Jones