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From secret messages to the Liberty Bell, some of what you might believe about July 4, 1776 and the Declaration of Independence may be entirely incorrect.
Misconceptions
The image of Princess Diana that most people have is not entirely accurate. Here are some myths parading as facts about the former Princess of Wales.
From "I used to think I was the strangest person in the world..." to "You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled," we’re debunking the most popular quotes frequently misattributed to Frida Kahlo.
Chlorine actually has a neutral smell—so if your pool smells strongly of chlorine, it's actually not a good sign.
Did Yoko Ono break up the Beatles, and did they all really hate each other following the band's dissolution? Learn the truth about six major Beatles misconceptions.
June 19 marks Juneteenth National Independence Day. Learn more about the history here.
From "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind to Hanson's "MMMBop," these deceptively cheerful '90s songs hid dark messages behind upbeat music.
Was Marilyn Monroe a "dumb blonde"? Did she get fired for being difficult? We debunk five common misconceptions about the Hollywood legend.
Did Caligula really make his horse a Roman consul? Ancient sources and modern historians suggest the famous story isn't quite what it seems.
Did Jim Lovell really say “Houston, we have a problem”? Not exactly. Here’s the real Apollo 13 story behind the famous misquote.
The story of the first U.S. president's wooden dentures is one of history's most enduring myths, and it couldn't be further from reality.
A genetic disorder and its ghastly symptoms inspired the myths of bloodthirsty vampires.
Did ancient Romans really build special rooms where banquet guests went to vomit between courses?
One of the most recognizable Viking images may not be as historically accurate as many people assume.
Dopamine fasting probably doesn't work how you think it does—but there are still ways to get something out of it.
This phrase was originally used to make fun of someone trying to do the impossible.
From acclaimed aviators with secret families to Hollywood icons moonlighting as inventors, these five famous figures' real lives were even more fascinating than their public personas.
Think medieval Europe was all dirty peasants, witch burnings, and nonstop tavern brawls? Hollywood gets a lot wrong about life in the Middle Ages—from armor and language to feasts and sieges.
Do you know the truth behind Cinco de Mayo, or do you still believe the pervasive myths?
One of the most famous lines in cinema is actually a misquote. Here's what Darth Vader actually tells Luke in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.'
Some of what you think know about Star Wars just might be completely wrong.
More From the History Section
Accidents, the search for immortality, and war may have all played roles in the development of these aerial attractions. Here's how the word "fireworks" came to be.
From American history and geography to patriotic symbols and famous landmarks, see how many of these classic U.S. trivia questions you can answer correctly.
"I have noticed that nothing I have never said ever did me any harm."
The American flag has always been red, white, and blue—but those colors have a deeper history that dates back to the nation's colonial past.
These historical deaths would fit right in among the events of 'Game of Thrones.'
Ever wondered why so many U.S. towns sound like a Fourth of July parade? We’re taking a deep dive into the history behind seven of America’s most patriotic town names.
July 1 marks the late royal’s date of birth. Take a look at seven famous people Princess Diana was related to.
She redefined what it meant to be a royal in the modern age. On what would have been her 65th birthday, we count down 13 powerful photos that illustrate Princess Diana’s evolution, her humanitarian reach, and the style choices that made her a global icon.