HISTORY

A Brief History of ‘The Sims’

Discover the evolution of ‘The Sims’ video game, including how it shot to popularity in the early 2000s and become one of the most successful PC game franchises of all time.

What’s the Story Behind Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is recognized around the country as a time to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage. Like a lot of days earmarked to commemorate a specific idea or event, its origins can be a little murky. Who started it, and why?

Members of the royal family attending the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Reason Why Members of the Royal Family Must Always Travel With One All-Black Outfit

It all began in 1952 when then-Princess Elizabeth was caught without a black outfit when the circumstances called for one.

The Dark History Behind the Phrase ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’

Any early warning sign can be a canary in a coal mine. But the original meaning was more specific.

Can Astronauts Get Drunk in Space?

NASA officially prohibits alcohol aboard its missions, but that didn’t stop some American astronauts from enjoying a wee nip with their Russian colleagues.

L-8: The ‘Ghost Blimp’ Whose Crew Disappeared During World War II

A submarine patrol blimp departed with a two-man crew in the morning. It landed with no one on board.

A crowd of workers gathered at a May Day event in New York City, early 20th century.

What Is May Day?

May Day isn’t just for Maypole-dancing anymore. Here's how May 1 evolved from a pagan holiday to a communist day of remembrance.

The Dubious Legend of Virgil’s Pet Fly

Did the great poet really build a tomb for a household pest?

There have been 23 Pope Johns, but only one Pope Francis.

Why Do Popes Change Their Names?

For centuries, men assuming the top job in the Roman Catholic Church kept their birth names. That changed with Pope John II.

‘Greatest Escapes With Arturo Castro’ Episode 13: Tales from the Tower of London

Jon Barinholtz (‘American Auto,’ ‘Chicago Party Aunt’) helps Arturo infiltrate the Tower of London in the Elizabethan era, uncovering the tale of John Gerard, a covert priest with an uncanny aptitude for orange juice.

Amelia Earhart, Ambrose Bierce, and Jimmy Hoffa.

7 Historical Figures Who Disappeared Without a Trace

First they made history, then they vanished from it.

When the conclave of cardinals have elected a new pope, white smoke is emitted from the chapel chimney.

How Do They Make the Smoke for a Papal Conclave?

When Catholic cardinals meet to pick a new pope in a papal conclave, they have signaled their progress by sending colored smoke up the chapel chimney.

20 of the Strangest Maps Ever Created

Odd cartographic creations like ‘Fool’s Cap Map of the World,’ ‘Leo Belgicus,’ and ‘The Porcineograph’ make the classic Mercator Projection look outright dull.

Why Is Having a Good Time Called “Painting the Town Red”?

Henry de la Poer Beresford, the 3rd Marquis of Waterford, had a little something to do with it. Or did he?

5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Maya Lin, Designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Sculptor and architect Maya Lin is best known for her design of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C., but modern viewers may not know about her rise to prominence and the subsequent controversy.

10 Facts About St. Peter’s Basilica

Whether you're Catholic or not, it's hard to argue with the claim that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is an amazing feat of architecture and art.

The road through the Guyanese jungle leading to the Jonestown compound.

A Brief History of the Jonestown Massacre

Congressman Leo Ryan went to Guyana in 1978 to investigate reports of American cult leader Jim Jones holding hundreds of his followers captive. Ryan didn't make it out of Jonestown alive.

Depending on who you ask, it might be time to toss this part out of weddings, too.

The Unexpectedly Uncomfortable History of the Garter Toss Tradition

Though the origins of the garter toss tradition are strongly debated, there’s one thing most folks can agree with: it might be time for this controversial wedding ritual to get the heave-ho.

One of many protests against the Vietnam War in the late 1960s.

10 Significant Vietnam War Protests

The deeply unpopular war led to the biggest and most consequential protest movement in U.S. history. Here are the key events and reactions.

7 Cases of Alleged Spontaneous Human Combustion

The cause of death in these mysterious cases has, at one time or another, been reported as spontaneous human combustion—but there was often a more realistic explanation.

Author Alexandra Ripley (R) poses with 'Scarlett,' her sequel to 'Gone With the Wind.'

‘Gone’ Girl: When ‘Scarlett’ Dared to Continue the Story of ‘Gone With the Wind’

The belated sequel drew scorn from 'Wind' purists, who bellowed that 'Tomorrow is here, and it's just plain awful."

Senators can be expelled, but it doesn’t happen often.

Can You Expel a Sitting Senator?

Once you’ve been voted into the Senate, it’s difficult to get you out.

13 Historical Figures You Probably Didn't Learn About

13 Fascinating Historical Figures You Probably Didn’t Learn About in History Class

From pirate queens to groundbreaking stunt pilots to the guy who gave us kitty litter, we’re covering a whole bunch of overlooked historical figures in the latest episode of The List Show.

Border Patrol: When 3 States Fought Over the “Delaware Wedge”

The Delaware Wedge is a 1.068-square-mile triangular chunk of land where Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland meet. For 200 years, that’s all these states could agree on.

Prev Next