HISTORY

60 of History’s Strangest Royal Epithets

For every William the Conqueror there’s a Vlad the Impaler. And for every Richard the Lionheart there’s an Albert the Peculiar. Sixty of the most bizarre—and in some cases the most unflattering—epithets from history are listed here.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images (London To Brighton Veteran Car Rally)

Ridiculous U.K. Traffic Laws of Yore

The highway speed limit was 4mph, and somebody had to walk in front of the car waving a red flag.

25 Things You Should Know About Charleston

South Carolina's largest city is long on history and steeped in Southern charm. There's also Bill Murray.

Why Do Southern Californians Say “The” Before Freeway Numbers?

The regional quirk is due to the area’s particularly long history of highways.

The Lectores Who Read to Cuba's Cigar Rollers

For 150 years, Cuban cigar makers have been kept informed by their lectores: readers who keep their minds occupied while their hands do the work.

Literary Magazine Publishes a Forgotten Faulkner Play

The famed author wrote the one-act comedy when he was in his early 20s.

25 Above-Average Facts About Illinois

It was home to America's largest ancient city.

Saving the World's Fastest Ocean Liner From the Scrap Yard

Owners of the SS United States are struggling to preserve the ship and transform it into a floating museum.

“Abraham Lincoln,” by Matthew Brady. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Neil deGrasse Tyson Pays Homage to Abe Lincoln, the Science Guy

Neil deGrasse Tyson reflects on Lincoln’s contributions to science in a speech commemorating the Gettysburg Address.

Watch the Original Taco Bell be Relocated

A live webcam is tracking the move.

102-Year-Old Missing Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Huron

The SS 'Hydrus' was a victim of the worst Great Lakes storm on record.

Bibliothèque nationale de France via Wikimedia // Public Domain

Rasputin’s Daughter Maria Was as Fascinating as the ‘Mad Monk’ Himself

As a lion tamer in the 1930s, Maria Rasputin mesmerized beasts just as her father once mesmerized men.

Oral History: In 1985, Mr. Snuffleupagus Shocked Sesame Street

How some disturbing real-life news reports about child welfare forced Big Bird to reveal his "imaginary" friend to the residents of Sesame Street—and the world.

25 Historic Heists

These were no small-time thieves.

There Would Be No United States Without France

When French diplomats signed the Treaty of Alliance in 1778, they in essence vouched for an experiment called the United States of America.

Humans Saved Gourds and Pumpkins From Extinction

Thanks to our ancestors' green thumbs, we can enjoy Thanksgiving staples like pumpkin pie today.

Easy-Bake Evolution: 50 Years of Cakes, Cookies, and Gender Politics

The story of the much beloved toy that's been a hit since day one.

Researchers Discover Lost Island Where Athenians and Spartans Once Battled

The site of a major battle between the Spartans and Athenians during the Peloponnesian War, the island is mentioned in numerous ancient texts—but its exact whereabouts were unknown until now.

10 Ancient Textiles That Will Blow Your Mind

These textiles laughed in the face of entropy.

25 Breezy Facts About Hawaii

A few things about the Aloha State the average mainlander probably doesn't know.

Student officers display an American flag on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks // Getty Images

How France Responded to 9/11

"Today it is New York that was tragically struck but tomorrow it may be Paris, Berlin, London."

Master of the Blue Jeans, Beggar Boy with a Piece of Pie

10 Fashion and Beauty Items That Are Older Than You Think

Watch Steve Jobs Talk Apple in 1980

In this video from the Computer History Museum, Steve Jobs gives an early presentation about Apple.

This Liberal Arts College Teaches You to Work With Your Hands

The American College of the Building Arts is the country’s only college to offer a bachelor's degree in traditional building trades.

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