HISTORY

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How Charlie Chaplin Changed Paternity Laws in America

In 1943, Charlie Chaplin became embroiled in a famously scandalous paternity suit that would change the future of family law in America.

Learn more about the traditions behind Passover.

12 Things You Might Not Know About Passover

The festival of Passover (or Pesach) commemorates the story of the Jews' escape from Egypt—and is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar.

8 of History's Strangest Taxes

History is full of kings and governments who have tried to earn money by taxing anything from beards to bachelors.

Violet Jessop volunteered as a nurse in World War I after surviving the Titanic sinking.

7 Facts About ‘Titanic’ Survivor Violet Jessop

Surviving the 'Titanic' was not Jessop’s first escape from a maritime disaster—nor would it be her last.

RMS 'Olympic,' one of the 'Titanic's' sister ships

The Surprising Fates of the 'Titanic's' Sister Ships

The stories of the 'Olympic' and 'Britannic' were overshadowed by their middle sister’s legend.

Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947.

42 Facts About Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson broke the baseball color line in 1947 and became the first African American to play on a major sports team.

Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, and Luke Thompson star in 'Bridgerton.'

17 Surprising Facts About 'Bridgerton'

Netflix’s period hit ‘Bridgerton’ has taken the world by storm—but its reign is only just beginning.

Mental Floss Presents: Titanic Timeline

We look back at the people, events, and twists of fate that set the Titanic’s incredible story in motion—and the legacy we still honor today.

The May Queen at the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh.

10 Bewitching Facts About Beltane, the Ancient Gaelic Fire Festival

The centuries-old fire festival is still going strong.

Blondel's 'La Circassienne au Bain' went down with 'Titanic.' This reproduction of the painting by John Parker has been placed in a frame.

9 Fascinating Items That Went Down With 'Titanic'

Priceless manuscripts, rare art, and jewelry all sank with the ship.

A 'Titanic' memorial in Washington, D.C.

14 Moving Monuments and Memorials to the 'Titanic'

The most famous maritime disaster of all time is commemorated with plaques and memorials around the world.

15 Questions About the RMS 'Titanic,' Answered

Who built the Titanic? How big was it? How many people were onboard? How many people survived? Your biggest Titanic Qs—answers.

A view of the pool in New York City's Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted

11 Stunning Places Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted

From Central Park to Stanford University's campus, Olmsted's lush and picturesque aesthetic was meant to relieve the stress caused by urban living.

John Harvey Kellogg, enthusiastic irrigator of colons.

11 of John Harvey Kellogg's Strangest Inventions

John Harvey Kellogg, one of the minds behind Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, spent much of his life devising ways to improve human health and vitality.

11 Facts About Babe Ruth

With a career .342 batting average, 714 home runs, and outsized personality, Babe Ruth became a symbol of bold, decisive victory and bombastic braggadocio.

Medals from the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Connecticut.

11 Facts About Special Olympics

What began as a summer camp for just 34 children has grown into a worldwide sporting event for 7000 athletes from around the world.

Some Easter traditions have long histories.

The Origins of 11 Easter Traditions

Find out why children are given Easter baskets and why residents in Bermuda fly kites on Good Friday, as well as the origins of nine other Easter traditions.

11 Time Capsules Waiting to Be Opened

These time capsules are set to be unsealed tens, hundreds, and thousands of years in the future.

"The Sense of Smell" by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens

New Exhibit Brings the Scents of the 17th-Century Painting 'The Sense of Smell' to the Real World

A new exhibit at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid pairs Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens's painting "The Sense of Smell" with 10 fragrances.

A painting of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which was fought from May 7 to 8, 1862

7 Misconceptions About the Civil War

The Civil War remains one of the most important chapters in American history. But the conflict itself was more complex than North vs. South.

Why Medieval Artists Doodled Killer Bunnies in Their Manuscript Margins

The rabbits are frequently shown wielding weapons as they fight against—and sometimes kill—those who often hunted them.

8 Battles Fought After the War Ended

From Pontiac's Rebellion to the Battle for Castle Itter, here are eight of the most legendary clashes that were waged after the war was technically over.

Seven-year-old Eva Hart's signature from a letter written on the Titanic's maiden voyage

6 Facts About 'Titanic' Survivor Eva Hart, One of the Last to Remember the Disaster

In her later years, Eva Hart had the distinction of being the last living 'Titanic' survivor with first-hand memories of the disaster.

There's a whole lot of history in that pint.

9 Fascinating Facts About IPA Beers

Though its origins are hazy, India pale ales first made their mark during the 18th century as hops became more important in the brewing process.

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