Mental Floss

MILITARY

Edinburgh Castle is an iconic part of the city's skyline.

Edinburgh Castle has loomed above the city since the 1100s, surviving centuries of turmoil to retain its perch above Scotland’s capital.

Jane Alexander


Col. Benjamin O. Davis (left), commanding officer of the 332nd Fighter Group, and Edward C. Gleed, group operations officer, stand in front of a plane in Ramitelli, Italy, in March 1945.

The first African American pilots to serve in the United States military, the Tuskegee Airmen helped the Allies win World War II and put the U.S. armed forces on the road to integration.

Mark Mancini






Pooli the cat modeling her uniform on her 15th birthday.

Dogs and horses may rightfully claim their share of battlefield glory, but cats have proven themselves just as brave, cunning, and loyal.

Jackie Mead
The flag for the United States Space Force.

On December 20, 2019, Donald Trump signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, creating a sixth branch of the U.S. military: The United States Space Force.

Tony Dunnell






Sorghaghtani Beki, Genghis Khan's daughter-in-law, was a powerful ruler.

The daughters of Genghis Khan ruled nations that controlled the Silk Road, the favored route for trading spices, cloth, pottery, and other goods between China, India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.

Joan Vos MacDonald


During his life, Ulysses S. Grant was both a decorated war hero and a controversial president.

Jake Rossen

Learn more about Caesar's political career, his affair with Cleopatra, his death, and much more.

Kristen Richard


Cannons used in the Civil War are on display at Fort Sumter.

The 1861 Battle of Fort Sumter sparked the American Civil War. From the garrison's 19th-century beginnings to its current use as a National Historical Park, here are 10 fascinating facts about Fort Sumter.

Mark Mancini


Find out more about Joan of Arc, the legendary French hero who defied the church and monarchy of the 15th century.

Alvin Ward


Learn more about the life and legacy of Genghis Khan, one of the most feared warlords in world history.

Jake Rossen