Skip to main content
Misconceptions section header

Misconceptions

The Latest



More From the History Section


Nursery rhymes tend to be about dark subject matter if you look closely. “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” is an exception, with perfectly innocent lyrics—despite a very troubling theorized origin.
Meagan Bojarski|
The story of Rhaenyra Targaryen bears astounding similarities to the life of Empress Matilda, whose claim to the English throne was complicated by her gender.
Eden Gordon|
Accounts of fiery, winged serpents were once considered authentic because they came from famous leaders and researchers.
Chelsea Thatcher|
From Greek fire to Roman concrete, scientists still don't totally understand how these marvelous ancient inventions functioned.
Lorna Wallace|
From UN recognition to centuries-old history, here's why Turkey is now called Türkiye in the World Cup—and how the Thanksgiving bird ended up sharing its name.
Eden Gordon|
Why are so many pencils painted yellow? The answer traces back to a prizewinning pencil, luxury branding, and graphite imported from China.
Paul Anthony Jones|
St. Thomas was a thriving town before it was submerged by Lake Mead—but it didn't stay sunken.
Eden Gordon|
Why do we mow lawns? The tradition dates back centuries, when neatly trimmed grass was a luxury reserved for Europe's wealthiest landowners.
Jane Alexander|