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The Extraordinary Life And Travels Of Ibn Battuta

The Muslim explorer earned his title as "the traveler of Islam" through a truly astonishing feat. Here’s an intriguing look at how Ibn Battuta covered approximately 75,000 miles across three continents even before the age of steam.
December 16, 2024 Alex Summers

Slaves At Mount Vernon: What Life Was Really Like As A Slave Under George Washington

Just a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital, Mount Vernon is home to one of America’s biggest contradictions. Here is the intriguing story of how the “Founding Father of the United States” oversaw hundreds of those who were enslaved.
December 12, 2024 Alex Summers

The Dramatic Fall Of The Portuguese Empire

If you dance to Samba, enjoy eating bacalhau (salted cod), or build using azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles), you have the Portuguese Empire to thank. All this influence is from the 15th century to the 19th century. Here is the story.
December 12, 2024 Jane O'Shea
Jack London (r) with George Sterling, James Hopper, Harry Leon Wilson, Bohemian Grove, 1913

The Secrets Of Bohemian Grove

Have you ever heard of the Bohemian Grove? It's a top-secret campground for the world’s most powerful men—and is one of history's greatest secrets.
December 11, 2024 Sarah Ng

The True Story Of Marco Polo

Marco Polo’s father wasn’t around much for his childhood. So, when he finally returned and discovered the connection his son made with a powerful Asian leader, he devised a devious plan—and dealt Marco the ultimate betrayal.
December 11, 2024 Allison Robertson

The Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation made their mark on American history when they became the first ally to America in their fight for independence during the American Revolutionary War. But their victory wasn’t such a win after all—it was actually the beginning of a nightmare.
December 10, 2024 Allison Robertson

The Great Stink Of London: How London's Extremely Unsanitary Practices Created A Horrible Stink And Gave Rise To Modern Sanitation

When millions of people in London started dumping their waste into the Thames, the river decided to fight back with a highly intolerable stink in 1858. Who would have thought that a nauseating crisis like this would bring about a sanitation revolution in London?
December 10, 2024 Jane O'Shea
Viking Ship

Why Vikings Never Colonized North America

Imagine a world where burly Norse warriors discover a new continent—and then just... walk away. Wild, right? Get ready for a story into why the Vikings pulled the ultimate “not interested” move on North America. But first, an introduction.
December 10, 2024 Miles Brucker

13 High-Risk International Borders

Some borders are peaceful demarcation lines between nations, like the one between Belgium and The Netherlands. But the 13 in this article have become flashpoints of conflict and humanitarian issues.
December 9, 2024 Jane O'Shea

The Most Popular American Cities To Spend Christmas

Sometimes, staying home for Christmas doesn’t feel right for the holiday season. Keep reading to discover our top picks for a Christmas getaway sure to add some extra warmth and excitement to the season.
December 9, 2024 M. Clarke
Migrant Workers

The Dark History Of Labor: If You Think Work Sucks Now, Just Imagine If You Were Born In 1890

Yes, stale office coffee and bosses who micromanage are horrible. But these stories throughout history will make you adopt a grateful attitude. At least you're able to go to work and come back whole. Prepare to have all the dirty laundry—from the older centuries to this day—aired.
December 9, 2024 Peter Kinney