VIDEO

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.

VIDEO

A gentleman to some and a menace to others, John Dillinger put America in a frenzy with a spree that led to the formation of the FBI itself—until his luck ran out.

VIDEO

The House of Tudor had more than its fair share of scandalous figures, from Henry VIII’s many marriages to the intrigue and plots of the court of Elizabeth I. But few remember the twisted tale of Mary Tudor—the English princess who briefly became Queen of France. From her secret marriage to her bitter rivalry with Anne Boleyn, Mary packed a lot into her short life.

VIDEO

Meg Ryan has been a Hollywood fixture for the better part of four decades. Best known for rom-com romps such as Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, the actress’s off-screen life has been equally romance and comedy-filled....

VIDEO

Field Marshal Bernard Law “Monty” Montgomery was instrumental in defeating the Axis forces during WWII. His strategic brilliance, however, was second only to his massive ego and total lack of tact. More people need to know about Bernard “Monty” Montgomery, the man who Winston Churchill himself described as, “In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable”.

VIDEO

Francis I of France is inevitably compared to Henry VIII. Both kings had big personalities, big love affairs, and big scandals that rocked the face of Europe. But there’s a lot more to Francis than just the similarities to the Tudor counterpart. From his unlikely ascension to the throne to his brutal defeats and torturous later years, Francis did not languish in his neighbor's shadow.

F

History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.

Thank you!
Error, please try again.

ACTORS

From racy photos to public spats with other celebrities, Brooke Shields escaped the chaos of her childhood to use her fame and influence to help others.

PEOPLE

Centuries before Lady Diana Spencer’s tragic death, another Lady Diana had the world eating out of her pretty little palm.

EDITORIAL

Williamina Fleming moved from Scotland to Boston with her husband at the age of 21, so she likely knew her life would change—but she had no idea how much.

PEOPLE

Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson at first seemed like a breath of fresh air in the usually stuffy British Royal Family—if only anyone had seen what was coming...

PEOPLE

Pier Angeli faced a disturbing childhood, doomed romances, countless scandals, and a mysterious end. No wonder they call her a fallen angel.

PEOPLE

Madame de Maintenon was devastated when her husband King Louis XIV died, but as it turned out, her nightmare was just beginning.

Advertisement

PLACES

Area 51's workers don't drive there. They fly in on a classified US Government airline known only as "Janet."

THINGS

The world is filled with spectacular, bizarre, and iconic buildings—but these structures often have a surprisingly dark history.

PLACES

We may be standing on the shoulders of giants—and, if some legends are believed, that phrase might be shockingly literal.

THINGS

So notorious that its name is synonymous with madness, the history of Bethlem Royal Hospital, or Bedlam, is filled with some of humanity's darkest moments.

EDITORIAL

The history of Mexico City stretches back almost two centuries before the Spanish ever set foot in the Americas. Rather, the Spanish built their capital on top of the ashes of one of the most beautiful and unique cities in history: Tenochtitlan.

PLACES

Alcatraz was only in operation for less than 30 years, but in that time it gained the reputation as one of the most notorious prisons in American history.

THINGS

You know you want to know, so here they are: Here are the celebrity pandemic breakups that have occurred in these last two, awful years.

THINGS

The world is filled with spectacular, bizarre, and iconic buildings—but these structures often have a surprisingly dark history.

THINGS

Here are some familiar child stars from the past. Where are they now? Are they thriving adult actors? Or did Hollywood chew them up and spit them back out.

THINGS

Diana and Camilla will always be nemeses—and recently, some believe Camilla made a cruel request to Queen Elizabeth that rubbed salt in the wound.

EDITORIAL

1956’s The Conqueror is considered one of the worst films ever—but the film’s total failure was the least shocking thing about it.

THINGS

Paris and Nicole seemed to have the closest friendship in Hollywood—but all it took was one night to tear them apart, sparking a brutal feud.



Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.