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

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

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

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

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.

PEOPLE

Tony, Emmy, and Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis went from rags to riches on her way to take Hollywood by storm.

PEOPLE

Janet Gaynor and her husband, costume designer Adrian, had an arrangement that worked for them—until a brutal tragedy struck.

PEOPLE

Legendary actor James Cagney brought utterly explosive energy to the sets of his films—and sometimes, it blew up right in his face.

PEOPLE

Queen Adelaide was tormented by both her playboy husband and her utterly cruel in-laws—but that was just the start of her nightmare.

EDITORIAL

The Unknown Woman of the Seine began as a mystery and became one of the most recognizable faces in the world—and there were plenty of twists along the way.

EDITORIAL

The heiress to the vast Singer sewing fortune, Winnaretta Singer began and ended her life under twin stars of utter privilege and absolute infamy.

Advertisement

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.

PLACES

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

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.

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.

THINGS

In 2022, people started speculating that Hailey Bieber was pregnant—only she wasn’t, and the whole truth was utterly disturbing.

EDITORIAL

The James Webb Space Telescope looks like some weird, honeycomb, spaceship...thing. What gives? Well, this brilliant machine has a few tricks up its sleeve.

THINGS

This 1950s era of rock and roll was defined by artists like Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. But it couldn't last forever.

THINGS

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

THINGS

Known for such hit albums as Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd was one of history's most impactful rock bands—before being torn down from within.

THINGS

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch of the UK, clocking 70 years as ruler. So since he was four years old, King Charles III has been preparing for his turn to rule—and his turn means some significant changes for the royals.



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.