Perhaps the most common conception of the art of ancient civilizations -- Greeks, Romans -- is of unadorned, stark marble. Research now contradicts that idea.
Think "British Navy" and "mutiny" and "The Bounty" tags along, too. But the mutiny against Captain Bligh wasn't as awful as what happened on the Hermione.
We are born with the capacity to learn, but we learn from other people. Or do we? King Frederick II's disturbing language experiment sought to find out.
Certainly there's plenty of emotion wrapped around issues of protecting the environment and ecology, but Earth Day's roots are firmly planted in science.
Passover, one of the most important Jewish feasts, includes ancient symbols, rituals, and specific foods. How could it be celebrated during the Holocaust?
After the Bay of Pigs military disaster, President John Kennedy said, "Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan." That applies to inventions, too.
Baptism is a sacred Christian ritual, with the Jordan River at the center. From Jesus's baptism to millions of pilgrims today, here is the history explained.
Ancient cultures can be as fascinating as they were cruel, including the Scythians, whose women and servants endured tragic, brutal fates when their king died.
Despite the best efforts of engineers, designers, and construction crews, things can go south on all kinds of vessels -- cars, spacecraft, even submarines.
Frank Sinatra Jr. was a singer like his father, but also the target of a kidnapping in 1963. Here's how Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped while eating chicken.
Unleaded gasoline is just a fact of life in 21st century America, but it wasn't always so. Lead once was part and parcel of daily life, and not just gas.
Sitting Bull is rightly one of the mythic figures of 19th century American history. Beyond his involvement in military engagements is the story of his name.
Volcanic eruptions can be incredibly scary for the people who live near them, but there are ways to stay safe. Here's how to stay safe during an eruption.
Is there something out there, something beyond what we experience on this plane of existence? If so, is there a way to make contact? Some Victorians thought so.
Once known as "The empire on which the sun never sets," from friends and foes to conflict and currency, here are the real reasons the British Empire collapsed.
Young British princes traditionally wear shorts, not pants. But why do they adopt this seemingly informal style? Here's the story behind the tradition.