History
Discover facts about history. Small discoveries that change the way you see familiar things.
History
Saturnalia gave Roman social hierarchy a temporary reversal
The festival allowed enslaved people unusual freedoms, including speaking more openly to masters and, in some households, reversing roles at meals. The…
Discover more
Felix Mendelssohn accidentally popularized wedding marches
Mendelssohn wrote the march for a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” whose comic characters include people with donkey heads. A British royal later…
Discover more
Group of Seven painted unforgiving wilderness
The Group of Seven left cozy domestic scenes behind and went into Canada’s cold, mosquito-filled woods to paint jagged rocks and twisted pines. The wilderness…
Discover more
Tofu emerged from ancient Chinese soybean processing
The traditional process turns soybeans into curds by mashing and boiling them, then coagulating the mixture into a soft white block.
Discover more
Boiling water was a massive daily chore that took hours
Without an electric kettle, hot water started with a fire and heavy iron cookware. Waiting for it to boil could take half the morning; “just make tea” was a…
Discover more
Ancient hoop games came with their own soundtrack
Greek and Roman sources describe young people rolling hoops, and some Roman hoops carried small metal rings that jingled as they moved. These were toys and…
Discover more
STACKY FOR IPHONEA bigger world.
One discovery
at a time.
Keep discovering with Stacky. Interesting facts in an app that is always within reach.
Silk production depended on feeding the insects first
Domesticated silkworms are raised on mulberry leaves, tying a luxury textile to an agricultural supply chain. Before the cocoons could become thread, someone…
Discover more
Why medieval choirs sang without instruments
Some clergy feared instruments would distract worshippers from prayer, so voices had to carry the whole service. Stone walls gave those unaccompanied hymns a…
Discover more
George Washington didn't die from old age. Modern doctors believe he was killed by what terrifying medical practice?
George Washington didn't die from old age. Modern doctors believe he was killed by what terrifying medical practice?
Discover more
We see it today at elementary school field days, but from 1900 to 1920, this intense activity was highly prestigious.
We see it today at elementary school field days, but from 1900 to 1920, this intense activity was highly prestigious.
Discover more
The secret to President John F. Kennedy's immense energy during highly stressful political moments was shockingly dark.
The secret to President John F. Kennedy's immense energy during highly stressful political moments was shockingly dark.
Discover more
You can buy chocolate for cheap today, but for the ancient Maya and Aztecs, cocoa beans held what incredible power?
You can buy chocolate for cheap today, but for the ancient Maya and Aztecs, cocoa beans held what incredible power?
Discover more
The massive billion-dollar industry of frozen TV dinners only exists today because of a huge corporate mistake.
The massive billion-dollar industry of frozen TV dinners only exists today because of a huge corporate mistake.
Discover more
One of the world's most popular snack foods was originally invented in 1853 purely out of what negative emotion?
One of the world's most popular snack foods was originally invented in 1853 purely out of what negative emotion?
Discover more
Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie made huge scientific leaps, but her legacy carries a lingering physical danger.
Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie made huge scientific leaps, but her legacy carries a lingering physical danger.
Discover more
Ancient Roman Emperor Vespasian literally taxed human urine from public toilets. What was it actually used for?
Ancient Roman Emperor Vespasian literally taxed human urine from public toilets. What was it actually used for?
Discover more
The inventor of the telephone desperately wanted us to answer calls with what specific word instead of 'Hello'?
The inventor of the telephone desperately wanted us to answer calls with what specific word instead of 'Hello'?
Discover more
When measuring pure speed, the American 'Pony Express' was surprisingly crushed by an ancient postal system run by who?
When measuring pure speed, the American 'Pony Express' was surprisingly crushed by an ancient postal system run by who?
Discover more
To walk across the original, historic 1830s London Bridge today, you must travel to what highly unexpected location?
To walk across the original, historic 1830s London Bridge today, you must travel to what highly unexpected location?
Discover more
The 50-star American flag flying today was designed by a high school student in 1958. What grade did he receive?
The 50-star American flag flying today was designed by a high school student in 1958. What grade did he receive?
Discover more
It ruins Halloween, but the origin of witches 'riding broomsticks' actually comes from medieval women doing what?
It ruins Halloween, but the origin of witches 'riding broomsticks' actually comes from medieval women doing what?
Discover more
In 1957, the first birth control pill was quietly approved, but doctors could only prescribe it for what condition?
In 1957, the first birth control pill was quietly approved, but doctors could only prescribe it for what condition?
Discover more
Medical history is full of horrors, but none quite like this: The man who invented the terrifying 'ice-pick lobotomy'...
Medical history is full of horrors, but none quite like this: The man who invented the terrifying 'ice-pick lobotomy'...
Discover more
Human discovery features some bizarre timelines. Which of these iconic subjects was NOT taught in Harvard's early days?
Human discovery features some bizarre timelines. Which of these iconic subjects was NOT taught in Harvard's early days?
Discover more