Topic

History

A collection of 463 issues

More Than a Mascot: The Official Medical Files of George, the WWII Battleship Cat

During WWII, a stray cat named George was rescued by the crew of the USS North Carolina. To boost morale, they created hilarious 'official' medical and service records for him, cementing his legacy as a cherished member of the crew and a unique figure in naval history.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes Animals in Culture

From Irish Exile to Spanish Power: The Incredible O'Donnell Dynasty

At 16, Joseph O'Donnell left Ireland for Spain to become a soldier. He rose to the rank of general, establishing a powerful dynasty whose journey culminated when his grandson, Leopoldo O'Donnell, became the Prime Minister of Spain in 1856.

History Biography & Personal Stories Wars, Conflict & Heroes

The Strange Case of the 200 Hotel Bristols: An Aristocrat's Accidental Franchise

Discover the story behind the 200+ unconnected Hotel Bristols worldwide. They all honor the 4th Earl of Bristol, an 18th-century aristocrat and travel connoisseur whose name became an early, un-franchised brand for luxury and high standards in hospitality, long before modern hotel chains.

History Business & Economics Biography & Personal Stories

The Champion Who Quit: How Niki Lauda's 1977 Exit Paved the Way for a Ferrari Legend

In 1977, Niki Lauda clinched his second F1 championship for Ferrari but immediately quit the team with two races to go. His shocking departure, fueled by a fractured relationship with Enzo Ferrari, opened the door for legendary driver Gilles Villeneuve to make his Scuderia debut.

Sports & Games History Biography & Personal Stories

Glozel's Ghosts: The Prehistoric Find That Tore French Archaeology Apart

In 1924, a French farmer uncovered artifacts with an unknown script in a field called Glozel. The discovery sparked a bitter, decades-long 'archaeological war' over whether it was a priceless prehistoric find or a sophisticated modern hoax that fractured the scientific community.

History Science & Nature

The Day Sound Broke the Senate: Sulla's Masterclass in Political Terror

On 2 Nov 82 B.C., as the Senate met, Sulla had prisoners massacred nearby. Their audible screams terrorized senators into granting him absolute power, a chilling lesson in political intimidation that heralded the end of the Roman Republic.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes

London's Great Misnomer: The Surprising Truth About Kentish Town

Kentish Town in London isn't from Kent. Its name likely comes from 'Ken-ditch' (the Fleet River's bed) or a landowner named Le Kent, not the county. This North London area's name is a historical puzzle, fooling residents and visitors alike into thinking it has a 'Kentish' past.

Geography & Places History

The Botanist Who Fooled the World: Jeanne Baret's Secret Circumnavigation

In 1766, French botanist Jeanne Baret disguised herself as a man to join a naval expedition. Braving immense danger, she collected thousands of plant specimens and became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, her incredible story of deception and discovery long hidden from history.

Biography & Personal Stories History Adventure & Exploration

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