You may know a lot about mythology, but is evertying you think you know correct? Mental Floss discusses some of the most common misconceptions people have about Greek and Roman myths.
Tag Archives: History
History Restored: The Untold Story of Black Civil War Soldiers
Most of us have never heard of the Louisiana Native Guards, yet their impact in the American Civil War was tremendous. This History Ph.D. candidate is on a mission to tell their story.
American Dogs
Everyone knows that dogs are “man’s best friend.” However, most people don’t know the roles they served throughout American history in times of war, dating all the way back to the American Revolution.
Where did 20,000 Jews hide from the Holocaust? In Shanghai
Learn more about a community of Jewish immigrants who left a lasting cultural impact on the other side of the world.
How the Costumes of ‘American Born Chinese’ Straddle Fantasy and Reality
The imprint of Greek and Roman mythology is all around us, from the names of our shoes (Nike, the goddess of victory) to the names of the planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, etc). And maybe a certain recent movie series has made you familiar with a little Norse mythology, like Thor and Loki, too. Now a new show is introducing Western audiences to Chinese mythology. Find out how costume designers approached dressing ancient Chinese gods for a modern American audience.
Kentucky Man Finds ‘Hoard’ of Civil War Gold Coins Worth Millions in Cornfield
Extremely rare Civil War era coins both represent and make history. Read about how gold coins discovered in a Kentucky cornfield mark a significant historical moment.
Shakespeare-Fan King Charles Celebrates 400 Years Since the First Folio
Shakespeare, an iconic figure in English history, is celebrated and beloved by another significant English figure, King Charles. Read about how and why King Charles celebrates the 400-year anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio.
Was the Last Battle of the American Revolution Fought in India? A Growing Number of Historians Think So
For centuries, history books have told us that the Battle of Yorktown was the final victory of the American Revolutionary War. However, many historians now believe the last battle was fought on an entirely different continent.
Wilma Rudolph Biography
Wilma Rudolph was a remarkable American athlete who overcame massive illness as a young child. Her achievements at the 1960 Olympics were impressive and inspirational.
How Anne Frank’s Diary Changed the World
See pages from Anne Frank’s diary with explanatory notes in this excerpt from the book 100 Documents That Changed the World.
10 Facts about Madame D’Aulnoy Who Coined the Word Fairytale
D’Aulnoy helped create the fairytale genre we know and enjoy today. Skim the article to find out some interesting facts about her life and work.
Huston middle-schoolers get tangible Civil War lesson
History lessons over the American Civil War are more engaging than ever as students interact with clothing, toys, and other objects from that era.
Since American Revolution, women have played part on front lines
Women in the United States have always been active participants in war efforts, dating all the way back to the American Revolution.
The dead we honor: Shakespeare’s apt words for Memorial Day
Centuries after they were written, Shakespeare’s words remain poignant as we honor veterans on Memorial Day.
For Holocaust survivors in the U.S., more than remembrance is needed
Holocaust survivors have incredibly important stories to tell, and it’s imperative we protect those stories, as well as the people behind them.
A Brief Introduction to Gothic Literature
You may have heard of ‘Gothic horror,’ but do you know what makes a story ‘Gothic’ or not? This resources provides a quick, high-level breakdown of key elements, themes, and techniques that can earn a story the label of ‘Gothic,’ as well as a few examples of famous Gothic horror stories you can read on your own.
How do you make a mummy? Ancient Egyptians’ surprising formulas revealed
Have you ever wondered how ancient Egyptian mummies remain so well preserved? Recently discovered jars may hold the answer.
The shortest American Civil War summary you’ll ever read
Key dates and events are highlighted in this brief, informative overview of the American Civil War.
Surviving copies of Shakespeare’s First Folio to go on show
Many of Shakespeare’s works might be lost to us forever had they not been preserved in a collection of published manuscripts known as the First Folio.
1776 Musical brings vibrant nontraditional casting of founding fathers to stage at DCPA
Read about how 1776, a musical about the founding fathers, takes on a modern and thought-provoking twist through its most diverse cast to date.