Hidden History
Surprising historical events, overlooked figures, and those "why didn't I learn this in school?" moments.
Did You Know?
The first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel was a 63-year-old schoolteacher.
Annie Edson Taylor made history on October 24, 1901, when she went over Niagara Falls in a custom-made...
Did You Know?
Viking women had more rights than most medieval European women.
Norse women could own property, initiate divorce, and inherit land. They were also often in charge of household...
Did You Know?
The first recorded case of a time capsule was in ancient Mesopotamia.
In 1879, archaeologists discovered a clay box containing small objects and inscriptions from King Nabonidus of Babylon (556-539...
Did You Know?
Victorian photographers used iron stands to pose dead people for family portraits.
The practice of post-mortem photography was common in the Victorian era, often being the only photograph families would...
Did You Know?
The first submarine was built in 1620 by Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel for King James I of England.
This remarkable vessel could stay underwater for several hours and carried 12 rowers plus some passengers. It was...
Did You Know?
Medieval European towns hired professional rat-catchers.
Known as 'rat-catchers,' these officials were paid by local governments to control rodent populations. They developed elaborate techniques...
Did You Know?
Ancient Greeks invented the first alarm clock that used water.
Plato created a water clock that would whistle when water reached a certain level. The device, called a...
Did You Know?
Medieval knights had to learn special exercises to get up if they fell down in armor.
Due to the weight and inflexibility of plate armor, knights needed specific training to stand up if they...