Hidden History
Surprising historical events, overlooked figures, and those "why didn't I learn this in school?" moments.
Did You Know?
The first recorded case of a serial killer was in Ancient Rome.
Locusta was a professional poisoner in the 1st century AD who was eventually executed by Emperor Galba. She...
Did You Know?
Ancient Greek athletes competed in the Olympics nude.
The word 'gymnasium' comes from the Greek word 'gymnos' meaning naked. Athletes competed nude, and it was considered...
Did You Know?
Ancient Egyptians had paid maternity leave.
Workers at the royal construction site of Deir el-Medina were given paid leave for family matters, including pregnancy....
Did You Know?
The first roller coaster was designed to spread Christianity.
Built in Russia in the 1600s, the first roller coasters were huge ice slides constructed under the orders...
Did You Know?
Ancient Romans used social media-like messages on walls.
Archaeologists have found thousands of messages carved into the walls of Pompeii, ranging from political campaigns to personal...
Did You Know?
Ancient Romans had professional applauders.
Called 'laudiceni,' these professional applauders were hired to attend performances and generate enthusiasm in the crowd. They developed...
Did You Know?
Vikings held competitive insulting contests.
Called 'flyting,' these verbal duels were highly formalized competitions where participants would exchange elaborate poetic insults. The contests...
Did You Know?
The first recorded case of identity theft was in ancient Rome.
In 49 BC, a man named Hegestratos took out a large insurance policy on a cargo ship carrying...
Did You Know?
Cleopatra was not Egyptian.
Despite being Egypt's last pharaoh, Cleopatra was actually of Macedonian Greek descent. She was a member of the...