History In The Headlines

Beer and Civilization
February 6, 2012

Did Beer Spur the Rise of Agriculture and Politics?

The earliest farmers planted grains in order to brew beer for politically expedient feasts, according to a new study.

Diamond Jubilee
February 6, 2012

Queen Elizabeth Marks 60-Year Reign With Diamond Jubilee

As Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, find out which other British monarchs attained or nearly reached this milestone.

Super Bowl Name
February 3, 2012

Super Bowl Owes Its Name to a Bouncy Ball

Professional football’s championship game owes its name to an unlikely source: the ultra-bouncy balls that entranced American children in the 1960s and 1970s.

Groundhog Day
February 2, 2012

Groundhog Day: History and Facts

Explore Groundhog Day’s shadowy history as well as interesting facts about the custom.

Mona Lisa Copy
February 1, 2012

Mona Lisa’s Long-Lost Twin Turns Up in Spain

A “Mona Lisa” replica at the Prado in Madrid was probably painted alongside the original by one of Leonardo da Vinci’s apprentices.

Little Ice Age
January 31, 2012

Little Ice Age, Big Consequences

Explore some of the numerous events scholars have linked to the Little Ice Age, which new research suggests was caused by volcanic eruptions.

Horse Domestication
January 30, 2012

Horse Domestication Happened Across Eurasia, Study Shows

A new DNA study suggests that different groups of people independently tamed horses starting 10,000 years ago.

Apollo 1
January 27, 2012

45 Years Ago: Apollo 1 Mission Ends in Disaster

Find out about the Apollo 1 disaster and how the American space program rebounded from the tragedy to put a human on the moon.

Altai
January 26, 2012

Native Americans Hailed From Siberian Highlands, DNA Reveals

Most scholars think that Native Americans’ ancestors trekked across the Bering Strait from Siberia, but aspects of the historic migration remain matters of debate.

Dinosaur Nests
January 24, 2012

Oldest Known Dinosaur Nesting Site Was Also a Nursery

Researchers have unearthed the oldest known dinosaur hatchery, where prosauropods laid their eggs and guarded their young 190 million years ago.