History In The Headlines

Author: Jennie Cohen

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs: Learning New Tricks for Centuries

In honor of International Assistance Dog Week, we examine the history of canine companions’ role in helping people overcome disabilities.

U-2 Spy Plane

U-2 Spy Plane’s Retirement Signals the End of an Era

After more than 50 years gathering intelligence 13 miles in the air, the high-altitude aircraft will be phased out by 2015.

Pantheon

Is Rome’s Pantheon a Giant Sundial?

The Pantheon’s roof opening may have shed light on the building’s entryway on important days of the year, a new study suggests.

Titanic

Titanic’s First Victim Gets Headstone At Last

After more than 100 years, an Irish teen who died while working on Titanic and is thought to be the ship’s first victim has a headstone for his grave.

Knights Templar

Who Were the Knights Templar?

Get the facts on the mysterious medieval order known as the Knights Templar, which was dissolved 700 years ago but has recently made news headlines.

Medieval Armor

In Shining Armor, Medieval Knights May Not Have Shone

Heavy armor may have been medieval knights’ worst enemy, according to new research.

Neanderthal

Introducing Your Inner Neanderthal

As evidence grows that many people may be part Neanderthal, get the facts on humans’ newfound ancestors.

Artifacts from Shipwreck

Ancient Medicines From Shipwreck Shed Light on Life in Antiquity

Researchers have used DNA sequencing to unlock the secrets of 2,000-year-old medicines found in a shipwreck.

Caligula

Caligula Statue Seized From Looters Is Unveiled

A statue thought to depict the notorious emperor Caligula may have led experts to a long-lost imperial palace.

Boremys Turtle

Survivors in a Half Shell: Turtles Withstood Dinosaur Die-Out

When an earth-shattering event triggered mass extinctions 65 million years ago, some turtles weren’t even shell-shocked, a new study suggests.

Famous Duels

History at 40 Paces: Legendary Duels

On the 207th anniversary of the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, find out about this notorious incident and other famous standoffs.

Viking Teeth

Did Viking Warriors Bare Groovy Teeth?

Viking warriors raiding Britain may have filed their teeth to scare their enemies, according to archaeologists excavating a unique mass grave.

Fireworks

Fireworks’ Vibrant History

Find out about the history of fireworks, which will light up the skies across America this Independence Day.