A Wife Auction in England, circa 1800s. (Credit: Fotosearch/Getty Images)

Performers take part in the biennial Imbolc Celtic fire festival, to celebrate the end of Winter and the coming of Spring, in Marsden, northern England on February 6, 2016.

Arrival of William of Orange in England, 15-16 November 1688, (1903). A protestant, William of Orange (1650-1702) was invited by a conspiracy of English notables to depose the Catholic James II and assume the throne in his stead. The invasion, which was virtually bloodless, was successful and became known as the 'Glorious Revolution'. James fled to France and the Prince of Orange was crowned William III of Great Britain and Ireland on 11 April 1689. He co-ruled with his wife Mary II from 1689, continuing as sole ruler after her death in 1694. A print from The World's History, A Survey of Man's Record, by Dr HF Helmolt, Volume II, William Heinemann, London, 1903.

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1854

The Roman Empire, led by rulers such as Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Caligula and Nero, was a vast and powerful domain that gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.

Ancient Rome

Latin America encompasses Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, including all of South America as well as Mexico, Central America, and islands of the Caribbean. Latin American history saw colonization by the Spaniards and Portuguese, from the 15th through the 18th century, as well as independence movements in the early 19th century.

Latin American History

From raising families to leading armies, women such as Catherine the Great, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen Amanirenas, Queen Elizabeth I, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin and countless others have played a vital role in history.

Women’s History

The Holocaust, during which some 6 million Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals and other people were systematically exterminated by Nazi Germany during World War II, was one of the most horrific war crimes ever committed.

Holocaust

Crime has been a dark and powerful undercurrent in human society throughout history. Uncover the facts behind some of the most daring robberies, brazen scams and brutal murders ever committed.

Crime

From religious and patriotic observances to celebrations of ethnic pride, explore the history of Easter, Passover, New Year's Day, Veterans' Day, Memorial Day and much more.

Holidays

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

2007

World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy in 1945. Explore the battles, leaders and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind.

World War II

1955

2011

Though the 19th century saw the rise of populism, the labor movement and Jacksonian democracy, it also ushered in the Gilded Age, when men like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J. P. Morgan wielded vast control over politics and business.

19th Century

2013

1982

Explore the wars, battles, leaders, civilizations, regimes, prominent figures and major events from the continent that encompasses 2 percent of the Earth’s surface. From Stonehenge to the Great Awakening to the French Revolution to the rise and fall of Communism in Russia, see how Europe’s often tumultuous history unfolded.

British History

Topics

Queen Elizabeth II

Imbolc

Glorious Revolution

Hadrian’s Wall

Stories

The Real-Life Rivalry That Inspired ‘The Favourite’

The Heartbreaking WWII Rescue That Saved 10,000 Jewish Children From the Nazis

Canada’s Long, Gradual Road to Independence

English Men Once Sold Their Wives Instead of Getting Divorced

This Day in History

“The Guinness Book of Records” debuts

Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister, dies

Britain’s Prince William weds Kate Middleton

Three-year-old Madeleine McCann goes missing in Portugal

Charge of the Light Brigade

Falklands War ends