Without the death-defying thrill of jumping, life was boring, he said. But that wasn't the only reason he kept at it.

There have always been daredevils. But never has there been such a variety of creative ways to defy death—and break a few world records along the way.

From an ancient Greek arsonist to a town that changed its name for free advertising, find out more about eight of history’s quirkiest instances of self-promotion.

Forty years ago, New York awoke to find Philippe Petit walking on a wire between the 110-story Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.

Over 50 years ago, Joe Kittinger rode a balloon 102,800 feet up to the edge of space. Then he jumped out.

As Nik Wallenda attempts to cross the gorge on a tightrope, explore the history of Niagara Falls and the daring stunts it has witnessed.