9 Everyday Objects from the Middle AgesPeople living in the Middle Ages likely used or came across these objects in their daily lives.Read more
7 Famous Torture Devices, Real and MythicalSome instruments of torture, like the rack, were real. Others were probably made up to help perpetuate the myth of the medieval ‘Dark Ages.’ Read more
Why Did the Vikings Disappear From Greenland?In the 15th century, the Vikings vanished from Greenland after more than 400 years of living there—what happened?Read more
7 Mysterious Mass Illnesses That Defied ExplanationFrom a dancing plague to a laughing epidemic, the symptoms were clear—but the culprit was not.Read more
How Christmas Was Celebrated in the Middle AgesIn medieval times, Christmas celebrations carried on for multiple raucous days and nights.Read more
6 Surprising Discoveries From Medieval TimesThe Middle Ages have yielded a series of amazing archaeological discoveries, from medieval swords to buried castle remains to evidence of zombie fears.Read more
Before America Had Witch Trials, Europe Had Werewolf TrialsA few of the accused may have been actual pedophiles or serial killers, but many were beggars, hermits or recent émigrés who were tortured into confessions.Read more
When the Supreme Court Ruled a Vaccine Could Be MandatoryA 1905 decision provided a powerful and controversial precedent for the flexing of government authority.Read more
4 Diseases You’ve Probably Forgotten About Because of VaccinesVaccines are so effective at fighting disease that sometimes it’s easy to forget their impact.Read more
5 Hard-Earned Lessons from Pandemics of the PastHow do populations survive a pandemic? History offers some strategies.Read more
How the Black Death Spread Along the Silk RoadThe Silk Road was a vital trading route connecting East and West—but it also became a conduit for one of history’s deadliest pandemics.Read more
The Black Death: A Timeline of the Gruesome PandemicTrack how the Black Death ravaged humanity through history.Read more