In the golden age of Renaissance Italy, a new and influential concept emerged. A concept that celebrated the boundless potential of humankind. This idea was embodied by the Universal Man, or “Uomo Universale” in Italian. The idea of the Universal Man, sometimes also referred to as the Renaissance Man, praised individuals who excelled in all […]
Where Does the Universal Man: A Renaissance Ideal Come From? Read More »
In times of war, the movement of soldiers often leaves trails of death and destruction in its wake. But rarely, they happen to leave behind small acts of humor and mischief. “Kilroy Was Here” was one such mark. A simple phrase accompanied by a cartoonish drawing of a man peering over a wall. This graffiti
Exploring the Enduring Legacy of “Kilroy Was Here” Read More »
This photograph captures one of the last moments of this woman’s life. Cheng Benhua was a resistance fighter who gave her life defending her home country of China against the Japanese Imperial Army. She has become a symbol of bravery in the face of death and unspeakable abuse. Not long before striking this defiant pose, Cheng
The Haunting Smile of Cheng Benhua: Resistance Fighter Read More »
The modern history of science is rife with nuclear accidents. Amidst the tumultuous landscape of the mid-20th century – a pivotal time when great powers vied for supremacy, driven by clandestine nuclear discovery – these accidents were far too common. It was during this extraordinary, dangerous epoch that an infamous entity emerged – the demon
The Deadly Side of Nuclear Science: The Demon Core Read More »
The term “ghost town” is used to describe a town quickly erected for a lucrative industry, which just as rapidly is abandoned once the source of wealth dries up. Usually, these are towns out West that sprung up during the gold rush in the 1800s, but what does a modern ghost town look like? Centralia,
Centralia, PA: America’s Hottest Ghost Town Read More »
In 1831, under a mountain of volcanic ash in the ancient city of Pompeii, a mosaic was uncovered. This mosaic, one of the most important pieces of art to ever be rediscovered, covered the floor of one room in the House of Faun. Dubbed the “Alexander Mosaic”, it was remarkably well preserved, and while parts
Becephalus: The legendary horse of Alexander the Great Read More »
After Pearl Harbor, the full, if not immediately enthusiastic, participation of the United States in World War II was all but guaranteed. While there may have been murmurings of a possible attack in military circles, it blindsided the American public, and its psychological effect on the populace can’t be overstated. So when it came time
The Doolittle Raid: America’s revenge for Pearl Harbor Read More »
In 1989, war was on the minds of a lot of the world’s population. The Berlin Wall was coming down, the Cold War would be declared over in the latter part of the year, and students flooded into China’s Tiananmen Square, protesting their lack of freedom. With all of this going on, it’s not surprising
The Pepsi Navy: Did Pepsi acquire a fleet of Soviet ships? Read More »
In ancient Egypt, the gods could be fickle masters. Drought, death, and disease were often attributed not to natural causes, but to the displeasure of divine beings. To please the supernatural forces that governed life along the Nile, Egyptians learned to build temples, make sacrifices, and worship these all-powerful deities. One of the most important
Uncovering the Mysterious Sobek: the Crocodile God of Egypt Read More »
Between 1900 and 1903, jockey James Winkfield rode in four consecutive Kentucky Derbies. He finished third, first, first, and second. In 1901 alone, he won somewhere between 160 and 220 races (depending on the source). But despite his extraordinary, natural talent as a jockey, Winkfield received little recognition from within or without the horse-racing community.
The Last Black Jockey to Win the Kentucky Derby:James Winkfield Read More »
