February 8, 2019

Why did Salem, Massachusetts, have a Witchcraft trial?

Centuries before they were portrayed as heroes in the Harry Potter books, witches were considered public enemy number one. Church officials in 16th-century Europe linked the […]
February 8, 2019

Why did people once settle grudges with deadly duels?

Today, anyone with a beef might hire a lawyer to settle a disagreement in court or simply argue in online message boards and let public opinion […]
February 8, 2019

Why do people look unhappy in old photographs?

Peruse photos from the late 19th century and you’ll notice that every person portrayed – from Civil War generals to Wild West cowboys – looks extremely […]
February 8, 2019

Why did knights enter jousting tournaments?

Hosted in special arenas, called lists, within castle walls or in nearby fields, the joust was one of the most thrilling forms of entertainment in the […]