History

January 13, 2020

6 Incredible Facts About the Prehistoric Altamira Cave Paintings

When we think of what life must have been like in prehistoric times, we don’t often leave much space to consider the art these people may have left behind. In reality, even 30,000 years ago, populations of people were producing what was—at the time—sophisticated works of art as a means of expression. Nothing exemplifies this more than the cave paintings at Altamira.

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November 25, 2019

Floriography: Exploring the Victorian Meaning of Flowers

Today, if we want to supplement our text and social media with a more visual element, we search for the right emoji; but in the 19th century, Victorians would’ve used flowers. In fact, due to the severe restrictions of Victorian society, an entire language in flowers was developed so that senders could express feelings and emotions through colorful coded messages. Consequently, Victorians carried floral dictionaries to decipher received bouquets and to compose their replies.

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November 12, 2019

Herculaneum: Pompeii’s Sister City That Survived a Volcanic Eruption in Ancient Rome

The devastating history of Pompeii is so bewitching that even today the name evokes an immediate emotional response. However, Pompeii wasn’t the only Ancient Roman town to be preserved by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption. Halfway between Naples and Pompeii lies the smaller, wealthier town of Herculaneum, which followed a slightly different fate.

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October 31, 2019

5 Facts About Edgar Allan Poe – the Literary Master of the Macabre

No writer has captivated imaginations quite like Edgar Allan Poe. Living and working in 19th-century America, the pioneering poet made a name for himself with his haunting writing style and morbid motifs. While you’re likely familiar with his memorable work, you may not know much about the man behind the macabre. Here, we present some fascinating facts about the curious figure, including his tragic toddlerhood, mysterious death, and undying love for his craft.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.