History

August 28, 2023

The World’s Oldest Cat Door Has Been Letting Working Cats Enter the Cathedral Since the 14th Century

In medieval days, cathedrals would have been overrun with mice and rats without a feline prowling the premises. To keep vermin in check, the magnificent Exeter Cathedral—known formally as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter—has employed cats for centuries. In fact, they even added a cat flap to one of the structure's doors, gouging a cat-sized opening into the wood. This endearing sign of a valued cat occupant has fascinated the internet.

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July 12, 2023

Longyou Caves: The Ancient Chinese Caves You’ve Never Heard Of

In 1992, farmers near the village of Shiyan Beicun in Zhejiang province, China, were considering several ponds on their lane. They decided to drain them, but beneath the water lay a mystery. Draining the water revealed five stone caves, strangely crafted. This shocking discovery led to unearthing 19 more caverns. With 24 in total, these carved out spaces range in size and shape.

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June 20, 2023

Who Was Ennigaldi-Nanna? Learn About the Woman Who Founded the World’s First Museum

When you want to learn more about art, history, and culture, museums are usually the best destinations. Interestingly, the word museum actually derives from the ancient institution called the Mouseion, or “Institution of the Muses,” which contained the famed Library of Alexandria and other rooms. However, while this is where the museum gets its name, it is not the first instance of a place that displays objects of significance.

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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.