History

May 28, 2020

The Mysterious Disappearance of the Opulent ‘Amber Room’ in Russia

Considered the “eighth wonder of the world” by many, the Amber Room was an intricately constructed golden-hued masterpiece of contemporary artistry. Designed by German baroque sculptor Andreas Schlüter and constructed by Danish amber craftsman Gottfried Wolfram, it became a glorious spectacle whose history is rife with adventure, mystery, and bloodshed. The creation, disappearance, and reconstruction of this remarkably opulent and mysterious location is unlike any other.

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May 8, 2020

This 2,000-Year-Old Sapphire Ring Has an Incredibly Detailed Portrait Carved Into It

In the 18th century, George Spencer, the 4th Duke of Marlborough, amassed an incredible collection of carved gemstones and cameos. The Marlborough Collection was considered one of the best private jewelry collections and many of the 800 pieces of jewelry date back to antiquity. The collection was broken up in the 19th century to pay for repairs at Blenheim Palace and in 2019, an interesting gemstone from the collection came up for sale.

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April 22, 2020

The Brilliant History of Books, From Egyptian Scrolls to E-Readers

Books hold a special place in history. Existing since ancient times, their contents can give us a glimpse into the past, whether they're chronicling current events, documenting historical figures, or simply telling stories. It is not just what is found in the pages of books, however, that can teach us about history. In fact, taking a closer look at the objects themselves can be equally enlightening. Here, we explore the history of the book.

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April 9, 2020

Hop Into Easter With This Egg-cellent History of the Holiday

Happy Easter! As you hop into the holiday spirit, you may find yourself embracing Easter celebrations, whether you're filling a basket with fake grass and fun goodies or dyeing a dozen hard-boiled eggs. While you may not think twice about these seemingly silly activities, they're actually age-old practices packed with history, springing from ancient rituals, medieval folklore, and more modern incarnations. Want to learn more about Easter and its technicolor traditions?

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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.