History

November 22, 2019

13 Facts About the Ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti

The portrait bust of Nefertiti is one of the most famous icons of Ancient Egypt, yet the queen herself is still shrouded in mystery and intrigue. As consort to Pharaoh Akhenaten the couple ruled from 1353 to 1336 BCE during one of the most contentious periods of Egypt’s cultural history. At this time, Pharaoh Akhenaten reformed Egypt’s religion, focusing on the worship of the sun god Aten, and relocated the empire’s capital to Amarna.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

October 9, 2019

This “Normal” Drinking Glass Is Actually an Ancient Greek Party Prank

If you didn't think the ancient Greeks had a sense of humor, this clever drinking cup might convince you. What looks like an ordinary cup is actually a practical joke waiting to happen and it was invented by none other than Pythagoras. This philosopher and mathematician is probably most commonly known as the man behind the Pythagorean theorem, taught in geometry classes around the world.

Read Article

August 8, 2019

This Saharan Village Is Home to Thousands of Ancient Texts Preserved in Desert Libraries

Nestled in the Sahara, the medieval village of Chinguetti in Mauritania is an incredible jewel of Berber culture. Once an important outpost on trade and pilgrimage routes, the desert village contains wonderful examples of Berber Saharan architecture. It is also an important center of learning thanks to its desert libraries, which are filled with scientific and Qur'anic texts dating to the Middle Ages.

Read Article

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.