History

April 18, 2019

Scientists Analyze Ancient DNA to Solve Mystery of Who Built Stonehenge

Shrouded in mystery, Stonehenge is among the world's most famous ancient ruins. The prehistoric monument has perplexed archaeologists for years, culminating in endless theories about who built it and how. Finally, however, there appear to be some concrete clues to the case, as scientists believe they have discovered important information about its builders.

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April 1, 2019

World’s Most Famous Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Now Viewable Online

In the world of Medieval illuminated manuscripts, there's one work that sits above the rest. The Book of Kells is not only the finest existing work of its kind, it's also an Irish national treasure. Believed to have been created around 800 CE, the work is on permanent display at Trinity College Library in Dublin. But now you can see it in close detail without ever setting foot on Irish soil (or even leaving home).

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March 14, 2019

This Rare Vintage Typewriter from the 1950s Lets You Type Sheet Music

While most composers like to handwrite their sheet music, over the years there have been all types of machines invented to help print music. Perhaps one of the coolest is the Keaton Music Typewriter. First patented in 1936, it definitely doesn't look like an ordinary typewriter. Robert H. Keaton from San Francisco, California created the machine, which has now become something of a rare collector's item.

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January 25, 2019

Colorful Chart Reveals Evolution of English Alphabet From Egyptian Hieroglyphics

Most of us use the letters of the alphabet everyday, but did you ever stop to wonder how their shapes came to be? The history of the alphabet is fascinating, and each of the 26 letters has its own unique story. Matt Baker (of UsefulCharts) has designed a handy poster that documents the evolution of our familiar alphabet from its ancient Egyptian Proto-Sinaitic roots (c. 1750 BCE) up to present day Latin script.

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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.