History

July 14, 2017

3,500-Year-Old Unfinished Obelisk Reveals Incredible Engineering of Ancient Egypt

Lying as a sleeping giant in a bed of granite, the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, Egypt is an incredible look at the building methods of these monolithic monuments. It would have measured about 137 feet (42 meters) if completed and is estimated to weigh around 1,200 tons.  It's thought that the female pharaoh Hatshepsut commissioned the work during the 18th dynasty, more than 3,500 years ago. Just what are obelisks?

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July 7, 2017

Fascinating Photos Taken by Lewis Carroll Show the Young Girl Who Inspired ‘Alice in Wonderland’

While Lewis Carroll's most beloved book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is renowned for its surreal subject matter and “curiouser and curiouser” plot, its protagonist is actually based on a real-life little girl. Alice Liddell, the daughter of a family friend, inspired Carroll to write the celebrated novel in 1865. In addition to serving as his literary muse, she also often starred in Carroll's photography—another one of his artistic interests—and played a prominent part in the development of his practice.

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June 3, 2017

Rarely Seen Photos of Freddie Mercury with His Long-Time Love Jim Hutton

The late singer Freddie Mercury is known for his amazing and unforgettable voice. He’s also remembered for his battle with AIDS, which he was diagnosed with in 1987 and died from complications of in 1991. Although the world lost Mercury too soon, he was not alone when he passed away. From 1985 to his death, Mercury was accompanied by his partner Jim Hutton.

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May 7, 2017

Jacob Riis: The Photographer Who Showed “How the Other Half Lives” in 1890s NYC

In 1870, 21-year-old Jacob Riis immigrated from his home in Denmark to bustling New York City. With only $40, a gold locket housing the hair of the girl he had left behind, and dreams of working as a carpenter, he sought a better life in the United States of America. Unfortunately, when he arrived in the city, he immediately faced a myriad of obstacles.

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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.