A collection of great stories that teach, inform, and inspire millions of readers.

English has so much influence from Old Norse that the beliefs about its evolution have been called into question.

As Rome conquered the lands around the Mediterranean, it created provinces as administrative units to manage its expanding territory and population.

The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, survived for a thousand years after the fall of Rome. What eventually caused its fall?

As Rome conquered the lands around the Mediterranean, it created provinces as administrative units to manage its expanding territory and population.

The Athenian general Themistocles saved his city from destruction with daring decisions that marked him as one of ancient Greece’s most formidable leaders.

Once celebrated as one of the world’s most sophisticated civilizations, what happened to classical Greece, and how exactly did it disappear?

English has so much influence from Old Norse that the beliefs about its evolution have been called into question.

The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, survived for a thousand years after the fall of Rome. What eventually caused its fall?

The Silk Road’s 10 largest cities in focus: locations, peak eras, and why these hubs drove commerce from Asia to Europe.

From Ludwig van Beethoven to Richard Wagner, many 19th-century composers were inspired by German philosophical movements, including Romanticism, Idealism, pessimism, and nihilism.

What’s the best way to obtain knowledge? Inductive and deductive reasoning both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Why did Dante call his epic poem a comedy? Philosopher Giorgio Agamben reveals hidden cultural and theological meaning in the title.

Believe it or not, there are still plenty of historical discoveries to be made in Italy—one of the most visited countries on earth.

The English county of Hertfordshire boasts Roman ruins, a Jacobean mansion, and several historic sites that reveal its rich British heritage.

These are the most famous historic attractions in Italy and their enlightening backstories.

The Mennonites and Amish share the same origin, but soon, seemingly small differences resulted in a split into these two distinct groups.

Whether you’re a Christian or not, there are some truths to be discovered behind some of the teachings and parables of Jesus.

The Bible is undoubtedly one of the most popular books of all time, but its origin story and roots are shrouded in mystery.

How did Mexico, under the leadership of General Santa Anna, lose the breakaway republic of Texas to its northern neighbor, the United States of America?

The Blue Fugates of Troublesome Creek baffled science for decades, until a rare mutation that caused the color was discovered.

In 1986, the world’s worst nuclear disaster emptied towns surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Today, the scene is different.