Ethan Tyrrell
The Wildest Holiday In History: Gwyl Mabsant
The Welsh festival of Gwyl Mabsant was a weeklong party complete with gambling and lots of booze.
Bread Stamps Helped Prevent Fraud in Ancient Rome
A simple technology of the time, Roman bakers used special stamps to mark their loaves.
How 200,000 Beavers Took Over Part Of Argentina
In 1946, beavers were brought in to help the Argentinian fur trade. Instead, Argentina ended up with more beavers than they ever expected.
The 'Limping Lady' Was World War II Most Underrated Hero
Virginia Hall was one of the most successful spies in WWII, but she remains largely unknown today. And that is just how she would like it to be.
In The Middle Ages, Reading Was More Complicated Than We Think
Estimates vary on literacy rates in the Middle Ages, but text was everywhere.
Knights Had An Embarrassing (And Dangerous) Risk From Horseback Riding
In addition to the expected risks knights dealt with, they also had to worry about fatal butt problems.
Prima Nocta: The Weird Medieval Marriage Law (That Didn't Exist)
Prima nocta was a practice that would really ruin a marriage night. However, it was really just a myth.
Gong Farmers Had The Crappiest Job Of The Middle Ages
In a time before flushing toilets, someone had to get rid of human waste. Gong farmers stepped up to the task.
When Ping-Pong Helped Improve U.S./China Relations
In 1971, a group of unexpected American diplomats traveled to China and helped create diplomacy between the two countries.
A Wild West Town Staged Fights And Crimes -- Without Telling Tourists
Residents of Palisade, Nevada ran an elaborate hoax involving fake shootouts and bank robberies.