Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics
Chien-Shiung Wu stands as one of the most influential experimental physicists of the 20th century despite often being overshadowed in popular accounts of scientific history. Her meticulous experiments …
People in history
Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood star and revolutionary inventor
In the golden age of Hollywood, Hedy Lamarr captivated audiences with her extraordinary beauty and acting talent. Yet behind the glamorous façade was one of the 20th century’s most unexpected …
Five remarkable women who changed history
Happy Women’s History Month! In this post we are shining a light on five incredible Black women whose achievements have shaped history but often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Watch …
Genghis Khan: The making of the Mongol Empire
Genghis Khan, born Temüjin around 1162, endured a brutal childhood that shaped his later actions. After his father was poisoned by rival Tatars when Temüjin was only 9, his clan abandoned his family, …
Don Cornelius: The visionary behind Soul Train and the cultural revolution it inspired
Don Cornelius, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking television show Soul Train, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the cultural landscape of America. From his modest …
Anténor Firmin: Haitian anthropologist
Joseph Auguste Anténor Firmin (1850-1911), better known as Anténor Firmin, was a remarkable Haitian intellectual whose contributions to anthropology, journalism, and politics remain influential today. …
Mata Hari: The life and times of a legendary spy
Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, is one of history’s most enigmatic and controversial figures. Known primarily for her role as an exotic dancer and a World War I spy, her life was a …
The Moors: A confluence of Arab and Berber heritage
The term “Moor” evokes images of Islamic rule in medieval Spain and North Africa, yet it is a designation that encompasses a rich tapestry of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. The …
Trial of Lizzie Borden
Lizzie Borden’s name is synonymous with one of the most sensational and mysterious murder cases in American history. On 4 August 1892, the brutal murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, …
Tippu Tip: The controversial life of a 19th-century slave trader
Tippu Tip, born Hamad bin Muhammad bin Juma bin Rajab el Murjebi around 1832, remains a contentious figure in African and world history. He was a notorious Zanzibari slave trader, plantation owner, …
Sandra Bland: A life and legacy in the fight for racial justice
On 13 July 2015, Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old African American woman, was found dead in her jail cell in Waller County, Texas. Her death, ruled a suicide by local authorities, came just three days …
Franz Ferdinand: The assassination that shook Europe
Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria-Este, was born on 18 December 1863 in Graz, Austria. As a member of the House of Habsburg, Franz Ferdinand held a significant position within the Austro-Hungarian …