History Archives

The USS Maine was a United States battleship that sank in Havana Harbor in February 1898, resulting in a US offensive that led to the Spanish–American War. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/National Museum of the US Navy)

Remember The Maine, To Hell With Spain!

Controversy still surrounds the explosion and sinking of the USS Maine in 1898, which signalled US intervention in the Cuban War of Independence with the rallying cry “Remember The Maine!”

A modified Colt 1911 like this one was used to make the CIA's

Was There Really a CIA Heart Attack Gun?

Evidence suggest the CIA’s “heart attack gun” was inspired by the KGB’s spray gun: both weapons caused heart attacks in their victims.

The Aztec death whistle was found in the hands of a sacrificed victim excavated at the temple of Tlatelolco in the 1990s, lending evidence to the claim that the whistle was used for the ritual of sacrifice. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/latinamericanstudies.org)

The Aztec Death Whistle and Its Bloodcurdling Scream

The bloodcurdling scream the Aztec death whistle makes explains why the Aztecs may have used it as an intimidation tactic in battle — or in human sacrifice.

Some larrikin Australian soldiers in camp. A Cornish slang word,

Are you “Happy as Larry”? Who on Earth was Larry Anyway?

The origins of the idiom “happy as Larry” date back to the 19th century—but whether it’s attributed to a New Zealand writer, Australian boxer, or Cornish slang word is anyone’s guess.

Spring Heeled Jack as depicted by an anonymous artist - English penny dreadful (c. 1860)

Spring heeled Jack: The Leaping Devil Who Spread Hysteria in Victorian Britain

In 19th-century London, a fire-breathing demon known as “spring heeled Jack” reportedly leapt from walls and terrorized citizens—often women walking alone at night.

Stetson ten-gallon hat, early 21st century. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/davidd)

The Ten Gallon Hat: A Tall Tale Still Told

Though the ten-gallon hat doesn’t actually hold 10 gallons, this Stetson classic has become an indisputable part of cowboy culture.

An 18th-century pirate flag. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/author unknown)

The Origins of the Phrase “Shiver Me Timbers!”

The phrase “shiver my timbers” first appeared in a book by Captain Frederick Marryat published in 1834. Since then, it’s appeared in numerous books and films.

Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration, June 19, 1900, Texas (Photo: Wikimedia/Mrs. Charles Stephenson (Grace Murray))

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it is the oldest such commemoration.

In 1932, the Australian army met it's match in battle. They were tasked with eradicating emus to prevent damage to farmland in the Campion District of Western Australia. The emus are still there. (Photo: Wikimedia/Chudditch)

The Australian Emu War: Army Bamboozled by Birds

In 1932, the Australian army started an offensive against a horde of itinerant emus. The Australian Emu War would be chalked down as a victory for the emus.

Ulrich von Liechtenstein once toured Southern Europe on a jousting trip, referred to as “The Journey of Venus”. He dressed as a woman and alledgedly broke 307 lances. For each knight that broke a lance on him he gifted them a gold ring. (Pixabay/clarencealford)

Ulrich von Liechtenstein: Was he Real?

Ulrich von Liechtenstein was made famous by Heath Ledger in the film A Knight’s Tale. Did you know he was a real person? His real life exploits were arguably more outrageous than those portrayed by Hollywood.