Figures

Why Can't Anyone Find This Mysterious Country? The Great Gregor McGregor's Poyais
If you happened to be living in London in May 1821, you would have witnessed something strange: a flurry of unseasonably late snow on the 27th. Considering it was almost summer, such miserable weather could easily dampen spirits. But what I’m about to tell you isn’t a weather forecast from two centuries ago. No, I’m actually using a technique known as pathetic fallacy. By attributing human emotions (in this case, misery) to non-human elements like the weather, we can reflect the gloomy feelings of the people of London.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Devil's Tower National Monument: The Mysterious Monolith That Defies Explanation
Perched in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, Devil's Tower National Monument rises dramatically from the surrounding prairies and the nearby Black Hills. Its sheer vertical columns and towering presence make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Officially designated as the nation's first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the imposing structure draws thousands of visitors each year. But beyond its visual spectacle, what truly captivates and mystifies people about Devil's Tower is the deep sense of mystery surrounding its formation and the stories that surround it.
By Deji Akomolafeabout a year ago in History
The Dark Secret of Genghis Khan's Tomb
Ah, the world! A place where we can count on a few things: fast food burgers never look like the picture, toast always lands butter-side down, and let’s not forget—men named Tiny are almost never small. But one thing you might not expect is how death can sometimes be less predictable than the weather. Imagine this: you’re at a funeral, and suddenly, lightning strikes and takes down a few mourners. That’s not just a plot twist; that’s a horrific sequel! In fact, across continents from Zimbabwe to China, there are documented cases of such shocking events occurring.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Why Could Nobody Catch This Nazi Spy? The Life of Fritz Joubert Duquesne
If you’ve ever moved to a new town or city, you know how daunting it can be to make new friends. Traditional advice often suggests signing up for clubs or groups where you can meet like-minded people—perhaps a pottery class or a local wine appreciation society. But for those with a taste for adventure, there’s a more thrilling route to take: joining a spy ring! Imagine a secretive clique of agents, living under false identities, meeting in clandestine locations to exchange top-secret information.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Why Alan Turing Remains the Unsung Hero of WW2
During the tumultuous years of the Second World War, an unassuming yet stately home nestled in southern England, known as Bletchley Park, became the unlikely headquarters for a team of elite codebreakers. Their mission was monumental: to decipher the vast network of encoded communications being dispatched across the globe by the Nazis. Among this group of extraordinary minds, a singular figure emerged, a man who would become not just a pivotal player in the war but also a legendary icon of intellect and innovation.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Strangest Battle in History: The Battle of Castle Itter
When it comes to war, we often think of rigid sides: allies and enemies, each bound by their respective nations and causes. But what if I told you there was a battle where soldiers from the United States and Germany—yes, the same Germany that fought against the Allies—joined forces to take on, well, other Germans? It sounds like the plot of a satirical war movie, but it actually happened in the closing days of World War II. Welcome to the Battle of Castle Itter—arguably one of the strangest (and most overlooked) battles in history.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Most Amazing Dog That Ever Lived: Sergeant Stubby
When we talk about heroes of World War I, names like Sergeant York and General Pershing often dominate the conversation. But what if I told you that one of the greatest war heroes didn’t even wear boots—he wore a fur coat and had a tail? Enter Sergeant Stubby, the legendary Boston Terrier who not only survived the horrors of World War I but also became a decorated war hero.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Real-Life Revenant Was So Much Worse: The True Story of Hugh Glass
Hollywood has a knack for embellishing the truth in the name of entertainment. The phrase "based on real events" often translates to "we made up most of the story to make it more interesting." From "Catch Me If You Can" to "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," countless movies claim to be based on true stories but take significant liberties with the facts. One notable example is the 2015 film "The Revenant," starring Leonardo DiCaprio. While the film tells the harrowing tale of American frontiersman Hugh Glass, it takes several creative liberties. However, the true story of Hugh Glass is so extraordinary that Hollywood had to tone it down to make it believable.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Inside The Disturbing Experiments Of The Mad Doctor: Josef Mengele
Tucked away in a modest cupboard at the University of São Paulo is a human skeleton that tells a harrowing tale. At first glance, this 40-year-old skeleton appears standard, aiding forensic science students in identifying human remains. However, its true history is anything but ordinary. This skeleton belonged to none other than Josef Mengele, the notorious Nazi doctor who was responsible for the horrific deaths of an estimated 400,000 people during the Holocaust. Known as the "Angel of Death," Mengele's story is a chilling reminder of humanity's capacity for evil and the dark corners of medical experimentation.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Why Did This Billionaire Go Insane? The Tragic Story of Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes Jr., a man once hailed as one of the most brilliant and eccentric billionaires in history, lived a life marked by both great achievement and overwhelming personal tragedy. From his early days of inventive genius and entrepreneurial prowess to his slow descent into isolation and mental illness, the story of Howard Hughes is one of the most fascinating tales of success, wealth, and eventual madness.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
This Man Claimed to Be Immortal and History Can't Prove Otherwise: The Enigmatic Story of Count St. Germain
Imagine a man so mysterious that his very existence remains a topic of debate centuries after his death. A man who claimed to have lived through the rise and fall of empires, possessed wisdom beyond his years (perhaps beyond any years), and who convinced the highest European courts that he had discovered the secret to eternal life. This is the story of Count St. Germain, a man who, according to historical records, was not only ageless but may have lived for hundreds — if not thousands — of years.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Mansa Musa: The Wealthiest Ruler in History and His Lasting Legacy
Introduction Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire, is often cited as one of the richest individuals in human history. His reign (c. 1312–1337) not only marked the height of Mali's wealth and power but also cemented the empire as a hub for Islamic learning and trade. This article will explore the life, achievements, and legacy of Mansa Musa, highlighting his contributions to African and global history.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History