The famed general is remembered for his iconic bicorn hat, his allegedly short stature, and his singular military skill.

Philosophy, drama, science, and mathematics all sprung from this humble peninsula in the Mediterranean.

Here are six facts that offer a glimpse of what it was like to be an average citizen in one of the world’s most influential empires.

The invention of the bathing suit as a tasteful, stylish outfit specifically for water-based leisure may go as far back as ancient Rome.

If you could travel back in time to the medieval period, you’d soon see some fashion trends that are a far cry from today’s typical clothing. Depending on what century you arrived in — Europe’s medieval period lasted approximately from the fifth century to the 15th century — you might see an array of fanciful hats, from Robin Hood-style bycockets to towering cone-shaped hennin hats worn by wealthy ladies. Sleeves, too, were particularly flamboyant: Puffed-up bombast sleeves made male biceps look larger, while women of status wore long, hanging bliaut sleeves that trailed to the ground.  It was certainly an era of weird and wonderful fashion trends, and perhaps none is more peculiar to our modern eyes than the fad of wearing extravagantly pointed footwear. These pointy shoes were known as cracows or poulaines, both names referring to the origin of the footwear …Read More

Americans’ eating habits have changed a lot throughout the country’s history, and not unlike breakfast, lunch, and dinner staples, dessert choices tend to look very different today than they did a few generations ago.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, desserts were shaped by the ingredients and circumstances of the era. Until the mid-20th century, most of the U.S. didn’t have year-round access to fresh foods; economic downturns, food rationing, and periodic shortages during certain seasons were a normal part of life. Home cooks thus had to be thrifty and creative, turning whatever was affordable, seasonal, or already on hand into something tasty. Here are a few dessert dishes from your grandparents’ era that have all but disappeared today. Junket For much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a custardlike dessert known as junket was a mainstay on American tables. …Read More