A devastating earthquake struck central Italy on August 24th, leaving more than 250 dead and destroying buildings that had stood in rural towns for hundreds of years. The towns of Amatrice, Pescara del Tronto, Arquata del Tronto and Accumoli bore the brunt of the devastation. Over 8,000 people have also been made homeless.
To make matters worse, many visitors were staying in Amatrice, which is famed for a pasta dish (all’amatriciana), ahead of its 50th annual food festival. The exact number of foreigners that lost their lives has yet to be established, but at least eight are known to have perished in the quake, which struck in the middle of the night as people slept.
The affected towns also experienced aftershocks, leaving people in panic. The following images will show you the extent of the damage, and give you an indication of the long road to recovery ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
The main street in Amatrice.
Can You Solve These 16 Perplexing Riddles?
There's no better brain workout that trying your hand at a few riddles.
The Media Can Be Quite Naughty With Its Coverage Sometimes
The media can be quite naughty when it comes to its coverage of events. These photos will show you how coverage of events can be manipulated.
Decreasing Sense Of Smell Can Be a Warning Sign Of Illness
Underestimating your sense of smell is a mistake, as your sense of smell can tell you a lot about your health and can even predict longevity
Unbelievable: First Human Head Transplant to Be Performed!
An Italian doctor has recently announced that he plans on performing the first human head-transplant by 2017. Now, he has a volunteer!
Take This Freudian Test to Reveal Your Hidden Subconscious
Find out what your subconscious mind thinks about the big questions of life by taking this simple test. Take a pen and some paper, and open up your soul!
Current Affairs Quiz: What's Going on in the World Today?
There is a lot of important news going on right now. How much of it are you aware of? Put your current affairs knowledge to the test.
12 Beautiful Quotes that'll Make You Smile and Grin
If you want a smile, you've reached the right place...
5 Unexplained UFO Encounters That Puzzled Experts
We may not believe in UFOs, but throughout history there have been some rather strange UFO-like encounters that defy logic.
Each Of These 35 Places Represents a Worldly High or Low
When it comes to records, these countries and cities stand at the top (and bottom) of the tree.
Watch Andrea Bocelli and His Daughter Perform "Hallelujah"
Watch the legendary singer Andrea Bocelli perform a beautiful rendition of the famous song "Hallelujah" with his little daughter.
9 Literary Giants We Always Wanted to Know More About...
Many a writing great has left astonishing literary work behind them for the benefit of the world. Come and join us for an interactive literary journey.
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
An Unforgettable a Cappella Rendition of 'Stand By Me'
Enjoy this unforgettable rendition of the timeless song "Stand By Me" by the Buzztones, a UK-based a cappella group.
The Stories of These Women from History are Inspiring
Read the inspiring stories of these amazingly strong women.
These 20 Vintage Images Will Take You Way Back In Time
As digital images continue to take over, vintage images seem to take on much more significance and wonder. These 20 images will take you back to a bygone eta.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
The Extraordinary Lives of the Oldest Record Breakers
From marathoners and skydivers to body-builders and pianists, here are some of the world’s oldest record-breakers.
These Clever Workers Are Simply the Best At What They Do
These workers show what it's like to have real experience.
Have You Ever Seen Ducks With Jobs? You're About To!
Watch the day-to-day life of these incredible ducks, who just so happen to spend their lives on a wine farm...
Which of These 1st Issue Magazine Covers Do You Remember?
These magazines have come a long way since Volume 1, Issue 1. Here's what 19 famous magazines looked like way back in the beginning.
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
INTERACTIVE: 12 Fascinating Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious learner, these insights offer a unique glimpse into the man behind the legend of Napoleon.
14 Senior Graduates Prove It’s Never Too Late To Learn
Here are 14 inspiring examples of people who pursued education and knowledge in their senior years.
This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
1967 Classic: Tommy James and The Shondells Live
Groove to the tunes of Tommy James & The Shondells from this classic 1967 musical video.
We Don't Tend to Give These Mysteries Much Thought...
There are certain scientific mysteries that look like they won't be solved anytime soon. Here are 10 big scientific mysteries we tend to take for granted.
An In-Depth Look Into Who Princess Diana Truly Was...
A remarkable feature-length documentary that reveals a side of Diana we have never seen before.
Looking at a 100 Years of High School Fashions...
Here's what high schoolers wore each decade of the 20th century.
A Beautiful Story About True Love and Devotion
This beautiful story gives true credence to the words: "True Love"
These Archaeological Finds Reveal Incredible Stories
These latest excavations and fascinating finds will fascinate you.
These Common Words Began as Mistakes - Unbelievable!
Some spelling and grammar mistakes change a student’s grade for the worse, others transform the language forever.
8 Infamous Crimes That Left a Mark on History
These true crime stories became so sensational that they changed the culture and went to be remembered in history.
The Story of Skidboot: An Amazing Dog!
The story of Skidboot is a happy and sad one...
Comparing 10 Water Filter Pitchers to Find You the Best
Stay tuned to the end of this video to find out which water filtering pitcher actually works, and why.
25 Photos That Capture Profound Historic Moments
We can see a whole century of monumental events go by in these photos...
These Collections Are Certainly On the More Unusual Side..
These collections are larger and a little more unusual than a run-of-the-mill stamp collection. Take a look.
The Rise and Fall of the Tudors: A Royal History
Looking at key events in the history of the Tudor Royal family, where they came from, how they rose to power, and what caused their decline.
Incredible: 100 Days Building an Underground Hut
Watch the incredible structure these men build in the video and how it was made in this fascinating video.
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
See How the Egyptians Actually Built the Pyramids
While we marvel at the great pyramids, we know little about how they were actually constructed. This video sheds some light into that.
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
I Can't Wait to Try These Exciting Kitchen Inventions
Whether you like cooking of not, you'll surely appreciate these ingenious kitchen gadgets designed to make life easier.
These Supposed Aphrodisiacs Are Just a Waste of Money
Many things that are supposed to be aphrodisiacs are actually no such things. Here are 10 "aphrodisiacs" that are nothing more than a waste of money.
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
Pivotal Historical Scenes Frozen in the Frame of a Moment
A collection of rare historical moments you probably won't find in textbooks.
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
Ever Wonder What People Were Like Thousands of Years Ago?
Some of these ancient faces frown and others smile, but together they tell the fascinating history of humanity.