Throughout history, ideas have played a central role in shaping the world that we know and live in today. From looking outward to find solace in the deities that human beings have worshiped for millennia, to explaining something as inexplicable as love, the key ideas and movements that emerged in the past are likely to continue to echo throughout the remainder of human history. Here's an interactive guide to the history of ideas:
To enjoy a video from the history of ideas, simply left-click on one of the rectangles below. You can enlarge the video to full-screen by left-clicking on the bottom-right-hand icon that appears in the video's popup window. To close a video, simply click on the X in the top-right-hand corner of the video's popup window. Enjoy!
Cover image by Deposit Photos.
5:04
Take a Midday Stroll Through Ancient Rome!
This extremely detailed cinematic digital reconstruction offers a unique glimpse of everyday life in Ancient Rome
12:17
What the Japanese Thought of the First European Explorers
This video shows how Japanese historians described the first contact with Europeans, and it’s curious to say the least!
12 Vintage Items of the Past Found by Chance
There is a certain kind of fascination in seeing ordinary items of the past, especially when you come by them by complete chance...
8:36
Take a 4K, Vivid Walk Through the Streets of 1911 New York
Watching this 110 year old restored video if New York actually feels like a glimpse to a time long gone.
6:56
The Fascinating Tricks Behind 1920 Movie Stunts
Prepare to be amazed by the masters of 1920s movie magic.
11:51
Animal Spies: Fascinating Stories of Non-Human Agents
Who raises less suspicion than innocent animals? Learn of the incredible cases in which animals were trained and used for espionage.
The Amber Room Is The World’s Greatest Lost Treasure
The whereabouts of the Amber Room is one of the biggest mysteries haunting the world since the end of World War II...
Do You Know The Origins of These Common Phrases?
There are many phrases that we use in English that we never give a second thought to. Here are 9 common phrases with rather sinister origins.
4:57
Watch This Hilarious Skit on the Treaty of Westphalia
Watch this hilarious sketch with actors Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry on the negotiation of the Treaty of Westphalia.
21 Tips to Make Your Golden Years the Time of Your Life
Many seniors will offer a different piece of advice on life. This collection of tips will allow you to live the most wondrous golden years imaginable.
24 Photos of Love & Kindness to Inspire Us All
These amazing photographs are just what you need to remind you about the most important things in life, kindness and love.
Ukrainian-Russian War: A review of 2024's impact in the War
The year 2024 saw the Russia-Ukraine war grind on into a second full year, marked by intense fighting on multiple fronts, high-stakes diplomatic initiatives, and a worsening humanitarian toll.
7:04
48 Names For Things You Never Knew Had Any
Watch this fascinating video that will reveal to you some words you'll never hear spoken and yet describe things you see every day!
6 Facts You May Have Not Known About King Charles
Did you ever know Prince Charles also dabbles in art? And what about his musical skills? Let's get those royal facts.
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
These 11 Quotes Don’t Belong to Those You Think They Do
Surprising quotations that were completely miscredited. Some have commonalities with the supposed authors, while others are completely off...
10:15
This Animal Video is Sure to Turn a Smile Into a Grin!
Get ready to wear a big smile and a giggle, this video will make your day!
12 Love Stories of Couples that Grew Better with Age
12 couples share their stories of growing old together, alongside a dose of worldly wisdom.
22 ODD Facts You Didn’t Know—and Still Might Not Believe
This collection digs up the most peculiar truths that slipped through the cracks of common knowledge.
9:32
Learn All About the History of the English Language
Ever wondered where the English language came from and how it evolved over time? If so, then this is the perfect video for you!
21:24
True Crime Story: The Shotgun Booby-Trap
The case of Bertha Briney and the house that was booby trapped with a shotgun...
The Origins of these 10 Olympic Words is Fascinating
You use these popular sports words all the time. But do you know where they come from?
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
2:59
A Fistful of Dollars: Live and Unforgettable Performance
Watch The Danish National Symphony Orchestra perform Ennio Morricone’s classic song "A Fistful of Dollars."
10 of the Most Spectacular Royal Crowns in the World
Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Here are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras.
12 Genius Ancient Chinese Inventions We Use to This Today
In this article, we'll focus on 12 surprising everyday items we all use that got their start many centuries ago in Ancient China...
Love Mythology? You'll Love These Informative Animations!
These informative TED-Ed videos delve into some of the world’s most popular myths and attempt to explain them in all their glory!
This Fascinating Tree Shows How Languages Are Connected
Most of the languages that we speak today can be placed into a couple of groups by their origin. Find out more here.
A Nostalgic Trip to the Major Events of the 30's and 40's
Take our hand and lets go on a Quick nostalgic trip to the main events the defined the 30's and the 40's.
Thomas Edison’s Most Inspiring Words of Wisdom
These memorable quotes by Thomas Edison still hold meaning for anyone chasing big goals.
14:18
10 of the Longest Reigning Monarchs in World History
If you're judging a monarch's success by the number of years they reign, these 10 monarchs are the absolute best!
Do You Know What All These Acronyms Stand For?
There are many famous acronyms around, but do you know what they stand for? Here are 21 acronyms you've always wondered about.
From Beans to Bar: How Chocolate is Made from Scratch...
Ever wondered how chocolate was made from beans to bar? Well, this collection of photographs will reveal all.
The Most EGGstravagant Chicken Coops We’ve Seen!
The owners built their chicken coops so extravagant, we got jealous of their lavish lifestyle!
Creative Shopping Ideas You’ll Wish Were Everywhere
These stores are setting new standards for what shopping should feel like.
16 Jaw-Dropping Archeological Finds
Even if you weren’t a fan of the subject back in school, you’ll love the visual history lesson we prepared for you today.
Do You Know the Truth About These Famous Figures?
Hollywood exaggerates and distorts many historical truths with its movies, but now you're about to find out the truth about some important figures...
6:15
John Williams Conducts the Theme Song from “Jurassic Park”
Watch legendary composer enthrall the audience as he conducts the famous theme music from “Jurassic Park”.
7 of the Most Famous Weddings of the 20th Century
Here’s a closer look at the most famous weddings of the century and the compelling stories behind them.
5:17
The Art Dealer Who Had to Prove His Paintings Are...Fake?
Learn about one of the strangest trials in history, that of the Dutch art forger Han van Meegeren and his dubious relations with the Nazis
12:16
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.
How Much Influence Do Secret Societies Have? Find Out Here
Learn all about six of the most famous secret societies that seem to have quite a degree of influence even today.
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
I Just Wanted to Say: HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wish a Merry Christmas to you and yours by sending them one of these greeting cards.
Collection: The Greatest Moments in History
A collection of fascinating, sometimes controversial and surprising stories from the annals of history. Explore and learn about the fascinating past of humanity and some of its most outstanding figures.
Get Lost in These 15 Surreal Optical Illusions!
After looking at these weird optical illusions you might never trust your eyes again.
These Famous Characters are Based On Real People...
Did you know that certain characters draw heavily on real-life people? Here are 10 iconic characters that were based on people that really existed.
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