Have you ever wondered about the days of the week and why they have such strange names? Across the Africa and the Middle East, Slavic-speaking countries and Greece, the days are simply named “first”, “second”, etc. or given a name that describes their position within the week, such as “middle”. Why isn’t this the case in English? Drag your mouse over the icons in the picture to find out the meaning of each name and the story behind it.
As in many other things, it all begins in Rome. The Romans were great fans of giving fancy names to everything, and the more, the merrier. With the days of the week, they decided to name each day after a celestial object and the God associated with it: the sun, the moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.
As the Romans met other people, such as the Saxons and Goths, they had a tendency to draw parallels between their deities and the Germanic pantheon, which resulted in the Germanic people adopting the same week, translating the name of the Gods with their own. If they hadn’t, our week would probably look like this: Sunday, Monday, Marday, Mercreday, Joviday, Venday and Saturday. Who are these gods the days are named after and what’s their story anyway?
12:10
How Did We Invent the Dollar? Learn Its Meandering History
In this video, we will learn a short history of the U.S. Dollar.
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
When GH Says F: Why Does This Occur?
We're meeting up on the corner of history and linguistics to learn why GH is pronounced as F.
16:04
How Did Humans Determine That One Week Should Have 7 Days?
While certain calendar categorizations can be traced back to scientific origins, what are the origins of the number of days in a week?
The Most Famous Acts of Revenge in History
Each of these 5 stories reveals how far people have gone to right perceived wrongs – changing the world around them, for better or worse, in their relentless pursuit of retribution.
Math Can be Fun! Here are 13 Cool Facts to Prove it
Here are 13 facts and tricks that reveal the power and beauty of mathematics. Mastering it is easier than we think!
22 Words Uttered By Writers In Their Final Moments
The world's most famous writers had a way with words right up until the point of their deaths, as these 22 images are about to show you.
Discover How This Board Game Saved Thousands During WWII
Find out how a simple board game helped around 20,000 British prisoners escape from German camps during World War II.
These Are the Most Expensive Liquids in the Entire World
The world's most expensive liquids are incredibly valuable for a variety of reasons. Discover what they are and why they're so valuable in this list.
These Incredible Facts Will Put a Smile on Your Face
Need a boost to your day? These facts will put a smile on your face.
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
12 Oddly Specific and Often Funny Terms You Didn’t Know
Did you know the space between your eyebrows has a name? Or what a tittle is? Learn these oddly specific and quite funny terms in this article.
Wow! These People Had Someone Looking Over Them!
These lucky people had some guardian angel looking over them that day!
8 Facts You Learned at School that Are No Longer True!
The passage of time leads things that were once accepted as facts to actually be proven as incorrect. Here are 8 supposed facts that aren’t really true.
These 11 Alcoholic Drinks Have a Fascinating History!
In this article, we’ll tell you about the truly fascinating origins of 11 time-honored cocktails!
Benjamin Franklin's Wisdom Has Echoed Throughout the Ages
In addition to being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin left many a thought to ponder. Here are 15 of his most famous quotes.
The 12 Words of Christmas: Funny Long Lost Phrases
If you think eggnog and wassail are funny-sounding, wait till you hear the Christmas words that didn't stand the test of time
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
These Facts Are Some of the Most Interesting You'll Read
Have a read through these intriguing worldly facts.
Frazil, Haboob & Other Weather Words Your Didn't Know
You might have heard a few of these meteorological terms before, but you probably don’t know what they mean.
9 Surprising Sleeping Habits From Around the World
Sleep looks different in different parts of the world. Here are 9 surprising sleeping habits from different countries, some of which you might want to adopt.
6:33
How Traditional Pastrami Is Really Made
Pastrami on rye is a New York City staple. This is how this cured meat is really made.
6 Things You Didn’t Know about the Vikings
Facts and misconceptions about Vikings and how they shaped European history
7 Conspiracy Stories that Turned Out to be True
These stories are shocking... and they turned out to be true!
It's Amazing What Treasure You Can Find in Your Backyard!
Digging is a really fun activity, because you never know what treasure you might find at the bottom of your garden. Here are 10 amazing backyard discoveries.
A Dying Father's Heart Moving Gesture...
A beautiful and touching gesture by a dying father.
Learn the Secrets of the World's Most Persuasive Speakers
Persuasion is undoubtedly an art form, but how do you become recognized around the world for it? Learn 11 secrets of the most persuasive speakers alive.
12 Fascinating Facts About World War II
These snippets peel back the textbook narrative to reveal humanity, ingenuity, and sheer absurdity beneath the battles.
You Don't See a Lot of Vintage Portraits Like These...
In this post we will give you a swift glimpse of the portrait collection of one of the leading photographers of 19th-century Washington.
Fascinating History: Conspiracy of Lincoln's Assassination
These haunting portraits of men awaiting trial or execution after being accused of assassinating President Abraham Lincoln will move you. take a look.
Step Back In Time: A Glimpse Into '50s and '60s New York
New York City was a vastly different places in the 1950s and 60s. These black and white photos by Vivian Maier captured it perfectly.
Video Collection: Learn Something New Today!
It's never too late to learn something new, so give these 16 educational videos a watch and see what you can learn today!
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
14:44
Former FBI Agent Explains Basics Of Body Language Reading
Former FBI agent teaches you how distance, gestures and other nonverbal elements can reveal information about a person you're talking to
What Does the Color of an Egg Yolk Mean? Find Out Here!
Ever wondered what the color of an egg yolk says about the quality of the egg? If so, then wonder no more...
0:44
Baby Ducks Make for Poor Students!
Poor Little Duckling Trying to Stay Awake...
I Had No Idea These Brand Names Are Actually Acronyms
There are loads of brand names out there that are actually acronyms, and here are some of the most surprising ones!
East India: The Story of the Richest Company in History
How did the East Indian Company gain and consolidate its power and profit? All is revealed here.
History Lesson: The Life and Legacy of Attila the Hun
Let us take a closer look at who Attila really was, separating the historical figure from the centuries of legend that grew up around him.
Bottoms Up! 12 Surprising Facts About Beer!
Twelve fascinating facts about the ancient alcoholic drink known simply as - beer.
5:06
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.
16 Delightful Hidden Details Found in Everyday Objects
Sometimes, when taking a closer look, seemingly-ordinary objects may reveal cool little hidden details, as these photos prove.
2:50
Laugh Out Loud With This Funny String Quartet Performance
Watch this truly hilarious musical performance by comedy string quartet known as the MozART group.
These Inventors Changed the World Forever
These inventors changed the world with their inventions, but can you name any of them? Here are 8 little-known inventors that changed the world.
Wow! This Courageous Man Survived at Sea for 438 Days!
Salvador Alvarenga was lost at sea for 438 days. This is the story of his survival.
Find Inspiration in These Amazing Japanese Sayings
These beautiful Japanese proverbs offer invaluable lessons on love, life, and wisdom.
Inspire Friends and Loved Ones With These Great Greetings
Show your friends that you're thinking of them today with an inspiring greeting!
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.
