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.
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...
INTERACTIVE: The Musings of Philosophers Through the Ages
The great thinkers have imbued the world with greater knowledge and different perspectives. Learn about what the wisest men in history had to say.
6:56
The Fascinating Tricks Behind 1920 Movie Stunts
Prepare to be amazed by the masters of 1920s movie magic.
10:54
The Fascinating Lives of Medieval Jesters
This video will take you on a journey through the Middle Ages and the important but highly underplayed role of the Jesters
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!
27:39
5 Terribly Disastrous First Contact Stories from History
Each story is a lesson in misread intentions, power struggles, and the high stakes of meeting the unknown. Watch how these pivotal moments shaped the world.
16:36
15 Unusual Musical Instruments From Around the World
These are perhaps the most peculiar musical instruments you could possibly imagine.
17 Historical Photos That Tell Unforgettable Stories
We’ve gathered 17 fascinating photos and facts that offer a unique glimpse into the past.
20 Mind-Blowing Facts That Sound Completely Made Up
You won't believe how crazy these crazy facts are.
The Past Was a Surprising and Truly Strange Time...
Here are some truly weird things that people used to do in the past from days gone by.
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.
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...
7 Odd Moments in History That Sound Too Surreal Today
Learn about some truly unusual and bizarre events from history that would have probably broken the Internet if they happened today.
12 Beautiful Plants That Will Transform Your Windows
Brighten your home with these gorgeous window plants.
These Archeological Finds Continue to Baffle Researchers
Some archeological discoveries that have been made simply cannot be explained away by modern researchers. Here are 15 of these baffling finds.
15:33
Does Regrowing Vegetables From Scraps Actually Work?
You're likely aware that you can regrow certain vegetables using scraps. But the real question is, does this method work for every type of vegetable?
The Mongol Empire: Rise, Expansion, and Legacy
What follows is a narrative overview of the Mongol Empire – from its tribal origins and unification under Genghis Khan, to its gradual decline and lasting impact on world history.
48:04
Documentary: Uncovering the Mystery Surrounding Pompeii
This fascinating documentary reveals the terrible truth of what happened to the people of Pompeii on that fated day...
10:27
The Story of the Green Beret Who Went On a Saving Rampage
The unbelievable story of one man who went on a movie-like rampage to save his comrades in arms.
10 Insightful Greek Proverbs You've Never Heard Of
Take a look at some common Greek proverbs that are full of wisdom.
The Real Bonnie and Clyde: 7 Facts About the Outlaw Couple
Media depicts them as glamourous, fearless outlaws. But what was behind the myth of Bonnie and Clyde? These 7 lesser-known facts tell their story.
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!
24:30
21 Fascinating Facts About Word Origins You Never Knew
Linguist Gareth Roberts provides some fascinating insights into the origins of different words.
How Many of These Extraordinary History Facts Do You Know?
We bet that you didn't learn these history facts at school.
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...
15 Super-Interesting Facts that Will Surprise You
These surprising historical facts will supply a meaty meal for anecdote and history lovers alike. It's so much fun to learn those small details about days gone by.
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
14 Dizzying Optical Illusions That Move and Confuse You
All of these optical illusions are completely static, but your brain will try to convince you otherwise!
5:36
The Most Beautiful Guitar Rendition of 'Moonlight' Sonata
Polish guitarist Marcin Patrzalek performs Beethoven's famous 'Moonlight' Sonata.
20 Nostalgic Images of Circulating Libraries
Way before Amazon, the visit of the bookmobile was one of the most exciting moments. These 20 nostalgic images capture the circulating libraries of the past.
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.
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!
10 Words that Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
These meaning of words we know today used to have an opposite meaning when they were first used.
21:24
True Crime Story: The Shotgun Booby-Trap
The case of Bertha Briney and the house that was booby trapped with a shotgun...
Inspire Friends and Loved Ones With These Great Greetings
Show your friends that you're thinking of them today with an inspiring greeting!
Collection: The Most Influential People In History
The collection before you is one that celebrates the most incredible people in history that inspire, motivate, amaze us and show us the way.
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.
Creative Shopping Ideas You’ll Wish Were Everywhere
These stores are setting new standards for what shopping should feel like.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
11 Clever Contronyms - Same Word, Opposite Meanings
Have you ever heard of contronyms? Here’s a hint - these are words that contradict themselves.
5 Ancient Ruins Brought to Life Again With Modern Tech
Take a look at the digital remakes of five important world heritage sites and also learn about their fascinating history.
The USA 115 Years Ago... What Was It LIKE?
We take so much for granted in the modern world. Read through these astonishing facts and realize just how different life was in the US back in 1910.
11:28
Weaponry in the Middle Ages Was Truly Fascinating!
Weapons in the Middle Ages were truly unusual and extraordinary. Some were so remarkable that they sound made up!
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!
The World Is Full of Interesting Curiosities, Take a Look
This collection of photos illustrates some surprises you've likely never seen before.
These Inventors Absolutely Hate Their Creations
These 7 inventions became world famous and even world changing... yet their inventors deeply regret them.
These Short Classics Will be Perfect for a Weekend Read
These famous classic books are so short that you will easily wrap them up in a weekend.
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