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.
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.
Can You Guess the English Word With Over 600 Meanings?
The English language has been around for so many centuries, it has gathered quite an elusive and industrious history, as seen in these facts
All the Best TED Talks On Our Site Are Now In One Place!
TED is a source of plenty of wisdom, and this next collection of TED Talks is no exception. Are you ready for some serious knowledge? Come and take a look!
Historical Overview: Timeline of the US Healthcare System
This interactive infographic reviews the historical eras in USA healthcare since 1943 and until today.
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
9 Recent Health Warnings You Should Know About!
You should definitely know these health warning signs, because doing so could actually save your life. Enjoy this interactive collection today.
59:00
The History Behind Halloween Isn't Quite What You Think...
If you've ever wondered what the origin of Halloween is and what all the fuss about pumpkins, fancy dress, and trick-or-treating is all about, then you should definitely give this documentary a watch.
When This 90-Year-Old Got Cancer She Did Something Amazing
90-year-old Norma wasn't interested in conventional treatment when she got cancer, instead she hit the open road for the time of her life.
You’ve Probably Been Mistaking These Foods for Each Other
In this article, we will look at a few food pairs that have commonly confused all of us.and help you tell the difference between them.
These 14 Photos Are All Remarkable For Different Reasons
There are some photos we come across that just compel us to take a second look, and these 14 are no exception. Take a look!
12:48
The Most Unbelievable Land Boom in US History
Miami Beach started as a swampy island, and that is just one bit of Florida's fascinating history.
25 Incredibly Rare Vintage Pictures You’ll Love to See
It’s time to travel back in time and enjoy some fascinating historical pictures.
53:06
Full Documentary: Exploring The Lost City of Petra
Petra is famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture, as well as for its fascinating water conduit system. Learn about this historical city in this video.
Our Weather is Crazy: 20 Facts You Won't Believe!
These facts will put any curiosities that you may have about the weather to rest.
8:29
Watch the Oldest Recorded Footage of New York City
Watch super-rare footage of old NYC that goes back to the late 1800's, complete with a corresponding map to show you where exactly it was shot from.
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
4:12
This Video is a Must for All History Buffs!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
10 Things You Didn't Know Were Invented By Native Americans
Learn about some super useful inventions that the Native Americans contributed to the world.
Mysteries From Ancient History Science Still Can’t Explain
From buried treasures to undeciphered languages, this list contains 8 perplexing ancient mysteries.
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.
Growing Up Online: The Effect of Social Media on the Young
Increasingly, the research is pointing to a clear answer, and the evidence is becoming difficult to dismiss.
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
20:44
Of the Transformative Power of Classical Music...
A fascinating TED talk by Benjamin Zander.
Amazing History: The Man Who Took Down a Plane With a Gun
Owen Baggett is the only man ever to live known to have shot down a fighter plane using nothing but a handgun. Read his incredible story right here.
1:25
This Beautifully Restored Video Makes the 1930s Come Alive
This brilliantly restored video from 1939 features a lively scene of women swing-dancing the Lindy Hop.
10 Decisions That Changed World History Forever
Did you know that world history has often been changed by decisions that were taken in a split second? Here are 10 that changed world history forever.
Wedding Invitations So Clever You’ll Immediately Say Yes
Some wedding invitations are pretty bland, but not these genius creations. Here are 17 invitations that no one would ever turn down.
0:44
Baby Ducks Make for Poor Students!
Poor Little Duckling Trying to Stay Awake...
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
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?
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
12 Fascinating Facts About World War II
These snippets peel back the textbook narrative to reveal humanity, ingenuity, and sheer absurdity beneath the battles.
History Can Be Ironic & These 12 Stories Prove Just That...
These 12 short stories from world history are strange, tragic, but most importantly, utterly ironic...
6 Creepy Mysteries the World Never Solved
There are some mysteries that, despite scientists’ best attempts, still remain unsolved to this day. Here are 6 such mysteries.
15 Perceptive One-Liners by the Great Charles Darwin
Here are some profound pieces of wisdom from Charles Darwin, the father of evolution.
Peek Inside This Historical Photo Album of Famous Faces
Here are some famous people, photographed in their younger days
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!
19 Funny Old English Phrases We Should Really Bring Back!
It's high time that these words make a comeback.
These Vintage Photos are Both Funny & Bizarre!
Check out these 15 weird sights from the past, which you certainly won't see nowadays!
The Greatest Unsolved Puzzles in History
Will these great puzzles of history ever get solved?
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.
12:42
Let a Violin Rockstar Brighten Your Day
Professional violin player Ji-Hae's mission to bring beautiful music to everyone.
6:48
Saffron - the Most Expensive Spice on Earth
Most of us can't even get our hands of this rare and expensive spice - saffron. But why is it so exclusive and pricey to begin with? Find out here
Spooky! Science Can't Explain These 8 Phenomena
Here are some of the most common inexplicable phenomena - from ghosts to man-like beasts, to unexplained feats of the mind itself.
4:35
Full Documentary: The Real Story of Thanksgiving
Discover the real history behind the most popular holiday in the USA, through this fascinating documentary, courtesy of the History Channel.
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.
