Witch or saint? Who was Joan of Arc, really?
Heroine, martyr, and saint, Joan of Arc has been an incarnation of French national identity and pride for six centuries. Known as the Maid of Orléans for her role in the defeat of the English in 1429, Joan of Arc was later executed by her enemies for heresy. She was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint more than 500 years later, and remains one of France's most revered and celebrated figures. Indeed, her death on May 30, 1431, is commemorated annually as a national feast day. But who was Joan of Arc, and why is her life so ingrained in the country's national psyche? Click through and find out more about the Maid of Orléans.
2023-11-04T11:09:00Z
Illuminating facts about the Age of Enlightenment
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that occurred in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers in Britain, France, and throughout Europe questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through rational change. Challenging political and religious conventions, the Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery for the movement's core beliefs, and even some of its common misconceptions.
2023-12-15T08:14:39Z
Children and other unbelievable things sent through the mail
The parcel service revolutionized the way people sent stuff around the world. For a fee, individuals could ship all sorts of things across the country, and, in some cases, across borders. While today there are many rules on what can and cannot be posted, which include limits on size, weight, and quantity, in the early days things were a lot more ambiguous, and some people certainly took advantage of this fact! From parents posting their children to body parts being shipped out, in this gallery you'll get to know all about the weird stuff sent through the post. Click on for more.
2023-12-19T11:06:17Z
Astrotourism: Visit these incredible dark sky reserves around the world
In many parts of the world, especially those most densely populated, it's becoming increasingly difficult to be able to view the galaxy surrounding us in all its primordial glory, like our ancestors could for millennia. Rising levels of industry emissions and light pollution have obstructed many people's ability see one of the universe’s greatest and most awe-inspiring nightly gifts: a sky full of stars. Fortunately, organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are working to preserve the night sky for its cultural, environmental, and scientific value, by working with countries around the world to designate protected dark sky reserves and parks. Even more fortunately, many of these places are also being made accessible for visitors, prompting a forthcoming "astrotourism" trend. An area can earn its designation by meeting a minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, plus an evaluation of the peripheral area, which should also support dark sky preservation. Many of these reserves and parks also offer specific stargazing-related education opportunities, so they're perfect even for those who don't know much about it! Click through to see some of the most beautiful places to witness the dark sky with its original illumination.
2024-04-18T14:49:52Z