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World History

Does history really repeat itself, or can we learn from the mistakes of those who came before us? History provides a chronological, statistical, and cultural record of the events, people, and movements that have made an impact on humankind and the world at large throughout the ages.
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Featured content, March 29, 2024

Who Were the Assassins?
Outlandish tales about a sect known as the Assassins were a staple of European lore about the Middle East. But were they...
How did Greek culture influence Hadrian?
How did Greek culture influence Hadrian?
5 Wacky Facts about the Births and Deaths of U.S. Presidents
Some presidents have more in common than you thought.
The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 Was Sci-Fi Passed Off as News
On August 25, 1835, the New York Sun began running a satiric story about life on the Moon. The problem? People believed...
Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire, which survived for a thousand years after the western half had crumbled...
Mexican Revolution
Mexican Revolution, (1910–20), a long and bloody struggle among several factions in constantly shifting alliances which resulted...
Seven Years’ War
Seven Years’ War, (1756–63), the last major conflict before the French Revolution to involve all the great powers of Europe....
Thirty Years’ War
Thirty Years’ War, (1618–48), in European history, a series of wars fought by various nations for various reasons, including...

World History Quizzes

More Than Just Vikings: Swedish History Quiz
Who was the “Theatre King,” a keen patron of the arts who founded the first opera company in Stockholm? Who was the only...
Native American History Quiz
Who was the Shawnee chief, orator, military leader, and advocate of intertribal Indian alliance who directed resistance...
Archaeology: Great Discoveries Quiz
What is the name of the largest religious structure in the world? Who is considered the father of Egyptian archaeology? Test...
The Victorian England Quiz: Art, Literature, and Life
Which children’s author and mathematician wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? Which libel suit resulted in one...
Slavery and Resistance Through History Quiz
How many U.S. presidents owned slaves during their lifetimes? In 1839 who led the mutiny of 53 enslaved people on the Spanish...
Do You Know These African American Innovators? Quiz
Who was the first African American woman granted a U.S. patent? Which African American explorer was the first known human...
Famous Dogs in History Quiz
Which dog inspired a song on a Beatles album? Who was the first dog to cross the United States in an automobile? Test your...
Famous Deaths in History Quiz 
Which Russian poet was fatally wounded in a duel with his brother-in-law? Whose death was caused by the tooth of a decapitated...
Archaeology: Digging and Scraping Quiz
What is the scientific discipline concerned with dating and interpreting past events according to the...
Women's Headgear Through the Ages
Which women’s headdress was worn over the head and around the neck, cheeks, and chin? Which hat has a broad brim that...
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World History Subcategories

Chile earthquake of 2010 Accidents & Disasters
Nature isn’t always peaceful and idyllic. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other powerful natural phenomena can have devastating consequences on communities and regions throughout the world. But nature is far from the only instigator of large-scale misfortune; human-made disasters and tragedies, both accidental and intentional, can cause significant misery, damage, and loss of life.
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Louis XVI: execution by guillotine Age of Revolutions
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ancient Middle East The Ancient World
The modern world may look very different from the world that existed in the time of ancient civilizations, but our modern-day life continues to show the influence of cultures, traditions, ideas, and innovations from hundreds of years ago. Learn more about important historical civilizations, sites, people, and events.
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Livy Historians
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branches of the Medici family Historic Dynasties & Families
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subcategory placeholder Historic Nobility
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David Livingstone. Global Exploration
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subcategory placeholder The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages comprise the period in European history that began with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE and lasted until the dawn of the Renaissance in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century. This interval of time saw the development of the Gothic style of art and architecture, flying buttresses and all. It was also the era of the Crusades and of papal monarchy, and it was during this period that the idea of Europe as a distinct cultural unit emerged.
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Kemal Atatürk Military Leaders
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Kindertransport The Modern World
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Mississippian culture: Ocmulgee National Monument Prehistoric Age
The prehistoric age covers the millions of years that took place before human beings began to create written records of their life and of the world in which they lived. Archaeology and similar fields of study allow us to fill in the gaps and piece together an image of what life was like for our ancestors, including what kinds of flora and fauna they might have encountered.
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Pearl Harbor attack United States History
As with most nations, the history of the United States contains a number of twists and turns throughout the centuries, from the time of the English colonization of North America up to the modern-day America that we're familiar with. Learn more about the people, events, and movements that left an indelible mark in history and shaped the development of the United States as a nation.
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World War I Wars, Battles & Armed Conflicts
Wars, battles, and other domestic or international conflicts, whether armed or diplomatic, are often the outcome of a dispute over natural resources or a struggle for power, influence, and wealth. Major conflicts between nations, peoples, and political groups can end up shifting the cultural and political geography of the world and can also effect change, whether intentional or not, in societal values and the balance of power.
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