History

July 30, 2024

Take a Look at the Evolution of the Olympic Torch Through the Years

The Olympic torch relay is one of the most exciting events leading up to the games. Inspired by the ancient iterations of the games, the Olympic flame travels from Olympia, Greece, to the host city, passing through multiple, carefully selected people's hands. And much like the logo and the mascot, each organizing committee gets to design its own torch.

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July 4, 2024

During World War II, Parachuting Pigeons Carried Messages to French Resistance

World War II saw technological and scientific advancements, like penicillin or the radar, that we still use today. But the war also saw the troops turn to more unorthodox methods for coordination. Among these was the use of pigeons to deliver messages. Many of them were strapped to tiny parachutes and placed in crates that were later dropped behind enemy lines in occupied France.

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June 29, 2024

Fascinating 18th-Century Letters Detail Life as a Twenty-Something Living in London

London is a historic city full of relics of the past. But modern minds may find it difficult to feel transported to the bustling wharfs full of merchants and sailors, the Inns of Court with wigged lawyers boasting ink-stained fingers, or the enormous parks through which the noble and plebeian alike would parade in nice weather. In the early 18th century, London was already a rapidly growing city of about 680,000 people.

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June 15, 2024

Ancient Library in Tibet Creating Digital Archive of Its 84,000 Scriptures

Tibet's Sakya Monastery is home to many wonders. Founded in 1073, its collection includes some of the oldest Tibetan artwork, as well as 84,000 ancient manuscripts and books. Given its remote location, the contents of this library may seem out of reach for international scholars. Luckily, in an attempt to preserve these ancient documents, the Sakya Monastery Library began digitizing its assets in 2011 and is well underway in its mission.

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