1. Percy Fawcett In the 1920s, British explorer Percy Fawcett set out into the Amazon with his son and a friend in search of a legendary lost city he called “Z.” He was convinced that deep within Brazil’s jungles lay […]

1. The Dancing Plague of 1518 In the summer of 1518, residents of Strasbourg were struck by a bizarre phenomenon where people danced uncontrollably in the streets. It started with one woman and soon spread to dozens, with some reportedly

1. Knocking on Wood This little habit goes back to ancient cultures who believed spirits lived inside trees. By knocking, people thought they could call on those good spirits for protection, or even scare away bad ones that might be

1. Pennsylvania Station, New York City Penn Station was once a crown jewel of New York, with its soaring columns and grand marble halls that echoed with the footsteps of millions of travelers. Completed in 1910, it was one of

1. Mercury-Laced Teething Powders In the 1800s, parents gave their babies teething powders to ease discomfort. What they didn’t know was that these powders often contained calomel, a compound of mercury. At the time, mercury was believed to have cleansing

1. Calf’s Foot Jelly Back in the 1800s, people considered calf’s foot jelly a delicacy, but it was far from the kind of jelly we think of today. This dish was made by boiling calves’ feet until the collagen turned

1. Passing Around Illegal Substances Like Candy Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, it wasn’t just the music that made concerts an unforgettable experience—it was the completely unregulated party atmosphere. Fans openly passed around joints, pills, and other substances without