architecture How European bridges were built in the 14th century Gareth Branwyn

History Japan's greatest sword was surrendered to a US sergeant in 1946. Nobody knows where it is. Ellsworth Toohey

language Old English word of the day Rob Beschizza

Games Medieval tragic lesbian combat adventure is a bit of a slog Rob Beschizza

sculpture Victorian valentines hid love notes inside intricate paper sculptures Popkin

kexp Pakistani maestro showcases 49-note microtonal singing Jennifer Sandlin

food science Food historian reveals how salt transformed civilizations and sparked Gandhi's rebellion Ellsworth Toohey

music Renaissance madrigal cover of "Birdhouse in Your Soul" is perfect Jennifer Sandlin

art Celestial Phenomenon Over Nuremberg, April 14th, 1561: a fascinating woodcut and mystery Popkin

travel Lithuania's Hill of Crosses has more than 100,000 of them Popkin

art Films, books and artwork entering the public domain in 2025 Rob Beschizza

mysteries Star jelly: a mysterious substance that has confounded the best minds for centuries Mark Frauenfelder

pets Medieval pet names included Sturdy, Nosewise, Tibert, and Meone Jennifer Sandlin

art St. George's Church is home to 30 beautiful ghost sculptures Popkin

History Vintage video shows Gothic armor was surprisingly flexible Grant St. Clair

trump Trump's name is perfect for him: a "braying, bumptious mountebank" who repeatedly fleeces his gullible marks Mark Frauenfelder

france Human-shaped lead sarcophagus found under the floor of Notre Dame Cathedral to be opened. Cue heavy metal music. David Pescovitz

archaeology Strange jaguar skeleton surrounded by starfish discovered in Mexico City David Pescovitz

COVID-19 Dracula's Castle in Romania now offering COVID-19 vaccines Thom Dunn

History Getting Dressed in the 14th Century Gareth Branwyn