Historical Figures

Japan's Emperor Hirohito reigned for more than 60 years, and his tenure included World War II. Although he was never prosecuted for war crimes, many historians say he should have been.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

At age 23, Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, aka Annie Londonderry, set out on an around-the-world cycling adventure. Why did she do it and did she make it?

By Patty Rasmussen

Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl is best-known for penning "Man's Search for Meaning," after surviving three years in Nazi concentration camps. This book has been a beacon of hope to millions over the years.

By Dave Roos

Chief Plenty Coups was chosen to represent all Native Americans at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was a fitting honor for a brave and courageous leader of his people.

By Dave Roos

One of the most quoted (and misquoted) African American women, Maya Angelou's words and works resounded with people of all ages and stages in life. Here are five quotes that explain why.

By Yves Jeffcoat

They called her crazy. Even drugged her and kidnapped her to keep her silent. But in the end, she was always right.

By Dave Roos

Pontius Pilate is best known in the Bible as the Roman governor who gave in to the crowd's demands to have Jesus executed. But contemporary historians don't have much good to say about him either.

By Dave Roos

At just 21, Sophie Scholl fought a murderous regime — not with guns and grenades, but with ideas and ideals. This ultimately led to her execution.

By Dave Roos

On Aug 22, 1781, the court ordered that Mum Bett, later known as Elizabeth Freeman, should be emancipated from slavery. She was the first enslaved black woman to sue for her freedom and win.

By Yves Jeffcoat

Brutus' name has become synonymous with "traitor." But did he have a good reason to kill Julius Caesar? And what about their surprising 'family' relationship?

By Dave Roos

Abigail Adams was the first second lady and second first lady of the United States. But her legacy goes much beyond being wife to President John Adams. See why what made her known as one of the "founding mothers."

By Patty Rasmussen

How this forgotten cowboy king of the Wild West lived isn't so much a secret. It's how Johnny Ringo died that's still shrouded in mystery.

By Joanna Thompson

Anne Bonny was an Irish marauder whose brief period of piracy in the 18th century Caribbean enshrined her in legend as one of the few documented female pirates in history.

By Mark Mancini

Before being executed in 1860 for his misadventures, William Walker, known as a 'filibuster,' raised a private army and briefly installed himself as the president of Nicaragua.

By Dave Roos

From Athelstan, who held off the Viking invaders of Britain, to Sobhuza, the longest-serving king of Eswatni (formerly Swaziland), here are 25 of the world's longest-serving monarchs.

By Laurie L. Dove

He's the most decorated American Winter Olympics athlete, with eight Olympic medals. But after he retired from skating at age 28, he had to make a hard pivot and reinvent who he was.

By John Donovan

He's been called the "Jackie Robinson of hockey" and yet hardly anybody knows his name. So who is Willie O'Ree and why is he finally getting his due?

By Thomas J. Whalen

Emma Gatewood became the first solo female thru-hiker of the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail in 1955 at the age of 67.

By Jesslyn Shields

Son of the venerated Marcus Aurelius, Commodus went in the other direction, killing scores of men and exotic animals in gladiatorial bloodbaths and dressing up in a lion's skin.

By Dave Roos

Columnist and investigative reporter Dorothy Kilgallen covered numerous big stories from the 1940s through the 1960s. But her death by overdose in 1965 while investigating the John F. Kennedy assassination remains a subject of controversy.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Oliver Cromwell overthrew the British monarchy and became 'Lord Protector,' but was convicted of treason after he died and beheaded. What happened to his head next is a very strange tale.

By Dave Roos

The distinguished American general was the first Black man to become Secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff. He died Oct. 18 at age 84 after breaking down many barriers for African Americans.

By Chad Williams

Plato called him a "Socrates gone mad." Others nicknamed him "the Dog." Yet there was a method to his madness as he barked hilarious takedowns at passersby. Here are a few of them.

By Dave Roos

How did Vincent van Gogh escape mainstream attention during his lifetime and what changed after his death? Meet the intrepid woman who made van Gogh a household name.

By Alia Hoyt

Frances Kelsey saved countless lives when she decided not to approve a drug for morning sickness in the 1960s. Her instinct was spot-on and has had lasting effects on FDA drug approval ever since.

By Joanna Thompson