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In Japan, an Emperor Constrained by History and a National Identity Crisis

Since his reign began in 1989, Emperor Akihito has often embodied Japan’s contradiction: a pacifist nation and an imperial past.

More than just an apology for the Herero massacres

In a landmark admission of historical guilt, Germany is set to apologize for the massacre of 100,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama people in Namibia by German troops between 1904 and 1908.

U.S. Policy in Argentina Declassified

The records document repression in Argentina during the years the country was run by the military.

Michael Jordan pledges $5 million to African-American history museum

In recognition of the gift, the museum will name a section of its sports gallery after Jordan.

Excavate History? WWII-Era Tunnel Unearths Story of Lithuania's Jews

The discovery of the tunnel dug by Jews to escape extermination by the Nazis raises hopes—and disturbing questions.

My Grandfather: Scapegoat for a Century of Middle East Madness

by Christopher Simon Sykes

The Sykes-Picot Agreement, signed 100 years ago, led to disasters in the Mideast. Yet, as Sykes’s grandson and biographer tells us, Sykes himself was a young idealist.

Erdogan crackdown includes book burning

Libraries are being required to remove books by banned publishers.  

A Clue to Raoul Wallenberg’s Fate

It was buried in a hidden KGB memoir that’s just come to light.

How Hitler Invented the Olympic Torch

It was the brainchild of the organizer of the Berlin Olympics.

Possible 6th-Century Palace Found at Site Linked to King Arthur

Following a two-week excavation, English archaeologists working at a site reported to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur have unearthed massive walls that might have been part of a royal palace complex.

Scientific Evidence of Flood May Give Credence to Legend of China’s First Dynasty

Historians have long wondered whether the Great Flood was a myth, but archaeologists and geologists have discovered data about a dam that supports the story.

Daily Beast says Olympics Black Power athletes are owed an apology

"After Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in silent protest, sports legend Brent Musburger wrote a hateful screed comparing them to Nazis. It’s time for him to say ‘sorry.’ "

Democrats played up the flag at their convention. Was that risky?

Research suggests that exposing voters to flags will trigger pro-GOP feelings.

University of Wisconsin-Stout Moves to Censor Paintings of First Nations People

Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout has announced two of three historic paintings depicting interactions between white traders and First Nations people are to be removed from public view because of their potentially "harmful effect" on students and other viewers.

Smoke Tolerance Key to Humans Outlasting Neanderthals

Scientists claim to have found a unique genetic mutation that allowed humans to adapt to smoke exposure from fires.

New website allows white people to offer ‘reparations’ directly to people of color

The site isn’t about atoning for slavery, says its creator, Seattle-based artist Natasha Marin.

Rio de Janeiro’s Forgotten Legacy of Slavery Shadows the Olympics

More than 2 million slaves came through Rio de Janeiro.

Jesse Owens Wasn’t Alone: New Film Explores Untold Story of the 17 Other Black Olympians of 1936

The director of the documentary Olympic Pride, American Prejudice recalls the obstacles she encountered in telling the stories of these unsung athletes.

Black Lives Matter coalition demands reparations

It’s one of their six platform demands.

What Happened When Hitler Hosted the Olympics 80 Years Ago

As Hitler rose to power in Germany and barred Jewish athletes from competing in the summer games, many considered skipping the Olympics