There is a common perception that science is a modern invention with roots in the ancient Greek world. While the Greeks pioneered the kind of theoretical thinking that characterizes modern science, before the Greeks, people used practical science. The ancient Egyptians developed mathematics, astronomy, engineering, and medicine. It enabled them to build their pyramids […]

Sumptuary laws limited many of the clothing items that the lower and middle classes could wear. Politics often played an important role in how people dressed—from dressing to conform to social class expectations to making political statements about one’s government role or adversaries. Influences from other countries were common amongst high-standing nobles. Clothing reflects […]

South America is blessed with some of the most exquisite natural wonders on earth. While historical sites like Machu Picchu in Peru get all the attention, it is the continent’s nature reserves that should steal the show. The continent’s hundreds of national parks encompass everything from majestic mountains and glaciers to jaw-dropping waterfalls, the […]

Yesterday, the first evening of Christie’s May marquee week in New York began with the sale of 38 works from the collection of Barnes & Noble founder Leonard Riggio and his wife Louise. The Riggio collection is the most valuable single-owner collection to hit the auction block in the past year.   The Leonard […]