Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, January 12, 2022)Word of the Day | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
undulate
|
Article of the Day | |
---|---|
The Nestorian SteleThe Nestorian Stele is an ancient stone artifact that reveals a Christian presence in 7th-century China. The Christian sect of Nestorianism originated in 5th-century Constantinople and reached China through missionaries. Inscribed in both Chinese and Syriac, the almost 10-foot (3-m) limestone stele, or stone slab, describes the existence of Christian communities in northern China and reveals that the Emperor Taizong had recognized Christianity by 635 CE. When was the stele unearthed? More... |
This Day in History | |
---|---|
The Caves of Nerja Are Rediscovered (1959)One of Spain's major tourist attractions is the Caves of Nerja, a series of caverns near the town of Nerja in the Province of Málaga. The caves were inhabited by prehistoric peoples, who left their mark in the form of paintings and other artifacts. Today, visitors can tour parts of the caves' three galleries and view skeletons and other items on display there. Concerts are also regularly held in one of the caves' many chambers. How did five friends inadvertently rediscover the caves in 1959? More... |
Today's Birthday | |
---|---|
Spiridon Louis (1873)Following the decision to revive the Olympic Games at the end of the 19th century, all eyes were on Athens, where the first modern games were held in 1896. Greek competitor Spiridon Louis won the first marathon event of the games and instantly became a national hero. He was first across the finish despite having allegedly taken a break from the race to have a glass of wine at an inn. It helped that some of his competitors collapsed along the way. Why was the third-place finisher disqualified? More... |
Quotation of the Day | |
---|---|
A word which some lexicographer has marked obsolete is ever thereafter an object of dread and loathing to the fool writer, but if it is a good word and has no exact modern equivalent equally good, it is good enough for the good writer. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) |
Idiom of the Day | |
---|---|
inopportune moment— An unfortunate or inconvenient moment in time. More... |
Today's Holiday | |
---|---|
Hostos Day (2023)Eugenio Maria de Hostos (1839-1903) was a Puerto Rican philosopher and patriot who became a leader of the opposition to Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century. He campaigned for the education of women in Brazil, and his books on law and education triggered reforms in other Latin American countries. He even sponsored the first railroad between Chile and Argentina, across the Andes Mountains. The anniversary of his birth is observed as a public holiday in Puerto Rico on the second Monday in January. More... |