History
Follow the latest History news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
May 31, 2025 at 1:32 AM

Exploring centuries-old Kabuki theater in Japan and their booming Kawaii culture 

ABC News’ Juju Chang alongside Broadway’s Don Darryl dives into the culture of Japan with a rare glimpse inside the world-renowned Kabuki theater, Kabukiza.
May 31, 2025 at 1:32 AM
VIDEO: Exploring centuries-old Kabuki theater in Japan and their booming Kawaii culture 
May 29, 2025 at 10:09 PM

85-million-year-old fossils found in North America reveal new species of sea monster

A prehistoric sea monster never-before-known to man was hunting prey in North America 85 million years ago, fossils found decades ago in Canada reveal.
May 29, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Two individuals of Traskasaura sandrae hunt the ammonite Pachydiscus in the northern Pacific during the Late Cretaceous. Traskasaura sandrae, named today in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology, was declared the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia in 2023.
May 28, 2025 at 12:24 PM

After 15-year battle, Harvard agrees in settlement to relinquish early slave photos

Harvard University will relinquish 175-year-old photographs believed to be the earliest taken of enslaved people
May 28, 2025 at 12:24 PM
FILE - Tamara Lanier attends a news conference near the Harvard Club, on March 20, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
May 28, 2025 at 3:26 AM

Berlin presents bid to rehost Olympics with 100th anniversary of 1936 Games looming

Berlin has formally presented its bid to rehost the Olympic Games
May 28, 2025 at 3:26 AM
FILE - The sun sets behind the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)
May 27, 2025 at 3:35 PM

Scientists date the oldest known tools made from whale bones to 20,000 years ago

Scientists have pinpointed the oldest known evidence of humans making tools from whale bone
May 27, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This image provided by Jean-Marc Pétillon shows an excavation, in which several dozen whale bone objects were discovered, led by Christian Normand in 2022 in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. (Jean-Marc Pétillon via AP)
May 21, 2025 at 2:06 AM

Evidence of 30-foot ancient sea monster found in US

Geologists working on surveying land in Mississippi stumbled upon an incredible find: the fossil of an ancient marine apex predator considered a "sea dragon" of the time.
May 21, 2025 at 2:06 AM
An illustration of a Mosasaurus.
May 16, 2025 at 4:26 PM

$27 copy of Magna Carta turns out to be the real thing

An original copy of the Magna Carta has been discovered in the archives at Harvard University.
May 16, 2025 at 4:26 PM
This photo provided by Harvard Law School shows a rare copy of the Magna Carta from 1300 sits in a display case on April 15, 2025, at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Mass.
May 14, 2025 at 9:18 PM

Fossils of ancient arthropod shocked paleontologists but not for its 3 eyes

Paleontologists have discovered that a three-eyed sea moth predator lived on Earth half a billion years ago
May 14, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Life reconstruction of the Mosura fentoni.
May 13, 2025 at 11:10 PM

Egypt recovers trove of smuggled ancient artifacts from the US, officials say

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this week it had successfully recovered a rare trove of smuggled artifacts from the United States.
May 13, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Monday it had successfully recovered a rare collection of 25 historical artifacts from the United States.
May 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM

US returns 25 smuggled ancient artifacts to Egypt, officials say

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this week it had successfully recovered a rare trove of smuggled artifacts from the United States.
May 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this week it had successfully recovered a rare trove of smuggled artifacts from the United States.
1 month ago

Black female WWII unit, 'Six Triple Eight,' receive congressional honor

The battalion was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, with two surviving members watching with their families at home and more than 300 descendants at the U.S. Capitol for the ceremony.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Black female WWII unit, 'Six Triple Eight,' receive congressional honor
1 month ago

Only Black female WWII unit receives Congressional Gold Medal

Only Black female WWII unit receives Congressional Gold Medal.
1 month ago
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson presents the Congressional Gold Medal for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion to Stanley Earley during a ceremony in Emancipation Hall, April 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
1 month ago

Only Black female WWII unit receives Congressional Gold Medal

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion received the high honor Tuesday.
1 month ago
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion received the high honor Tuesday.
1 month ago

Fisherman finds historic artifacts using high-powered magnet

Evan Woodward, founder of Baltimore’s Magnet Fishing Club, combines his archaeological hobby with the mission of cleaning up his hometown.
1 month ago
Evan Woodward, founder of Baltimore’s Magnet Fishing Club, combines his archaeological hobby with the mission of cleaning up his hometown.
1 month ago

Marking 30 years since Oklahoma City Bombing

Ceri Isfryn, director of National Geographic's "Oklahoma City bombing: One day in America," shares how the docuseries honors the legacy of the tragic attack that took place thirty years ago.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Marking 30 years since Oklahoma City Bombing
1 month ago

Hidden in amber: Ancient 'dirt ant' rewrites evolutionary history

A tiny fossil preserved in 16 million-year-old amber revealed an extinct Caribbean species that mastered the art of camouflage.
1 month ago
 Stock photo of an ant.
2 months ago

Oldest known survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack dies at age 106

Vaughn P. Drake Jr., a Kentuckian believed to be the oldest survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, has died at the age of 106, according to his family.
2 months ago
Vaughn P. Drake Jr., a Kentuckian believed to be the oldest survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, has died at the age of 106, according to his family.
2 months ago

Oldest known survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack dies at age 106

Vaughn P. Drake Jr., a Kentuckian believed to be the oldest survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, has died at the age of 106, according to his family.
2 months ago
An explosion at the Naval Air Station, Ford Island, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
2 months ago

Titanic's final 6.3 seconds: Documentary shares what new technology reveals

An unprecedented two-year scanning project has produced the first-ever "digital twin" of the Titanic wreckage, offering new insights into the 1912 disaster.
2 months ago
The 46,328 tons RMS Titanic of the White Star Line which sank at 2:20 AM Monday morning, April 15 1912, after hitting iceberg in North Atlantic.
2 months ago

NPS restores Harriet Tubman feature on webpage after criticism over removal

Tubman’s photo and quote have been added back to the page after two months.
2 months ago
Harriet Tubman is shown in this 1871 portrait.
2 months ago

Scientists discover 'legless, headless wonder' that predated the dinosaurs

Paleontologists are marveling over a unique fossil of a specimen that pre-dated the dinosaurs, according to new research.
2 months ago
A 444 million-year-old specimen of a primitive marine anthropod was fossilized “inside-out,” with its muscles and guts preseserved in ancient sediment, scientists say.
2 months ago

Woman finds alleged $12 Renoir drawing at Pennsylvania auction

A Pennsylvania woman paid $12 for artwork that could be an original piece by French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
2 months ago
A $12 piece of art bought by a woman in Pennsylvania is believed to be an original Renoir painting.
2 months ago

Daughter of 1st Black Marine: It's 'unbelievable' to see 'my dad caught up in DEI'

Alfreda Masters said she finds it "unbelievable" that the webpage honoring her father's service has been taken down as a part of DEI scrubbing at the Pentagon.
2 months ago
U.S. Marine Alfred Masters is shown in this undated portrait.
2 months ago

Woman’s $12 purchase could be a Renoir masterpiece

Heidi Markow, owner of a Pennsylvania antique store, appears to have found an original work by French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
2 months ago
Heidi Markow, owner of a Pennsylvania antique store, appears to have found an original work by French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
3 months ago

Einstein's blackboard: Why this hidden treasure is tucked away at a UK university

A blackboard at a U.K. university is believed to be the only one of its kind that has both Albert Einstein's scientific notations and his signature.
3 months ago
Painting of Albert Einstein.
3 months ago

Dozens of dinosaur footprints found at Australian school, scientists say

Dozens of dinosaur footprints embedded in a boulder were found hiding in plain sight at an Australian school, according to researchers.
3 months ago
A boulder at a school in Queensland, Australia, contains dozens of dinosaur footprints.
3 months ago

Exploring a 130-year-old shipwreck in Lake Superior

Explorers have discovered the wreck of a cargo ship, the Western Reserve, that sank in a storm over 130 years ago in Lake Superior.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Exploring a 130-year-old shipwreck in Lake Superior
3 months ago

1st look at a new discovery at the Alamo

As the Alamo undergoes restoration in honor of the 189th anniversary of the battle's end, "GMA" shares an exclusive look at an unexpected find that's aiding the process.
3 months ago
VIDEO: 1st look at a new discovery at the Alamo
3 months ago

WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday with 100 candles on cake

A World War II veteran is marking his 100th milestone birthday this February.
3 months ago
World War II veteran Felix Maurizio is turning 100 in February 2025. Maurizio served in the U.S. Navy and returned to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024.
3 months ago

WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

Felix Maurizio celebrated the milestone with a small party and a big cake topped with 100 candles.
3 months ago
VIDEO: WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday
3 months ago

Ancient Egyptian royal tomb discovered, first one in over 100 years

Egypt announced that an ancient tomb was recently discovered, marking the first such royal tomb uncovered in over 100 years, said its Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
3 months ago
An ancient Egyptian tomb belonging to King Thutmose II was discovered through an Egyptian-British archaeological mission, marking the first royal tomb discovery in over 100 years, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
3 months ago

Egypt uncovers first royal tomb in over 100 years

Egypt announced that an ancient tomb was recently discovered, marking the first such royal tomb uncovered in over 100 years, said its Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
3 months ago
Egypt announced that an ancient tomb was recently discovered, marking the first such royal tomb uncovered in over 100 years, said its Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
3 months ago

'Exceptionally rare' fossil of iconic species found with soft tissue still intact

The discovery of a well-preserved fossil is helping researchers learn more about an iconic Jurassic-period species.
3 months ago
A styxosaurus, a plesiosaur of the Cretaceous era in an artist rendering.
3 months ago

Ruby Bridges discusses her new book, teacher who changed her life

ABC News’ Linsey Davis speaks with civil rights activist Ruby Bridges about her latest book, “Ruby Bridges: A Talk With My Teacher.”
3 months ago
Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges discusses her new book and diversity in education.
3 months ago

Fish species thought to be extinct for 85 years rediscovered

Researchers have rediscovered a rare fish species presumed to be extinct after it was not seen for more than eight decades.
3 months ago
Rangeet River and meeting Teesta River
4 months ago

Over 160 unexploded bombs from World War II found under children's playground

Over 160 unexploded practice bombs dating all the way back to World War II have been discovered underneath a children’s playground in the United Kingdom, officials said.
4 months ago
4 months ago

Classified JFK assassination files could be released soon. Here's why

JFK assassination files are one step closer to possible public release per a President Trump executive order to declassify them.
4 months ago
President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Nov. 22, 1963.
4 months ago

2,000-year-old Greek marble statue found discarded in the trash, police say

Greek authorities investigating the statue's mysterious appearance say it dates back to the Hellenistic period between 323 B.C. and 31 B.C.
4 months ago
A statue from the Hellenistic period found in an area of ​​Thessaloniki, Greece.
4 months ago

New Orleans official gives update on historic snowstorm on Gulf Coast

Collin Arnold, New Orleans Homeland Security Director, talks about the once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm that hit the Gulf Coast this week.
4 months ago
VIDEO: New Orleans official gives update on historic snowstorm on Gulf Coast
5 months ago

Local landmarks lost and damaged by raging Los Angeles fires

As fires continue to burn through Southern California, some of the region's landmarks have been burned or destroyed by the blazes.
5 months ago
A Berkshire Hathaway office is left in smoldering ashes during the Palisade fire in the Palisade village area of the Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2025.
5 months ago

Prehistoric mastodon jaw found in backyard of New York home

A backyard in Orange County, New York, became the site of an incredible discovery of a complete mastodon jaw -- the first find like it in New York in more than 11 years.
5 months ago
A backyard in Orange County, New York, became the site of an incredible discovery of a complete mastodon jaw -- the first find like it in New York in more than 11 years.
6 months ago

Neanderthals likely began 'mixing' with modern humans later than previously thought

Scientists have pinpointed a time frame in which Neanderthals began "mixing" with modern humans, based on DNA of early inhabitants of Europe.
6 months ago
Around 45,000 years ago, individuals from Ranis in Germany and Zlatý kůň in Czechia likely traveled together across the open steppe landscapes of Europe.
6 months ago

Remembering Motorcycle Mary

Mary McGee, who became the first woman to compete in grueling motocross races in the U.S. and internationally, died this week at age 87.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Remembering Motorcycle Mary
7 months ago

Capt. Lacie Hester shot down an Iranian fleet of drones. She earned the Silver Star

The Air Force's first female airman received the Silver Star for her role in shooting down dozens of Iranian drones headed to Israel.
7 months ago
U.S. Air Force Capt. Lacie Hester, 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E weapon systems operator, is congratulated by fellow decoration recipients after receiving the Silver Star during a ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, England, Nov. 12, 2024.
7 months ago

Malcolm X's family files $100 million lawsuit, claims cover-up of his murder

Malcolm X’s daughter and her lawyers announced they filed a $100 million lawsuit against the US government on Friday for the assassination of the Black resistance leader.
7 months ago
Malcolm X gestures during a speech at a rally.
7 months ago

Well-preserved remains of saber-toothed kitten found frozen in Russian tundra

Scientists have discovered a pristine fossil of a mummified saber-toothed kitten that had been frozen in the Russian tundra for about 37,000 years.
7 months ago
A sabre tooth tiger is pictured in this illustration.
7 months ago

Survivor of Tulsa Race Massacre celebrates her 110th birthday

Lessie Benningfield Randle, one of the two last known living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, celebrated her 110th birthday on Nov. 10.
7 months ago
Hughes Van Ellis, 100, Lessie Benningfield Randle, 106, also known as Mother Randle, and Viola Fletcher, 107, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre and older sister of Van Ellis, attend the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival 2021 in Tulsa, Okla., May 28, 2021.
7 months ago

The alleged plot to steal Elvis’ Graceland

ABC News’ Josh Margolin explains how Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie Presley, was used in a fraud scheme to steal the King of Rock and Roll’s iconic Graceland home.
7 months ago
VIDEO: The alleged plot to steal Elvis’ Graceland
8 months ago

Members of 'Little Rock Nine' reflect on 70 years since Brown v. Board of Education

The "Little Rock Nine" were the first African American students to attend Little Rock Central High School following Brown v. Board.
8 months ago
Nine Black students attending Central High School are shown leaving the school under protection of Federalized Arkansas National Guardsmen, Oct. 9, 1957, in Little Rock, Ark.
8 months ago

Tropicana Hotel imploded after 67 years on Las Vegas Strip

The historic hotel and casino in Las Vegas was imploded in a controlled blast overnight to make way for a new ballpark for the Las Vegas Athletics.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Tropicana Hotel imploded at 67 years