Religion

In 1605, the Gunpowder Plot was foiled — a daring plan by Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. Their discovery sparked nationwide relief and celebrations that continue today as Guy Fawkes Day, with fireworks and bonfires marking the night England narrowly escaped disaster.

Rodrigo Borgia’s rise from a Spanish cardinal to Pope Alexander VI was a tale of ambition, desire, and power. His papacy shocked Christendom with open nepotism, notorious affairs, and political intrigue. From the scandalous Banquet of Chestnuts to the ruthless rise of his children, Alexander blurred the line between sacred duty and personal gain, leaving a legacy as one of history’s most infamous popes.

On May 13, 1637, Cardinal Richelieu, the influential French statesman, invented the modern table knife. Prior to this, knives were primarily used for cutting large pieces of food. Richelieu's design featured a rounded tip, making it safer and more refined for dining. His innovation revolutionized eating etiquette, leaving a lasting legacy in the development of dining utensils. The table knife remains a fundamental part of every meal today.

Nicholas Owen, a Jesuit martyr, built secret priest holes to hide clergy in Tudor England—his genius saved lives, but cost him his own.

Vannozza dei Cattanei was one of the most influential women of the Italian Renaissance because of her close ties to the Borgias

Caterina Sforza was a formidable figure of the Italian Renaissance, known for her intelligence, political acumen, and unwavering resilience.