The wreck of a pleasure boat from the 1st century A.D. has been discovered off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. It is the first one of these luxurious ancient yachts from the Roman period to be found in Egypt. The wreck was found off the island of Antirhodos, site of Ptolemaic palace which was submerged in an earthquake in 365 A.D. The hull of the boat was found 23 feet under the water’s surface buried under five feet of sediment, which helped preserve it largely intact. The ship was originally about 35 meters (115 feet) long and seven meters (23 feet) wide, and 28 meters (92 feet) of the hull survives. There were no sails, so the boat was entirely man-powered, requiring around 20 rowers to propel. The hull design was flat and broad for navigating in shallow water and to support a central cabin with luxurious appointments. This type of vessel was called a thalamegos, and was most famously used on the Nile as palatial royal barges by the Ptolemies. Less elaborate ones were used by government officials for administrative business, also for religious ceremonies, community festivals and as houseboats. An inscription in Greek carved on one of the structural reinforcement beams date the vessel to the first half of the 1st century A.D. and indicate that it was built in Alexandria. It sank close to the Temple of Isis, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 50 A.D. Archaeologists hypothesize that the ship sank in the same earthquake that took down the temple, and that it may have been used by the temple for ceremonies, including the annual “navigatio iside” procession where a ship representing the solar barque of the goddess Isis traveled the Canopic Canal from the Great Harbour to the sanctuary of Osiris in Canopus. First century B.C. geographer Strabo described “cabin-boats” being used for feasting, by the prefects sailing to Upper Egypt and by “crowd of revellers who go down from Alexandria by the canal to the public festivals; for every day and every night is crowded with people on the boats who play the flute and dance without restraint and with extreme licentiousness, both men and women.” He also describes Alexandria’s Great Harbour in some detail, including the island of Antirhodos, in Book XVII of The Geography. Below these lies the harbour that was dug by the hand of man and is hidden from view,⁠ the private property of the kings, as also Antirrhodos, an isle lying off the artificial harbour, which has both a royal palace and a small harbour. They so called it as being a rival of Rhodes. Above the artificial harbour lies the theatre; then the Poseidium — an elbow, as it were, projecting from the Emporium, as it is called, and containing a temple of Poseidon. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) has been surveying and excavating the modern eastern port of Alexandria since 1996, identifying the remains of the ancient Portus Magnus and creating the first accurate map the harbor infrastructure, monuments and landscape, some of which differs from the descriptions in ancient sources. For example, the island of Antirhodos, found by the IEASM team in the first year of excavations, is located on the opposite side of harbor from where Strabo said it was.

The stereotype that France surrendered too easily during World War II has been a persistent narrative. This oversimplified view overlooks the complex history of France’s resistance against Nazi occupation. This article aims to debunk the “France just surrendered” myth by presenting historical evidence and contextual analysis that highlight the nation’s resilience and defiance during the ...

1640 - Settler Hugh Bewitt banished from Mass colony when he declares himself to be free of original sin 1824 - Battle of Ayacucho (Candorcangui), Peru defeats Spain 1907 - First Christmas Seals sold (Wilmington, Delaware, post office) 1967 - Nicolae Ceaușescu becomes President of Romania (overthrown in 1989) 1978 - First game of Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL): Chicago Hustle vs. Milwaukee Does 1990 - 23rd NAACP Image Awards: "Coming to America" wins Outstanding Motion Picture 2012 - The Social Liberal Union Party and Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta win by a landslide in the parliamentary elections 2019 - Chilean Air Force plane lost on flight to Antarctica with presumed loss of 38 lives More Historical Events »

Click here to view slideshow Car racing is an iconic part of American culture. From the Fast & Furious franchise to Pixar's Cars to racing-themed video games to official racing series, Americans can't get enough of fast cars. One of the most famous American motorsports organizations, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), had roots in bootlegging before it cemented itself as a legitimate spectator sport. Throughout the decades, NASCAR has seen many highs and lows on the racetracks. Officially less than 100 years old, NASCAR is still changing to this day. From improved safety measures to updated inclusionary practices, the sport continues to evolve in order to reflect modern-day culture. See vintage photos that capture the raucous early years of NASCAR in the gallery above, then learn more about the organization's history below. Prohibition — And A Widespread Love Of Whiskey — Gave America The Racing Bug Before the spectator sport captured the attention of the nation, NASCAR's beginnings can be found in the 1920s Prohibition era. Americans didn't stop producing, transporting, selling, or drinking alcohol during this period; instead, they came up with clever ways to keep the booze flowing. It was especially popular to produce moonshine in the Appalachian region of the U.S. The bootleggers moving the illegal alcohol needed to travel quickly in order to evade police and complete their deliveries unscathed. So bootleggers used increasingly fast cars to help them distribute their illicit products. They would often make modifications to these vehicles so they could easily increase the cars' speed and carry more moonshine. "Being in that business, you had to have a very fast car and you had to be able to outrun the revenuers or highway patrol or sheriff or whoever tried to pursue you to try and apprehend you," former bootlegger-turned-NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1990. Wikimedia CommonsA modern NASCAR event, as seen in 2021. Even after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, people continued to sell homemade moonshine, as there were many "dry" counties in Appalachia. Additionally, many impoverished families found it to be one of the best ways to make ends meet during the Great Depression. "If it hadn't been for whiskey, NASCAR wouldn't have been formed. That's a fact," Johnson told the BBC. Another iconic NASCAR driver, Hall of Famer Curtis Turner, said he got his start with bootlegging at just nine years old. Eventually, curious onlookers became captivated by the spectacle of these fast cars, so some moonshiners began organizing races at fairgrounds and racetracks, where people were willing to pay money simply to watch bootleggers race their cars. By the 1940s, it was fairly common for races featuring modified, fast cars to be held for the purpose of entertainment. How NASCAR Got Off The Ground NASCAR as an organization was founded on Dec. 14, 1947. Bill France Sr., an auto mechanic and race car driver, was the one who put the wheels in motion to form NASCAR during a meeting of drivers, car owners, promoters, and mechanics at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida. France had entered various stock-car races in the 1930s, primarily at Daytona. It wasn't until after World War II that France realized that there could be a way to establish a more organized, professional, and regulated form of stock-car racing that allowed a wider audience of people to watch the spectacle, while also ensuring that drivers were paid fairly. At this time, it wasn't uncommon for race promoters to cheat drivers out of their pay. Some other challenges for drivers were that different racetracks had different rules, and it could sometimes be difficult to determine true champions. So France began speaking with race promoters and drivers alike to figure out how to formally organize and improve stock-car races. Because of France's efforts, NASCAR was soon officially formed and ran its first race on Feb. 15, 1948, on the beach road course at Daytona. The next year, NASCAR held its first-ever "strictly stock" race on June 19, 1949 at a dirt track known as the Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway. Considering the locations where early races were held, NASCAR started out as a largely regional sport, mostly followed by those in the Southeast. But even in the early days, NASCAR drew many enthusiastic onlookers, and eventually became too overcrowded for beach road courses and dirt tracks. Organizers eventually built a 2.5-mile tri-oval to limit and control the crowd, just in time for the first Daytona 500 to be hosted on Feb. 22, 1959. Another significant date in NASCAR's early history was Dec. 1, 1963, which marked the first time a race was won by a Black driver, Wendell Scott. But NASCAR still hadn't quite entered the national spotlight yet. NASCAR's Many Changes Throughout The Years — And Its Lasting Impact Today Wikimedia CommonsThe iconic Superbird driven by NASCAR legend Richard Petty. Starting in 1971, NASCAR got its first title sponsor, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (RJR). It was a win-win for NASCAR and RJR — as NASCAR needed more money to pay for increasing costs of racing and RJR needed a clever way to advertise their products, as the federal government was restricting the advertisement of cigarettes on television. Their partnership lasted until 2003. It's widely believed that the 1979 Daytona 500 helped put NASCAR in the national spotlight. Not only was it the first time that a 500-mile NASCAR event was televised by a major network (CBS Sports) from start to finish, but it also treated viewers to an infamous fight that broke out between three racers, Cale Yarborough and brothers Donnie Allison and Bobby Allison. The fight became even more of a spectacle because of sportscaster Ken Squier's famous commentary that followed: "The tempers, overflowing. They are angry. They know they have lost. And what a bitter defeat." It sparked so much interest in NASCAR that Bill France Jr. scoffed at the idea of fining the drivers for fighting, suggesting he might give them bonuses. But as NASCAR's popularity rose across the nation, it didn't take long for some people to acknowledge the dangers of the sport. Eventually, NASCAR began implementing new safety standards to help protect drivers in the event of a catastrophic wreck — especially following the tragic death of iconic NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt during the 2001 Daytona 500. Some key safety changes in recent decades have included the requirement of drivers wearing HANS (Head And Neck Support restraint) devices, the replacement of concrete walls at tracks with energy-absorbing SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers, the implementation of new roll bars for better rollover protection, and a partnership with American Medical Response to improve the on-track team's medical treatment capabilities. These safety standards are crucial, especially considering NASCAR's growth as a national phenomenon. Today, it's one of America's most popular spectator sports, with the NASCAR Cup Series being the most elite level of all its three national series of professional racing. Three drivers are now tied for the record for the most championships, with Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson all having won the Cup Series seven times. For better or worse, NASCAR is also now known for its seemingly endless corporate sponsorships, billion-dollar contracts, and highly customized cars. It's a far cry from the organization's humble roots, but the spectacle of racing itself remains largely the same. And given how many popular movies, TV shows, and video games focus on racing, it's clear that even those who would never race themselves find enjoyment in that spectacle. After taking a look at NASCAR's wild past, discover these 44 pictures of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Then, learn about the "King of Cool," Steve McQueen. The post 36 Historic Photos That Capture The Rough-And-Tumble Beginnings Of NASCAR appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Wikimedia CommonsKnown for living on the edge, Richard Pryor joked about his traumatic struggles until his tragic death. Richard Pryor is a legendary name in the comedy world. Often referred to as one of the best stand-up comedians of all time, Pryor received many prestigious awards and honors for his work, including the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1998. Known for his explicit yet groundbreaking insights, Pryor boldly tackled topics like racism, police brutality, substance abuse, and a terrifying near-death experience he had in 1980 while he was freebasing cocaine. His ability to face down his traumatic struggles with a joke and his unforgettable stage presence inspired countless other iconic stars like Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, David Letterman, Arsenio Hall, and Dave Chappelle. Richard Pryor’s incredible story came to a tragic end with his death at the age of 65 on Dec. 10, 2005 in Los Angeles. He had suffered a fatal heart attack after enduring a years-long battle with multiple sclerosis. Richard Pryor’s Life Before Comedy Wikimedia CommonsRichard Pryor, pictured circa 1969. Richard Pryor was born on Dec. 1, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois. He had a tumultuous start to life, and his childhood was anything but cheerful. He was raised by his grandmother, Marie Carter, in the brothel where she worked as a madam. His mother, Gertrude, was a sex worker. Pryor’s mom abandoned him when he was just 10 years old, leaving him to Carter. Pryor was one of four children who grew up at the brothel. Carter was violent toward the young boy, physically abusing him for any behavior she believed to be out of line. But the abuse didn’t stop there. At just six years old, Pryor was raped by a teenage neighbor. As a child, he was also molested by a Catholic priest. Amidst this horrific trauma, Pryor found comfort in movies as a way to distract from his own life. After he turned 12, Pryor got his first introduction into the world of performance. He was cast in a community production of Rumpelstiltskin, and he also began to perform in some local talent shows. He was expelled from school at the age of 14, so he started picking up odd jobs. In 1958, Pryor began a short stint in the U.S. Army. However, it seems that most of his time in the military was spent in an Army prison. Pryor was arrested while he was stationed in Germany, following a violent incident with a white soldier. Reportedly, the white soldier was very amused by racially charged moments in the film Imitation of Life, so Pryor and some other Black soldiers beat and stabbed the white soldier. The soldier survived, but Pryor was still incarcerated for the beating. He left the Army in 1960. After returning to his hometown, Pryor got a gig singing and playing piano at a local club. While his singing performance was often lackluster, he realized that the audience found his jokes funny. A Rising Comedy Career — Amidst Struggles With Substance Abuse Wikimedia CommonsRichard Pryor, pictured with Lily Tomlin and Alan Alda in 1973. Richard Pryor spent some time performing at comedy clubs in the Midwest before moving to New York City in 1963. He then began regularly performing stand-up comedy, all while rubbing shoulders with numerous celebrities. Pryor started his career with significantly less controversial acts than what he would develop later in his career, and his early technique initially seemed to work. While in New York, he began to regularly appear on shows like The Ed Sullivan Show. He also started to build up popularity in Las Vegas. In Pryor’s autobiography, Pryor Convictions, he said that he had an epiphany about where to take his career in 1967. While performing at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, he walked on stage and, looking out at the sold-out crowd, he said, “What the f**k am I doing here?” He then walked off the stage. From that point onward, Pryor worked more profanity into his acts. He was already regularly using cocaine by the time he had the “epiphany” — as he had been introduced to the drug by a sex worker — but he soon began to indulge in the drug more often. Pryor said he eventually became a “junkie.” In 1969, Pryor moved to Berkeley, California, and quickly became involved in the ongoing counterculture movement. He also met numerous Black activists, like Black Panther Party cofounder Huey P. Newton. By the 1970s, Pryor’s career had really started to take off. He found enormous success as a comedy writer, winning an Emmy for his work on the Lily Tomlin television special Lily (1973), as well as a Writers Guild Award for his work on the screenplay for Blazing Saddles (1974). He also began to appear in more films, including Silver Streak (1976) and The Wiz (1978). In the meantime, Pryor continued to perfect his stand-up comedy performances, recording some of his shows for comedy albums. Wikimedia CommonsRichard Pryor and Lou Gossett Jr. backstage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Pryor saw a lot of success from his album That N***er’s Crazy, which was recorded in 1974. He ended up winning a Grammy for Best Comedy Recording for that album (and he would go on to win five Grammys total). In 1975, Pryor became the first Black host of Saturday Night Live, hosting once during the show’s first season. In 1977, he was given his own show, The Richard Pryor Show, but his controversial comedy style and subject matter led to it only lasting four episodes. Also in 1977, Richard Pryor suffered his first nonfatal heart attack (his third heart attack in 2005 led to his death). Despite the warning sign, Pryor didn’t slow down. He became the first Black actor to earn $1 million for a single film after starring in 1980’s Stir Crazy. Chillingly, Pryor almost died that same year, while freebasing cocaine in a shocking incident that led to him apparently pouring 151-proof rum on his shirt, lighting it on fire, and ultimately suffering severe burns on more than 50 percent of his body. True to form, after he survived the horrifying incident, he incorporated it into some of his comedy routines. How Richard Pryor’s Worsening Health Led To His Tragic Death Wikimedia CommonsSome feared that Richard Pryor would die young, but he ultimately perished at age 65 after suffering a heart attack. Richard Pryor continued to make headlines for his work in the 1980s, appearing in various movies like Superman III (1983), Brewster’s Millions (1985), and See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989). A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1986 forced him to slow down somewhat, but he continued to find humor in his difficulties. Pryor joked that MS actually stood for “More Sh*t” and that his diagnosis was God’s way of telling him to “sniff the flowers rather than the coke.” However, Pryor never shed his wild reputation, and he continued to drink and take numerous pills after his diagnosis. He suffered a second nonfatal heart attack in 1990, likely brought on by heavy drinking and smoking. By the mid-1990s, Pryor’s MS required him to use a motorized scooter. He appeared on the scooter during his final movie, 1997’s Lost Highway. Though his health continued to decline, he still made a few public appearances, most famously to accept the inaugural Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1998. Pryor remarked, “I feel great about accepting this prize. It is nice to be regarded on par with a great white man — now that’s funny! Seriously, though, two things people throughout history have had in common are hatred and humor. I am proud that, like Mark Twain, I have been able to use humor to lessen people’s hatred!” On Dec. 10, 2005, Richard Pryor died from his third heart attack at the age of 65 in Los Angeles. His widow later recalled, “He enjoyed life right up until the end,” and she added, “At the end, there was a smile on his face.” After Richard Pryor’s death, he was widely praised as both hilarious and groundbreaking. One famous joke from him, a demonstration of how Black people must show they’re nonthreatening and compliant after being pulled over by the police — “I. Am Reaching. Into. My. Pocket. For. My License.” — has been credited with inspiring many similar jokes from other stars. Jerry Seinfeld described Richard Pryor as “the Picasso of our profession.” And Dave Chappelle said, “You know those, like, evolution charts of man? He was the dude walking upright. Richard was the highest evolution of comedy.” After reading about the life and death of Richard Pryor, learn about the tragic demise of actor and comedian Stephen Stucker. Then, go inside the heartbreaking deaths of 11 beloved SNL cast members. The post The Tragic Death Of Richard Pryor, The Audacious Comedian Known For His Profane Yet Groundbreaking Insights appeared first on All That's Interesting.