We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words. But if it’s a photo of a historic moment, is it worth even more? We’ll let you be the judges, pandas.
We took a trip to Historic on Instagram and gathered some of their most iconic photos below. This page, which has amassed nearly 1 million followers since its creation, is dedicated to showcasing iconic and powerful moments in history that should never be forgotten. So we hope you enjoy this virtual museum about the past, and be sure to upvote the images that you think deserve a permanent place in history!
#1
“On the 6th Day of the 2nd Month of the First Year of the Kampo era. Taking a moment of my free time, I wish to express my joy of the cat. It arrived by boat as a gift to the late Emperor, received from the hands of Minamoto no Kuwashi.
The color of the fur is peerless. None could find the words to describe it, although one said it was reminiscent of the deepest ink. It has an air about it, similar to Kanno. Its length is 5 sun, and its height is 6 sun. I affixed a bow about its neck, but it did not remain for long.
In rebellion, it narrows its eyes and extends its needles. It shows its back.
When it lies down, it curls in a circle like a coin.You cannot see its feet. It’s as if it were circular Bi disk. When it stands, its cry expresses profound loneliness, like a black dragon floating above the clouds.
By nature, it likes to stalk birds. It lowers its head and works its tail. It can extend its spine to raise its height by at least 2 sun. Its color allows it to disappear at night.
I am convinced it is superior to all other cats.”
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100points
#2
In 1978, a 16 year old girl defied concert rules by sneaking a 35mm camera into a Queen performance, capturing an iconic photograph of Freddie Mercury in his prime. The image, one of three she managed to take, vividly showcases Mercury’s dynamic stage presence, becoming a cherished piece of rock history shared widely online decades later. Posted to Reddit’s “OldSchoolCool” forum by her daughter, the photo resonates with fans, evoking the raw energy of Queen’s 1978 tour.
Its enduring appeal highlights the boldness of a young fan and the timeless charisma of Mercury, cementing the image as a nostalgic treasure.
Its enduring appeal highlights the boldness of a young fan and the timeless charisma of Mercury, cementing the image as a nostalgic treasure.
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78points
#3
In 1864, a group of Japanese samurai, part of the Second Japanese Embassy to Europe known as the Ikeda Mission, visited Egypt en route to France. Led by Ikeda Nagaoki, the delegation of 36 men stopped at the Great Sphinx of Giza, where they were photographed by Antonio Beato, capturing a striking image of samurai in traditional attire, including winged kamishimo costumes and swords, standing before the ancient monument.
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56points
You may have snoozed through countless history classes when you were in school, but it’s impossible to deny how important it is that we understand the past. According to University of the People, studying history is the best way to gain a better understanding of our world. Looking back gives us insight into how our societies function, how technology has advanced and even why our governments work the way they do.
We can even start to understand our own behaviors by looking to the past. Have you ever wondered why some cultures are loud and outgoing while others may seem cold at first glance? These cultural differences have formed over time due to what these societies have experienced, whether that’s war and famine or riches and gorgeous, warm weather. If you look back far enough, everything begins to make sense.
#4
In 1494, during a particularly harsh winter in Florence, the Medici family, prominent patrons of the arts, reportedly commissioned a young Michelangelo Buonarroti, then around 19 years old, to create a snowman in the courtyard of their palace. This unusual request came from Piero de’ Medici, who sought to impress guests and showcase the family’s influence by having the talented sculptor craft an elaborate snow sculpture, leveraging Michelangelo’s emerging reputation as an artist.
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54points
#5
After WWI, a group of military officers gathered to honor the millions of horses that perished in the conflict. These animals, vital to transportation, logistics, and cavalry charges, suffered immense losses due to the brutal conditions of trench warfare, artillery bombardments, and disease. The officers, recognizing the horses’ sacrifice, organized a solemn tribute to commemorate their loyalty and service, acknowledging their critical role in the war effort.
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53points
#6
On March 10, 1967, during a Vietnam War bombing mission over a North Vietnamese steel mill, Captain Bob Pardo and his wingman, Captain Earl Aman, both piloting F-4 Phantom Ils, were hit by anti-aircraft fire. Aman’s jet suffered severe damage, losing fuel rapidly and unable to reach safety, facing the risk of ejection over enemy territory. Pardo, despite his own plane being damaged, refused to abandon his wingman and devised an unprecedented plan to save Aman’s crew.
Pardo instructed Aman to lower his tailhook and positioned his F-4’s windscreen against it, pushing the crippled jet nearly 88 miles to Laotian airspace. Despite turbulence, a fire in one of Pardo’s engines, and his own low fuel, the maneuver, known as “Pardo’s Push,” allowed all four crew members to eject safely over friendly territory, showcasing extraordinary courage and ingenuity.
Pardo instructed Aman to lower his tailhook and positioned his F-4’s windscreen against it, pushing the crippled jet nearly 88 miles to Laotian airspace. Despite turbulence, a fire in one of Pardo’s engines, and his own low fuel, the maneuver, known as “Pardo’s Push,” allowed all four crew members to eject safely over friendly territory, showcasing extraordinary courage and ingenuity.
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52points
We’re all well aware of the fact that history repeats itself, so if we want to prevent ourselves and future generations from making the same mistakes our ancestors did, we have to keep history alive. At the same time, University of the People notes that we can solve plenty of present day issues by simply applying lessons from the past.
Better understanding history can also be a great way to learn morals and values. We all face ethical dilemmas from time to time, but we don’t have to work through these problems alone. We can weigh the pros and cons of every decision we make by studying examples from the past. And we can remind ourselves not to turn a blind eye to atrocities that are happening, even if they seem socially acceptable at the moment.
#7
In 1918, during the Spanish flu pandemic, a remarkable family portrait captured a household posing outdoors, all wearing face masks, including their pet cat, as a precaution against the deadly virus that claimed millions of lives. This rare photograph, likely taken in the United States, highlights the widespread adoption of masks as a public health measure and the quirky inclusion of the family pet in the protective effort.
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51points
#8
In 1781, French sculptor Louis-Philippe Mouchy crafted a marble statue of Charles de Sainte-Maure, Duke of Montausier, renowned for its exquisitely detailed neckerchief. This masterpiece, housed in the Louvre Museum, showcases Mouchy’s exceptional skill in transforming rigid marble into a delicate, lace like fabric, creating an illusion of softness and intricacy rarely seen in stone sculpture.
Commissioned as a posthumous tribute to the Duke, who served as a guardian to the Great Dauphin, son of Louis XIV, the statue reflects Mouchy’s training under Jean-Baptiste Pigalle and his mastery of realist techniques. The neckerchief’s intricate carving, often mistaken for silk due to its lifelike texture, highlights Mouchy’s ability to push the boundaries of marble work, cementing his legacy in 18th century French sculpture.
Commissioned as a posthumous tribute to the Duke, who served as a guardian to the Great Dauphin, son of Louis XIV, the statue reflects Mouchy’s training under Jean-Baptiste Pigalle and his mastery of realist techniques. The neckerchief’s intricate carving, often mistaken for silk due to its lifelike texture, highlights Mouchy’s ability to push the boundaries of marble work, cementing his legacy in 18th century French sculpture.
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51points
#9
In the 12th century, a mischievous cat left its mark on the wet clay floor tiles of St. Peter’s Church in Wormleighton, England, creating a charming historical artifact. These paw prints, preserved through the firing process, offer a rare glimpse into daily life during the medieval period, showcasing the timeless curiosity of cats.
The tiles, discovered in the now-depopulated village’s church, highlight the local production of clay tiles, a common practice in medieval Europe. The deep imprints suggest a well fed feline, and their survival for over 800 years adds a whimsical touch to the church’s history, delighting modern visitors.
The tiles, discovered in the now-depopulated village’s church, highlight the local production of clay tiles, a common practice in medieval Europe. The deep imprints suggest a well fed feline, and their survival for over 800 years adds a whimsical touch to the church’s history, delighting modern visitors.
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50points
You might even be able to gain a deeper understanding of yourself if you start studying the past. Whether you want to learn more about your culture, your religion or your cuisine, the answers are out there. And instead of going through life without ever questioning why you behave the way you do, you might gain a new sense of purpose when you understand the reasoning behind your actions. At the same time, this might help you feel closer to your ancestors, as you’ll be able to imagine what it would feel like to put yourself in their shoes.
#10
In 2000, waves from the flooding Euphrates River, caused by the Birecik Dam, revealed stunning 2,200-year-old mosaics in the ancient city of Zeugma, Turkey. Founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, Zeugma was a key Roman trading hub. Emergency excavations led by Professor Kutalmis Görkay uncovered vibrant glass mosaics, including depictions of the nine Muses, Oceanus and Tethys, and a young man, preserved in remarkable condition.
Many of these mosaics, once adorning wealthy villas, were relocated to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep for conservation. The flooding submerged about 80% of Zeugma, but ongoing excavations continue to uncover artifacts, offering insights into the city’s Hellenistic and Roman heritage. The museum, the world’s largest of its kind, showcases these treasures, highlighting Zeugma’s cultural and artistic significance.
Many of these mosaics, once adorning wealthy villas, were relocated to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep for conservation. The flooding submerged about 80% of Zeugma, but ongoing excavations continue to uncover artifacts, offering insights into the city’s Hellenistic and Roman heritage. The museum, the world’s largest of its kind, showcases these treasures, highlighting Zeugma’s cultural and artistic significance.
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48points
#11
A photograph from the 1920s captures two close companions, a man and his dog, posing together, their bond evident in their relaxed, trusting demeanor. The inscription on the photo, “There is between man and dog a kinship spirit that cannot be denied,” underscores the deep, unspoken connection between them, reflecting a universal truth about the loyalty and affection shared across species.
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47points
#12
Algeria ranks as the second country globally, after Italy, for its abundance of Roman ruins, a legacy of its prominence as a key province in the Roman Empire. Sites like Timgad, Djemila, and Tipasa feature remarkably preserved structures, including temples, theaters, and aqueducts, showcasing the empire’s architectural grandeur and cultural influence in North Africa from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
Among these, Timgad, founded around AD 100, stands out as Algeria’s most famous Roman site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved grid layout, triumphal arch, and intricate mosaics. Often called the “Pompeii of North Africa,” Timgad offers a vivid snapshot of Roman urban planning and daily life, drawing scholars and visitors to explore its historical significance.
Among these, Timgad, founded around AD 100, stands out as Algeria’s most famous Roman site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved grid layout, triumphal arch, and intricate mosaics. Often called the “Pompeii of North Africa,” Timgad offers a vivid snapshot of Roman urban planning and daily life, drawing scholars and visitors to explore its historical significance.
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46points
Now, if you want to expand your own knowledge of history, you might be wondering where in the world you should start. After all, there’s infinite information out there about the past, and it can be daunting to try to soak it all up at once. But thankfully, Sam Rinko at Knowledge Lust has some advice for how to study history on your own.
First, he recommends learning how to read texts like a historian. By this, he means that you shouldn’t only take the text at face value, but also read the book critically. Analyze the author’s arguments and structure. And don’t hesitate to compare it to other sources on the same topic.
#13
On May 10, 2023, in Alpena Township, Michigan, 13 year old Owen Burns became a hero when he used his slingshot to thwart a kidnapping attempt on his 8 year old sister. Hearing her screams, Owen quickly grabbed his slingshot and fired a marble and a rock, striking the 17 year old assailant in the head and chest, allowing his sister to escape unharmed.
The incident, widely reported by outlets like The Guardian and NPR, highlighted Owen’s quick thinking and bravery, earning him praise as a local hero. The suspect, later identified with a marble-induced injury, was apprehended by police, and Owen modestly attributed his success to luck, noting the slingshot was a $3 clearance purchase.
The incident, widely reported by outlets like The Guardian and NPR, highlighted Owen’s quick thinking and bravery, earning him praise as a local hero. The suspect, later identified with a marble-induced injury, was apprehended by police, and Owen modestly attributed his success to luck, noting the slingshot was a $3 clearance purchase.
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45points
#14
Ishi, the last known member of the Yahi tribe in California, survived in seclusion for 44 years after his people were decimated by settlers during the 19th-century Gold Rush era.
Following the systematic extermination of the Yahi through violence, disease, and displacement, Ishi lived alone in the wilderness, evading contact to preserve his safety and cultural practices.
In 1911, emaciated and alone, Ishi emerged near Oroville, California, and was taken in by anthropologists who studied his language and traditions. His life offered a poignant glimpse into the Yahi culture, but also underscored the devastating impact of settler colonialism, as he remained the sole survivor of his tribe until his death in 1916.
Following the systematic extermination of the Yahi through violence, disease, and displacement, Ishi lived alone in the wilderness, evading contact to preserve his safety and cultural practices.
In 1911, emaciated and alone, Ishi emerged near Oroville, California, and was taken in by anthropologists who studied his language and traditions. His life offered a poignant glimpse into the Yahi culture, but also underscored the devastating impact of settler colonialism, as he remained the sole survivor of his tribe until his death in 1916.
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44points
#15
In the 1930s, British surrealist poet and art patron Edward James was deeply enamored with his wife, Austrian dancer Tilly Losch. Their marriage, though short-lived, was marked by his extravagant gestures of affection, including a whimsical act inspired by seeing Losch’s wet footprints on the stairs of their home after her bath.
Captivated by the fleeting beauty of the moment, James commissioned a custom carpet for their residence, Wimpole Street, with the pattern of her footprints intricately woven into it. This romantic, surreal tribute to Losch, preserved even after their divorce in 1934, reflected James’s eccentric devotion and his penchant for blending art with personal expression.
Captivated by the fleeting beauty of the moment, James commissioned a custom carpet for their residence, Wimpole Street, with the pattern of her footprints intricately woven into it. This romantic, surreal tribute to Losch, preserved even after their divorce in 1934, reflected James’s eccentric devotion and his penchant for blending art with personal expression.
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42points
Rinko also suggests starting your journey of studying history with a book that “covers a lot of ground.” He notes that you can always go back and study certain topics mentioned in the book in greater detail, but it’s great to get an outline of the history of mankind as a starting point. And once you understand a simple timeline of the world’s events, you’ll have more context for specific moments in time that you choose to study in the future.
#16
In December 2004, 10-year-old Tilly Smith, a British schoolgirl vacationing in Thailand, recognized the signs of an approaching tsunami after seeing the sea suddenly recede and the water begin to bubble. She had recently learned about tsunamis in her geography class and quickly warned her parents, insisting that they leave the beach immediately. Her parents took her seriously and alerted others, leading to the evacuation of the beach area at their resort. Thanks to Tilly’s quick thinking and knowledge, dozens of lives were likely saved that day. The tsunami, caused by a massive undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean, devastated coastal areas across Southeast Asia, k**ling over 230,000 people. Tilly’s story received international attention and was praised as an extraordinary example of how education and awareness can have life-saving impact.
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42points
#17
In 1904, Swedish sailor Carl Emil Pettersson shipwrecked on Tabar Island in Papua New Guinea, home to a tribe rumored to practice cannibalism. Captured and presented to the king, Pettersson won the heart of the king’s daughter, whom he later married.
After the king’s death, Pettersson became king of the island, ruling alongside his wife. This extraordinary tale of survival and romance inspired stories, including the character of Pippi Longstocking’s father, showcasing a remarkable blend of cultures.
After the king’s death, Pettersson became king of the island, ruling alongside his wife. This extraordinary tale of survival and romance inspired stories, including the character of Pippi Longstocking’s father, showcasing a remarkable blend of cultures.
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42points
#18
The Hallaton Helmet, discovered in 2000 in Leicestershire, England, is a 2,000-year-old Roman artifact, remarkable as the only known Roman helmet in Britain retaining most of its silver-gilt plating. Unearthed by amateur archaeologists, this ceremonial helmet, dating to the 1st century AD, likely belonged to a high-ranking auxiliary cavalry officer, reflecting Roman craftsmanship and the cultural integration of local Iron Age tribes.
Its intricate silver-gilt decoration, featuring laurel wreaths and busts, highlights its status as a prestigious object, possibly used in rituals or parades. Now housed in the Harborough Museum, the helmet offers a rare glimpse into Roman Britain’s military and artistic heritage, preserved uniquely due to its surviving plating
Its intricate silver-gilt decoration, featuring laurel wreaths and busts, highlights its status as a prestigious object, possibly used in rituals or parades. Now housed in the Harborough Museum, the helmet offers a rare glimpse into Roman Britain’s military and artistic heritage, preserved uniquely due to its surviving plating
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38points
If you’re not a huge reader, fear not. You can still get your daily dose of historical knowledge! Nowadays, there are dozens of great podcasts out there discussing history, as well as lectures on YouTube and documentaries on Netflix. There’s no shame in taking in information this way. As long as you retain the lessons, you’re still learning!
#19
In 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte, the formidable French emperor, faced an unexpected and humiliating ordeal during a rabbit-hunting event organized to celebrate the Treaty of Tilsit. His chief of staff, Alexandre Berthier, arranged for thousands of rabbits to be released for the hunt, but instead of using wild rabbits, tame ones from local farms were gathered. When released, these domesticated bunnies, hungry and unafraid of humans, mistook Napoleon for a source of food and swarmed him in a chaotic frenzy.
The rabbits overwhelmed Napoleon and his party, climbing onto the emperor and forcing him to fend them off with his riding crop as he retreated to his carriage. Despite attempts by his men to disperse the horde with whips and sticks, the rabbits persisted, creating a comical scene that turned the planned triumph into a bizarre defeat. This little-known incident remains a humorous footnote in Napoleon’s storied military career, showcasing how even the mightiest can be undone by the most unassuming foes.
The rabbits overwhelmed Napoleon and his party, climbing onto the emperor and forcing him to fend them off with his riding crop as he retreated to his carriage. Despite attempts by his men to disperse the horde with whips and sticks, the rabbits persisted, creating a comical scene that turned the planned triumph into a bizarre defeat. This little-known incident remains a humorous footnote in Napoleon’s storied military career, showcasing how even the mightiest can be undone by the most unassuming foes.
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33points
#20
In a stunning achievement, the U.S. Physics Team won first place at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held in Paris, France, from July 17-25, surpassing China, a long-standing powerhouse. The team, consisting of Agastya Goel, Allen Li, Joshua Wang, Feodor Yevtushenko, and Brian Zhang, secured five gold medals, making the U.S. the only country to achieve this feat in the competition, which saw 415 students from 87 nations compete under the theme “Physics Beyond Frontiers.”
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32points