Explore people, places, events and discoveries from the past. Choose an article below; its reading controls let you move between the available levels.
Long ago, China was a big power. Other lands sent gifts to China. They did this to trade and stay safe. It helped everyone get along. Do you like giving gifts to friends?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA long time ago, scientists did a big test. It happened in a dry desert. They wanted to see if a new tool would work. It was a very big event. Many people watched it happen. Do you like to learn about big tests?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, three groups fought for a city. This city was very important. They all wanted to be the leaders. It was a hard time for many. One group finally won the city. Do you like stories about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, there was a king in Tibet. He was a very great leader. He helped bring new ways to his people. He helped build many temples. His work changed his land. Do you like learning about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a man named Tristão sailed the sea. He found some new islands. He gave the islands his name. He even brought an elephant to a big city. It was a very grand trip. Do you like big animals?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, there was a big city. It was in a place called Trowulan. Many people lived there in red brick houses. There were even pools for bathing. It was a very grand place. Can you imagine living in a city like that?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleTruganini was a brave woman. She lived in a place called Tasmania. Long ago, many things changed for her people. It was a very hard time. She helped many others. Do you want to learn more about her?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA leader named Harry Truman had a plan. He wanted to help many lands. He sent help to Greece and Turkey. This helped them stay free. It was a big change for the world. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, kings ruled England. They built many new things. Trade and art grew fast. More people lived there too. It was a time of big change. Can you imagine living then?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, kings ruled many islands. They lived in a place called Tonga. They used big boats to travel. These boats had large sails. They traded goods with other people. This helped the islands grow. Do you like to…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a leader named Omar built a big land. It was in a place called Africa. Many people joined his group. They wanted to live by new rules. He worked hard to lead them. Do you like learning about old lands?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a sad thing happened in Oklahoma. A town called Greenwood was a special place. Many Black families lived there together. They had many shops and homes. Then, a big fight broke out. Many homes and shops were…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a new group ruled Egypt. They were called the Tulunids. They built a big mosque. This place is still there today. It helps us learn about them. Do you like old buildings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA tumulus is a big hill. It is made of dirt and stones. People built them over graves. These hills can be round or long. They help us learn about the past. Have you seen a big hill?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, there was a big fight. It was in a place called Tunisia. Many groups of people fought there. They fought for a long time. Finally, the fight ended. Do you like to learn about history?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, people in Tunisia wanted change. They went to the streets to ask for help. Many people were sad and hungry. They wanted to be free. Soon, their leaders changed. This helped the country grow. Can you imagine…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a museum in Cambodia. It used to be a school. Long ago, many people were treated very unfairly here. Now, we go there to learn the truth. It helps us remember the past. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, many people moved. They traveled to new lands. They brought their own ways of talking. This helped them make new homes. It is a big story. Do you like to travel?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, Turk kings ruled a land. They lived in a place called Kabul. These kings were very strong. They ruled for a long time. They even made their own coins. Can you imagine being a king?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, there was a king. His name was Tushratta. He ruled a land called Mitanni. He sent letters to Egypt. He wanted to make friends. His family even lived there! Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, people lived by a river. They made pretty pots. They also made small clay figures. These figures looked like animals and people. These people lived a long time ago. Do you like to look at old things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, there was a war at sea. Small boats called U-boats hid under the water. They tried to stop ships from carrying food. This made many people very sad. People worked hard to make things safe again. Do you like…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleUehara Yūsaku was a leader in Japan. He worked with the army. He helped build new things for them. He was a very high leader. His work helped his country. Can you imagine being a leader?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a leader named Kenshin lived in Japan. He was a very strong leader. He helped his people grow food and trade. He was also a brave warrior. He had a famous rival. Do you want to learn more about him?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, many people lived in new lands. They wanted to share their own stories. They wrote books and sang songs. This helped their way of life stay strong. It matters because it kept their spirit alive. Do you like…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, people in Ukraine wanted to rule themselves. They tried to make their own country. Many groups fought for control. It was a hard time for them. Things changed as time went on. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a man named Ulchi Mundok lived. He was a great leader. He helped protect his home from a large group of soldiers. He was very smart. He is a hero in Korea today. Do you know any heroes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA long time ago, there was a war. A leader named Napoleon led his army. They moved very fast. They went to a place called Ulm. The French army won a big fight. It was a very big change for the world. Can you imagine…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, many battles happened in India. Leaders from far away came to fight. They wanted more land. Many Indian kings fought back to keep their homes. It was a very busy time. Can you imagine being a king back then?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, many people were not free. They used secret paths to find freedom. These paths were called the Underground Railroad. Kind people helped them hide and travel. Many people found a safe home in the North. It…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, some rules were not fair. Big countries made these rules for others. They took land and money. This made many people sad. People worked hard to change the rules. Do you think rules should be fair for everyone?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA leader named Ibn Saud helped build a new land. He brought many groups together. He worked hard for many years. This helped make Saudi Arabia. It is a big place in the desert. Can you find it on a map?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, one kingdom grew very large. It brought many people together. They built big, beautiful temples. They were great at sailing on the sea. It was a busy and happy time. Do you like to learn about old kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, the United States had a big fight. Some states wanted to leave. The Union was the group that stayed together. They worked hard to keep the country one. It was a very important time. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSweden and Norway were once together. They shared one king. They had their own laws, too. This lasted for a long time. Later, they decided to be separate. It was a peaceful change. Do you like to explore?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, two lands joined together. They became one big country. This helped them stay safe. A king led the new land. It was a very large place. Do you like to work with friends?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, many small lands joined together. They became one big place. This place was called the Union. It was in a part of the world called Africa. It helped many people live together. Can you find Africa on a map?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a group did bad things. They worked in a secret place. They hurt many people. This was very unfair and sad. We remember them today. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA long time ago, two lands joined together. They became one big group. Many people lived there. They built new things and worked hard. This helped the world change. It is a place with a big story. Do you want to…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a special museum. It is in Washington, D.C. It tells stories of a sad time. People visit to learn. It helps us be kind. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a big fight happened. It was on a small island. Many people were sad and scared. Then, new leaders helped the people. Now, it is a day to say thanks. Do you know about holidays?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, the United States went to Haiti. They stayed there for many years. The leaders from the U.S. took control. This was a hard time for the people. Later, the U.S. left Haiti. Do you want to learn more about this?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, the United States went to Nicaragua. They stayed there for many years. They wanted to help with a big canal. This was a hard time for the people. Later, the leaders decided to leave. Do you like learning…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a big school in London. It helps many people learn. Many students study here. Some learn in class. Some learn at home. It is a very special place. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, China went through a hard time. Many groups of people moved to new lands. Some people were not treated fairly. This led to many fights. Later, new leaders began to rule. It was a time of great change. Do…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople study how cities grow. They look at big towns. They also look at small towns. They learn how people live there. It helps us know our world. Do you live in a city?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, there was a king. His name was Ur-Nammu. He made fair rules for all. He also built big stone towers. He helped his people live well. Do you like to help others?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, a king lived in a city. His name was Urukagina. He built many new things. He built big walls and paths for water. He also tried to make things fair. Can you imagine being a king?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article