Benjamin is a freelance science journalist with nearly a decade of experience, based in Australia. His writing has featured in Live Science, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, Associated Press, USA Today, Wired, Engadget, Chemical & Engineering News, among others. Benjamin has a bachelor's degree in biology from Imperial College, London, and a master's degree in science journalism from New York University along with an advanced certificate in science, health and environmental reporting.
-
Why did Rome fall?Depends on which Rome you're asking about.
By Benjamin Plackett Last updated
-
What was the largest empire in the world?You can argue for the British, Persians, Romans, Mongols or pretty much any empire you want.
By Benjamin Plackett Last updated
-
Does coffee really stunt kids' growth?It's probably fine to give your child weak coffee, as long as you skip the sugar.
By Benjamin Plackett Last updated
-
Did the Great Wall of China work?The Great Wall of China was built to defend the empire from enemy armies, but now it acts as a unifying symbol and a useful propaganda tool for the ruling Communist Party.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
When did Constantinople become Istanbul?Istanbul has had many names, including Byzantium, New Rome and Constantinople. It didn't officially become Istanbul until 1930.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Did all roads lead to Rome?So long as you're travelling to Rome.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Why do faces become less symmetrical with age?The aging process doesn't happen equally on both sides, leaving the human face increasingly less symmetrical with age.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Why do you sometimes gain weight after exercising?Why do people sometimes gain weight after they start to exercise regularly?
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Where did watermelons come from?New evidence shows that watermelons were first domesticated in Sudan, leading experts to think the region rivals Iraq as a cradle of agriculture.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
When did the Brits and Yanks become allies again after the Revolutionary War?While often strained, the U.K.-U.S. relationship got a boost when Roosevelt and Churchill became drinking buddies.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
What was the deadliest day in US history?It's impossible to know for sure the deadliest day in U.S. history because you can end up comparing apples with oranges.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Is Latin a dead language?Latin is alive and well, but Julius Caesar might struggle to understand its modern form.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Why were the ancient Egyptians obsessed with cats?If cats were loved, why were so many sacrificed?
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Did Marie Antoinette really say 'Let them eat cake'?No, the misquote is an example of French revolutionary propaganda.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Is an electric car better for the planet?It's almost impossible to argue that gasoline-powered cars are better for the environment.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
When did lap dogs become popular?Trends, set by royals and movies, help to influence a dog breed's popularity.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Why do the queen's guards wear such tall hats?To scare off the queen's enemies.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
How many early human species existed on Earth?As we continue to unearth ancient remains, the number of early human species grows.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
How many French revolutions were there?It's open to debate, but a lot of the 19th century was spent in open revolt.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Why was Stonehenge built?No one really knows, but there are a few educated guesses.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
How wild was the Wild West?While officially lawless, settlers usually weren't all that wild.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
How does a secure phone line work?Encryption tech can be either hardware or software.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
What color is the sun?You probably learned this at school.
By Benjamin Plackett Published
-
Why is November the 11th month, not the 9th month?It was either because New Year's Day used to be March 1 or because the Romans used to have a 10-month calendar.
By Benjamin Plackett Published

