Aztec agriculture used floating gardens (chinampas) in the lake — one of the most productive systems ever devised.

During his entire lifetime, Vincent Van Gogh is known to have sold only a single painting.

Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has been world champion since 2013 and has the highest Elo rating in history.

The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows — it was fashionable to shave them in 15th-century Florence.

Couples who live together before marriage have mixed divorce outcomes depending on age and intent.

The Portuguese word 'saudade' describes a nostalgic longing for something loved and lost — it has no direct English equivalent.

The Japanese concept of 'Bushido' (way of the warrior) was largely codified in the early 20th century, not feudal Japan.

The Maori creation myth describes the world emerging from Te Kore (the void) through stages of darkness to light.

The world's largest drum, Tridandi, is over 13 feet in diameter and weighs 2,000 kg.