Curated Video
Corradino D’Ascanio: the Man Who Invented the Helicoper and the Vespa
Researchers, historians, engineers, friends, and relatives describe the ups and downs of Corradino D’Ascanio, the man who invented the helicopter, the variable pitch propeller, and the most famous scooter in the world: the Vespa. He was...
Curated Video
The Lasting Legacy of the Man Who Invented the Vespa
Corradino D'Ascanio never felt a strong personal connection to the Vespa, considering it merely a project he completed under Piaggio's direction, with his true passion always being the development of the helicopter. Despite his lack of...
Curated Video
How the Vespa Became a Transporation Icon
An early design of the Vespa, the MP6 prototype was quickly approved by Piaggio as it aligned closely to the company's market research about the type of vehicle people wanted. Despite initial hesitance from the public, the Vespa quickly...
Curated Video
How the Vespa Was Invented
After his initial partnership, Corradino D'Ascanio was hired by Piaggio as the designer for the "adjustable pitch helix" and later became Project Manager for the Air Force. Despite his success in aircraft design, the destruction of the...
Curated Video
Sebacks in Helicopter Design and Innovation
Corradino D'Ascanio's collaborated with Piaggio to develop and refine the "adjustable pitch helix," improving aircraft engine performance. While working on various helicopter prototypes from 1936 to 1952, the project faced funding...
Curated Video
A Life Devoted to Love and Inventions
Corradino D'Ascanio married Paola Paolini, a musician from a wealthy family, in 1917. Their relationship was marked by deep love and creative communication, like his invention of a telephone system to speak with her secretly. Despite...
Curated Video
Unrealized Ambitions: D'Ascanio's Helicopter and the Battle for Recognition
When D'Ascanio believed his helicopter designs were ready for flight, he entered an Air Force contest despite significant administrative obstacles and lack of support. Although his helicopter was accepted and funds were allocated for a...
Curated Video
Baron Trojani's Archive: the Many Innovations of Corradino D'Ascanio
The archive of Baron Trojani, who managed the commercial aspects of Corradino D'Ascanio's projects contains various innovative designs, including record-keeping systems and aeronautics mechanisms. D'Ascanio created numerous patents to...
Weird History
Weirdest Foods From Ancient Rome
The people of ancient Rome may have lived thousands of years ago, but their diets were anything but old-fashioned. In fact, they chowed down on many foods we would shudder to even consider consuming today. The rich and famous, ranging...
Weird History
What It Was Like to Be a Roman Slave
Slave labor was a huge aspect of Roman life and the Republic depended heavily on free work from human beings who had no rights, no possessions, and were left at the whims of their masters to be worked to death, starved, tortured, and...
Weird History
What It Was Like to Be a Spectator at the Roman Colosseum
Ancient Romans loved their sports and entertainment, and the Colosseum put on the grandest games in all of ancient Rome. With its gladiators, interchangeable arenas, exotic animals, and the rare naval reenactment, being a spectator in...
Weird History
What Was It Like To Be A Roman Gladiator
Gladiators were the rock stars of the Roman Empire. But what was gladiator combat like? How did the slaves of the arena fight and survive over centuries worth of matches? Gladiator combat was a little different than movies would have you...
Weird History
How The Roman Colosseum Was Built
One of the world's most notable feats of architecture is the Colosseum in Rome. Opened in 80 CE by Emperor Titus, this massive structure existed solely to entertain the masses with gladiator fights, animal skirmishes, and, at some point,...
Weird History
Pompeii Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
Mount Vesuvius was responsible for the destruction of the city of Pompeii in 79 AD. Nearly everyone has heard one story or another about arguably the most well-known volcanic eruption in history, but how many of you know what really...
Weird History
Life In Fascist Italy
The period between WWI and WWII brought about major political changes in Italy, and yet it's fairly uncommon to discuss what actually went on in Benito Mussolini's fascist state during those years. Mussolini implemented policies and...
Curated Video
Soaring Over Assisi: Drone Tour of Umbria's Holy Town
Take a flight of discovery high above the sacred town of Assisi, nestled in the Umbrian hills. This aerial journey captures the majestic Basilica of Saint Francis, medieval stone streets, and olive groves that surround this spiritual...