Wisdom and Madness of Crowds

Explore where notable people were born on an interactive world map. Filter culture, science, leadership, and sport, compare regions, and connect biographies with geography. Map by Topi Tjukanov, using research by Morgane Laouenan and colleagues.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is shown in 3D with a cutaway slider that slices the front away and a build slider that stops construction at any height. Readouts show the height built, blocks placed and stone volume.

A 3D stone circle under a moving sun. Students drag the sun, move an observer around the circle or slide the date to test whether sunrise lines up with the Heel Stone.

An overshot waterwheel driving a millstone. Students lift the wooden gate, change the pond level and click the millstone, then watch flow, torque, wheel speed and flour output.

A wooden frame and nine limestone wedges. Students drag the stones into place, add the keystone last, then remove the frame and test the arch with extra weight on top.