The philosophical paradox that challenges the understanding of identity
In 1943, a mysterious and frightening illness spread through Nazi-occupied Rome. But it was revealed 60 years later by Italian doctors that they invented ‘Syndrome K’ to save Italian Jews. At least 20 people were saved from deportation.
Many might not know this, but the famous Egyptian ruler was of Greek origin and a descendant of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian general, Ptolemy.
When Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming left for vacation in 1928, he forgot to properly clean one of his Petri dishes. When he came back, he noticed mold on it and figured that it had prevented bacteria from growing. He understood that the mold contained antibacterial properties, thus discovering penicillin.
Known for its four-degree lean, the Italian tower was constructed in the 12th century. When construction on the second story started, the tower started to lean, due to the unstable ground.
The university first opened its doors to students in 1096, while the Aztec Empire is said to have originated in the city of Tenochtitlán (present-day Mexico City) in 1325.
As the Confederacy crumbled in 1865, many didn't accept the defeat. Instead, around 20,000 fled to Brazil in hope that the country’s legalized slavery would preserve their traditions. Slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888, but to this day descendants of the Confederates gather to celebrate their heritage.
Pilot Marina Raskova convinced Joseph Stalin to let her form an all-female flying unit, which became known as the Night Witches. And even with their outdated equipment and planes, they still managed to fly over the Germans without being detected, launching surprise attacks.
After his presidency, Washington opened a whiskey distillery. By 1799 it was the largest distillery in the United States, producing 11,000 gallons of un-aged whiskey.
Napoleon had requested that a rabbit hunt be arranged for him and his men. When the rabbits were released from their cages, they charged towards Napoleon and his men in a vicious and unstoppable onslaught.
The 369th New York regiment fought longer than any other unit during the war. Sadly, although many Hellfighters hoped that their service would improve race relations, they returned home to find racist Jim Crow laws still in place.
Called the Althing by Icelanders, the world's oldest acting parliament was established in 930 CE.
Sources: (All That's interesting) (Parade) (CNN) (Associated Press)
During World War II, German physicians prescribed methamphetamine (Pervitin) when troops felt tired or depressed. Historical documents also suggest that Hitler inhaled powdered cocaine to treat sinus problems.
Known for his insanity, the emperor made his beloved horse Incitatus a senator. The horse received a marble stall, a jeweled collar, and even a house.
As the space race began between the US and the Soviet Union, the Americans drew in Nazi technology to get ahead in the Cold War. The top secret program was called Operation Paperclip, which brought in Nazi scientists to the United States and quietly eliminated evidence of war crimes.
First introduced in Italy in the 11th century by a Byzantine princess, forks were seen as rude and sacrilegious because they were ‘artificial hands.’ Even in the 16th century, the English were still ridiculing those who dared to use the utensil.
Fought between Britain and Zanzibar, the Anglo-Zanzibar War occurred on August 27 in 1896. It was over the ascension of the next Sultan in Zanzibar, and resulted in a British victory.
In 300 BCE, these big birds were heralded by the Mayan people as vessels of the gods and honored with worship. They were symbols of power and prestige, and were domesticated to have roles in religious rites.
From 1912 to 1948, medals were given for literature, architecture, sculpture, painting, and music. The art created was required to be Olympic-themed.
Since 1945, all British tanks have a special spot for tea-making. This way, the soldiers don’t have to leave the tank in order to boil water and thereby diminish the risk of getting caught by the enemy.
In 1954, Ernest Hemingway and his wife Mary Welsh had a disastrous trip, resulting in two plane crashes. They were embarking on a sightseeing tour in Uganda when their first plane crashed and they had to spend the night in the jungle. The next day, they boarded a rescue plane, which also crashed and caught on fire. Luckily, they escaped without any harm.
As women were not allowed to run the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer signed up in 1967 using only her initials. When she showed up, race officials were enraged as she wasn't a man, and several attempted to stop her from running. Nevertheless, she powered through and finished the race.
A female gladiator was called a gladiatrix, two or more gladiatrices. They were extremely rare, but did exist until being officially banned from 200 CE onwards.
The world is full of astonishing stories that often get forgotten or overlooked in history classes. This shows that there are plenty of interesting and random historical facts that you probably never knew of in the first place.
From Cleopatra's origins to Abraham Lincoln's wrestling career, click through the following gallery to discover random historical facts you didn’t know.
Random historical facts you didn’t know
The intriguing stories that history lessons often miss
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
The world is full of astonishing stories that often get forgotten or overlooked in history classes. This shows that there are plenty of interesting and random historical facts that you probably never knew of in the first place.
From Cleopatra's origins to Abraham Lincoln's wrestling career, click through the following gallery to discover random historical facts you didn’t know.