History is full of surprising stories and events that often go unnoticed. While we know about major historical moments, many lesser-known facts can change how we see the past. These hidden details reveal the quirks and unexpected connections that have shaped our world.
In this blog post, I’ll share 25 lesser-known historical facts that will amaze you.
Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Moon Landing Than the Building of the Pyramids
Cleopatra, the last active ruler of Egypt, lived from 69 BC to 30 BC. The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BC. The first moon landing happened in 1969 AD. This means Cleopatra’s lifetime was closer to the moon landing than to the construction of the pyramids.
Ancient Romans Used Gladiator Blood as Medicine
In ancient Rome, gladiator blood was believed to have healing properties. People would drink it to cure epilepsy and other ailments. Gladiators would even sell their sweat as a beauty product. This practice continued until the fall of the Roman Empire.
The First Person to Survive Going Over Niagara Falls Did It by Accident
In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. However, she didn’t intend to go over the falls. She thought she would float safely in the river above the falls. Her barrel got caught in the current, taking her over the edge.
Harriet Tubman Was the First Woman to Lead an Armed Assault in the Civil War
Harriet Tubman is famous for her work on the Underground Railroad. But she also led a military operation during the Civil War. In 1863, she guided Union boats up the Combahee River, freeing over 700 slaves. This made her the first woman to lead an armed assault in the war.
The Eiffel Tower Was Supposed to Be Torn Down After 20 Years
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. It was meant to stand for only 20 years. The city planned to tear it down in 1909. However, its height made it perfect for radio transmission, so it was allowed to stay.
Coca-Cola Was Once Sold as a Cure for Morphine Addiction
When Coca-Cola was first invented in 1885, it contained cocaine. Its creator, John Pemberton, marketed it as a cure for morphine addiction. The cocaine was removed from the drink in 1903. Today, Coca-Cola still uses coca leaves, but the cocaine is removed before use.
Australia Once Lost a War Against Emus
In 1932, Australia declared war on emus, large flightless birds. Farmers were complaining about crop damage from the birds. The military was called in to cull the emu population. Despite their efforts, the emus proved too difficult to defeat, and the “war” was abandoned.
The Last Civil War Widow Died in 2020
The last known widow of a Civil War veteran died in December 2020. Her name was Helen Viola Jackson, and she was 101 years old. She married 93-year-old James Bolin in 1936 when she was 17. This shows how events we consider ancient history can reach into the present.
Napoleon Was Once Attacked by Thousands of Rabbits
In 1807, Napoleon asked his chief of staff to arrange a rabbit hunt. Thousands of rabbits were gathered for the occasion. But instead of running away, the rabbits charged towards Napoleon and his men. The emperor had to retreat to his carriage to escape the furry onslaught.
The Shortest War in History Lasted 38 Minutes
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is the shortest war on record. It lasted just 38 minutes. The war began when the British demanded a new sultan in Zanzibar. When the sultan refused to step down, the British bombarded his palace. The sultan surrendered after 38 minutes of shelling.
Ancient Egyptians Used Crocodile Dung as Contraception
In ancient Egypt, crocodile dung was used as a form of birth control. It was believed to have spermicidal properties. Women would insert it into their vaginas before sex. While not effective, the high acidity of crocodile dung may have had some contraceptive effects.
The First Computer Bug Was an Actual Bug
In 1947, computer scientists found a moth trapped in a Harvard Mark II computer. They taped the moth into the logbook and wrote, “first actual case of bug being found.” This is often cited as the origin of the term “computer bug.” However, the term was already in use before this incident.
Turkeys Were Once Worshipped as Gods
In ancient Mexico, turkeys were revered as gods. The Aztecs, Maya, and other Mesoamerican peoples domesticated turkeys more than 2,000 years ago. They used turkeys for food but also in religious rituals. Turkey bones and feathers have been found in the tombs of Mayan kings.
The Olympics Once Awarded Medals for Art
From 1912 to 1948, the Olympics included competitions in art. Medals were awarded for architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. These works had to be inspired by sport. The art competitions were discontinued because most Olympic artists were professionals, violating the amateur-only rule.
Schoolchildren in Japan Clean Their Own Schools
In Japan, it’s common for students to clean their own schools. This practice, called “o-soji,” is part of their education. Students spend about 15 minutes each day cleaning classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. This teaches them responsibility and respect for their environment.
Ketchup Was Once Sold as Medicine
In the 1830s, ketchup was sold as a medicine in the United States. It was claimed to cure diarrhea, indigestion, and jaundice. The “ketchup” of that time was made from mushrooms or walnuts, not tomatoes. It wasn’t until later that tomato ketchup became popular as a condiment.
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Tug of War Was Once an Olympic Sport
Tug of war was part of the Olympic Games from 1900 to 1920. It was considered a part of the track and field athletics program. Teams of eight would compete against each other. The United States, Great Britain, and Sweden were among the countries that won gold medals in this event.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa Was Straight for 5 Years
The Leaning Tower of Pisa didn’t start leaning until five years after construction began. The tower started to lean during construction due to soft ground on one side. It took 199 years to complete the tower. Over the centuries, it has continued to lean more, but recent restoration work has stabilized it.
A Balloon Flight Caused the First Aviation-Related Death
The first known aviation-related death occurred in 1785. Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier attempted to cross the English Channel in a balloon. His balloon caught fire and crashed, killing him and his passenger. This happened about 120 years before the Wright brothers’ first powered flight.
The Hundred Years’ War Actually Lasted 116 Years
Despite its name, the Hundred Years’ War between England and France lasted 116 years. It began in 1337 and ended in 1453. The war wasn’t one continuous conflict, but a series of battles with periods of peace in between. It had a significant impact on the development of national identities in both countries.
Rats Once Destroyed an Entire Island’s Ecosystem
In 1894, a ship ran aground on Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia. Black rats from the ship swam ashore and multiplied rapidly. They ate many of the island’s unique species, including birds and insects. It took over 100 years and a massive eradication program to remove the rats and restore the ecosystem.
The First Car Accident Occurred When There Were Only Two Cars in Ohio
In 1895, in Ohio, USA, the first recorded car accident in history took place. At the time, there were only two cars in the entire state. The drivers of these two cars crashed into each other. Fortunately, the accident only resulted in minor injuries.
A War Was Once Fought Over a Bucket
In 1325, the Italian cities of Bologna and Modena fought a war over a wooden bucket. Soldiers from Modena stole a bucket from a well in Bologna, leading to a series of battles between the two cities. The war lasted for 12 years, and Modena kept the bucket, which is still on display today.
Horses Once Wore Shoes Made of Leather
Before metal horseshoes were invented, horses sometimes wore shoes made of leather. These were used in ancient Asia to protect horses’ hooves on rough terrain. Leather shoes were lighter than metal ones and provided some protection. However, they wore out quickly and were eventually replaced by metal shoes.
The World’s Oldest Known Living Tree Was Already Ancient When the Pyramids Were Built
The oldest known living tree is a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine named Methuselah. It’s estimated to be over 4,800 years old. This means it was already about 500 years old when the Great Pyramid of Giza was built. The tree’s exact location is kept secret to protect it from vandalism.
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