30 Historical Facts That Are Too Crazy to Be Real
HISTORICAL FACTS
History is filled with bizarre events, unusual people, and unbelievable coincidences that sound too wild to be true. From exploding animals to unusual royal habits, these historical facts will make you question everything you thought you knew. Ready to be amazed? Let’s dive in!
1. Napoleon Was Attacked by Bunnies
During a hunting event, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered his men to release hundreds of rabbits. Instead of fleeing, the rabbits charged at him! The rabbits had been domesticated and thought they were being fed. Even an emperor wasn’t safe from fluffy invaders.
2. The Shortest War in History Lasted 38 Minutes
In 1896, the Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted just 38 minutes, making it the shortest war in history. The British bombarded the palace, and the Sultan of Zanzibar quickly surrendered. A blink-and-you-missed-it battle!
3. A Pope Once Put a Corpse on Trial
In 897 AD, Pope Formosus’ corpse was exhumed and placed on trial by his successor, Pope Stephen VI. The dead pope was found guilty, stripped of his papal robes, and thrown into the Tiber River. Medieval justice was ruthless!
4. The Eiffel Tower Was Almost Sold as Scrap Metal—Twice
Con artist Victor Lustig “sold” the Eiffel Tower for scrap metal—twice! He convinced scrap dealers it was too expensive to maintain. Shockingly, his victims were too embarrassed to report the scam.
5. President Zachary Taylor Died from Eating Cherries and Milk
In 1850, U.S. President Zachary Taylor died after consuming large amounts of cherries and iced milk, which led to severe gastroenteritis. Imagine dying from a summer snack!
6. Ancient Romans Used Urine as Mouthwash
Gross but true! Ancient Romans used urine as a mouthwash because of its ammonia content, which acted as a cleaning agent. Urine was even taxed as a valuable commodity.
7. A Chicken Survived Without Its Head for 18 Months
In 1945, a chicken named Mike lived for 18 months after its head was cut off. The farmer missed the jugular vein, and Mike's brain stem remained intact, allowing basic functions like walking and breathing.
8. The Great Emu War: Australia Lost to Birds
In 1932, Australia declared war on emus after they invaded farmland. Armed soldiers fought the giant birds but were defeated due to the emus’ speed and agility. It remains one of the weirdest military failures in history.
9. George Washington Was a Whiskey Tycoon
America’s first president, George Washington, owned one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the U.S. after leaving office. By 1799, his distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey.
10. In 18th Century England, Pineapples Were Status Symbols
Pineapples were so rare and expensive in 18th-century England that people would rent them as table centerpieces to show off their wealth. They were the ultimate status symbol!
11. Julius Caesar Was Once Kidnapped by Pirates
When Julius Caesar was captured by pirates, he laughed at the ransom amount they demanded and insisted they ask for more because he was worth more. After his release, he hunted down the pirates and had them executed.
12. Albert Einstein Was Offered the Presidency of Israel
In 1952, Albert Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel but declined, stating he lacked the necessary experience and skills. Who knew the greatest physicist of all time could have been a world leader?
13. Women Were Once Banned from Using Hotel Swimming Pools
In the 1940s and 50s, many U.S. hotels banned women from using swimming pools to avoid clogging the filters with hairpins. This bizarre rule highlights how times (and pool cleaning technology) have changed.
14. The Titanic's Fourth Funnel Was Fake
Only three of the Titanic’s four funnels were functional. The fourth was added purely for aesthetic symmetry, making the ship look more powerful and impressive. Talk about style over substance!
15. Ancient Egyptians Used Dead Mice as Toothache Remedies
To ease toothaches, ancient Egyptians placed dead mice on the affected area, believing it would absorb the pain. Thank goodness for modern dentistry!
16. The Eiffel Tower Grows in Summer
Due to thermal expansion, the Eiffel Tower can grow about 6 inches taller in the summer when the iron heats up and expands.
17. Vikings Used Urine to Start Fires
Vikings collected a fungus called touchwood and soaked it in urine to create a fire-starting material. The sodium nitrate in urine allowed the fungus to smolder for hours, perfect for starting fires on the go.
18. French Was England's Official Language for 300 Years
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, French became the official language of England's court and aristocracy. It wasn’t until the 14th century that English reclaimed its status.
19. Roman Gladiators Were Mostly Vegetarians
Roman gladiators followed a vegetarian diet rich in barley and beans to build body mass. Their diets were so plant-based that they were nicknamed “barley-eaters.”
20. Shakespeare and Pocahontas Were Alive at the Same Time
William Shakespeare died in 1616, the same year Pocahontas died. It’s wild to think that these two historical figures lived in the same era, though worlds apart.
21. Abraham Lincoln Was a Licensed Bartender
Before becoming the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln co-owned a bar in Illinois called Berry and Lincoln. He even had a liquor license—talk about a man of many talents!
22. Stonehenge Was Sold in 1915
Stonehenge was privately owned and sold at auction in 1915 for £6,600. The buyer, Cecil Chubb, later donated it to the British government.
23. King Tut's Parents Were Siblings
DNA tests revealed that King Tutankhamun’s parents were siblings. This inbreeding led to numerous genetic issues, including a clubfoot and a cleft palate.
24. A Soviet Scientist Removed His Own Appendix
In 1961, Soviet doctor Leonid Rogozov removed his own appendix during an Antarctic expedition to save his life. With no other doctor present, he performed the surgery using mirrors.
25. Medieval Animals Were Put on Trial
In medieval Europe, animals were put on trial for crimes. They were assigned lawyers and could be sentenced to death. Pigs were the most common offenders!
26. Famous Composer Beethoven Was Deaf
Despite being almost completely deaf, Ludwig van Beethoven composed some of his greatest works. He felt the vibrations of the piano to “hear” his compositions.
27. A 10-Day Calendar Was Used in France
During the French Revolution, France used a 10-day week calendar called the French Republican Calendar, designed to remove religious influence. It lasted 12 years before being abolished.
28. The Boston Marathon Was Originally Only for Men
Women were banned from the Boston Marathon until 1972. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run it officially by registering under her initials, K.V. Switzer.
29. There Was a War Over a Bucket
The War of the Bucket (1325) was fought between the Italian cities of Bologna and Modena over a stolen bucket. Modena won, and the bucket is still displayed in Modena today.
30. Julius Caesar Was Stabbed 23 Times
On March 15, 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated by his Senate members. He was stabbed 23 times, including by his friend Brutus, inspiring the famous phrase “Et tu, Brute?”
Which Historical Fact Shocked You the Most?
Which of these wild historical facts blew your mind? Share this list with your friends and see who knew the most!