Ever come across a historical fact so bizarre that it seems like it must be a tall tale? History is packed with jaw-dropping moments that defy logic and challenge our understanding of the past. Get ready to explore 10 incredible historical facts that will leave you questioning reality and marveling at the truth behind these unbelievable stories.
Cleopatra and iPhones
Cleopatra was actually closer in time to the iPhone era than to the construction of the Great Pyramid. While Cleopatra ruled around 30 BC, the Great Pyramid was built around 2560 BC—a gap of over 2,500 years! Meanwhile, only about 2,000 years separated Cleopatra from the first iPhone in 2007.
The Dancing Sickness
In 1518, a “dancing plague” struck Strasbourg, France. Hundreds of people danced uncontrollably for days, some until they collapsed or died. Theories range from mass hysteria to fungus-contaminated bread, but the cause remains a mystery. Picture a modern-day flash mob gone wrong—that’s the dancing plague for you!
Unhygienic Mouthwash
Early Romans used human urine as mouthwash. They believed ammonia in urine would whiten teeth and fight bad breath. Even more bizarrely, that bodily fluid was so valued that there was a urine tax on public toilets. Next time you complain about the price of Listerine, remember it could be worse!
Fight Against Emus
In 1932, Australia went to war against emus and lost. The “Great Emu War” attempted to cull emus, destroying crops in Western Australia. Despite deploying soldiers with machine guns, the emus proved too nimble and resilient. Later, the military withdrew in defeat, leaving farmers to face the feathered menace alone.
The Turkey God
Turkeys were once worshipped as gods. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs revered these birds as manifestations of the god of fire and transformation. Fast forward to today, and we’re stuffing them with bread and cranberries.
Animals on Court
In medieval Europe, animals could be put on trial. From locusts excommunicated by the Catholic Church to a pig executed for murder, animal trials were surprisingly common. The most absurd? A group of rats tried in absentia for crop destruction, but they were acquitted when their lawyer argued they hadn’t received a formal summons.
Poisoned Alcohol
Prohibition agents once poisoned alcohol to stop people from drinking it. This U.S. government program in the 1920s added deadly chemicals to industrial alcohols, which bootleggers often stole and resold. The result? About 10,000 deaths.
Wooden Submarine
The first submarine was used in combat in 1776. American patriot Ezra Lee piloted the “Turtle,” a wooden, egg-shaped vessel, attempting to attach explosives to British ships. While unsuccessful, it paved the way for modern submarine warfare. Imagine the looks on British sailors’ faces if they’d spotted this weird contraption!
Teenage Death Match
You’ve probably seen this depicted in the film “300,” where Spartans made their teenagers fight to the death as entertainment. They actually got that part right! During the annual Krypteia, young Spartans were encouraged to ambush and kill enslaved people to prove their worth.
Summer Disappeared
In 1816, the world experienced a year without summer. Mount Tambora’s eruption in Indonesia caused global cooling, leading to widespread crop failures and famine. On the bright side, it inspired Mary Shelley to write “Frankenstein” during a gloomy vacation.
