Ever wondered about the quirky side of history? Well, you're in for a treat! History isn't just about wars, treaties, and revolutions; it's also filled with oddities that'll make you go, "Really?" From rulers with peculiar habits to unbelievable laws that once existed, history is brimming with facts that seem too bizarre to be true. OhMyFacts brings you 20 of these head-scratchers, proving that truth can be stranger than fiction. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through history's most astonishing and downright weird moments. Ready to have your mind blown by the past's most jaw-dropping oddities? Let's dive into the annals of history and uncover these gems together!
Key Takeaways:
- Animals were once put on trial in medieval times, just like humans, and even executed for their "crimes." This bizarre practice shows the strange and surprising aspects of history.
- From a pope writing an erotic novel to a country changing its name for a day, history is full of weird and fascinating facts that can surprise and entertain us.
When Animals Were Put on Trial
In medieval times, animals could be tried and punished for crimes, just like humans. This might sound like fiction, but it's a historical fact. From the 13th to the 18th century, animals, including pigs, cows, and even insects, were brought before courtrooms, given legal representation, and sentenced for their "crimes."
- In 1386, a pig was executed in France for the murder of a child. The pig was dressed in human clothes and publicly executed.
The Great Emu War
Australia once waged war against emus in 1932. This conflict, known as the Great Emu War, was a result of emus invading farmland in Western Australia. Farmers, struggling with the birds eating their crops, sought government assistance, leading to military intervention.
- Despite using machine guns, the soldiers failed to significantly reduce the emu population, leading to the "war" being declared a failure for the humans.
A Pope Wrote an Erotic Book
Before becoming Pope Pius II, Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini penned an erotic novel titled "The Tale of Two Lovers." This work, written in the 15th century, is a stark contrast to the religious duties he later assumed as pope.
- The book became one of the bestselling books of the 15th century, showcasing the diverse background from which the pope came.
The Shortest War in History
Wars typically last for months, if not years, but the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 holds the record for the shortest war in history.
- Lasting only 38 to 45 minutes, this war was fought between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar on August 27, 1896.
Cleopatra's Time Was Closer to the Moon Landing Than to the Construction of the Great Pyramid
It's easy to lump all ancient history together, but the timelines can be surprising.
- Cleopatra VII reigned from 51-30 BC, closer in time to the first moon landing in 1969 than to the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza around 2580-2560 BC.
The Original "Bunny Ears" Photo Bomb
Long before smartphones and social media, a practical joke involving bunny ears existed.
- In 1900, a woman named Mary Dillwyn took one of the earliest known photographs of someone giving another person "bunny ears," proving that some forms of humor transcend time.
A Tsar Bomba Too Big
The Tsar Bomba, detonated by the Soviet Union in 1961, remains the most powerful nuclear weapon ever tested.
- With a blast yield of 50 megatons of TNT, the bomb's shockwave circled the Earth three times.
When the Eiffel Tower Was Almost Demolished
The Eiffel Tower, now an iconic symbol of France, was originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years.
- Constructed as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, public appreciation and its usefulness as a radio antenna saved it from demolition.
The Invention of the Sandwich
The sandwich, a global staple, owes its name to an 18th-century aristocrat.
- John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, is credited with inventing the sandwich because he wanted to eat without leaving his gambling table.
A President's Deadly Speech
William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, delivered the longest inaugural speech in history in 1841, in cold weather without wearing a coat or hat.
- He caught a cold that day, which developed into pneumonia, leading to his death just 31 days into his presidency, making his the shortest presidency in U.S. history.
The Color Purple Was Once a Royal Exclusive
Purple dye was so rare and expensive in ancient times that it became the color of royalty and nobility.
- Produced from the murex snail, thousands of these snails were needed to create just one gram of Tyrian purple dye, making it worth more than its weight in gold.
The First "Computer Bug"
In 1947, a computer at Harvard University malfunctioned, and upon investigation, a moth was found trapped in one of its components.
- This incident led to the term "computer bug" being coined, marking the first recorded instance of a bug causing a computer to malfunction.
Napoleon Was Once Attacked by Rabbits
History often highlights Napoleon Bonaparte's military genius, but not all his encounters were so dignified.
- During a hunting party, a group of rabbits was released for him to hunt. However, the rabbits charged at him aggressively instead of running away, leading to a hasty retreat by the former emperor.
The First Item Sold on eBay Was Broken
eBay, one of the world's largest online marketplaces, had a humble and quirky beginning.
- The first item ever sold was a broken laser pointer for $14.83. When the buyer was informed it was broken, he replied that he was collecting broken laser pointers, highlighting the diverse interests of online shoppers.
A Law Against Dying
In the small town of Longyearbyen, Norway, dying is technically illegal.
- Due to the permafrost, bodies do not decompose, leading to a law that prevents people from being buried there. Instead, terminally ill residents are flown to the mainland to spend their final days.
The Voice Behind Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Were Married in Real Life
The iconic characters of Mickey and Minnie Mouse have been a part of childhoods worldwide.
- Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor, who voiced Mickey and Minnie Mouse respectively for many years, were married in real life, adding a charming layer to their on-screen romance.
An Emperor's Golden Touch
Roman Emperor Caligula is known for his eccentricities, one of which involved his horse, Incitatus.
- Caligula loved his horse so much that he gave it a marble stall, an ivory manger, and even planned to make it a consul, showcasing the unpredictable nature of his rule.
The London Bridge Is in Arizona
London Bridge, a historical landmark, was dismantled in 1967 and relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
- Purchased by Robert P. McCulloch, the bridge was carefully reconstructed, brick by brick, in Arizona, where it stands today as a popular tourist attraction.
A Country That Changed Its Name for a Day
In 1995, to promote the release of the movie "The Flintstones," the town of San Serriffe in the South Pacific changed its name to "San Stonestone" for a day.
- This quirky promotional stunt highlighted the lengths to which some places will go to attract attention.
The World's First Known Author Was a Woman
Contrary to the male-dominated narrative of ancient history, the world's first known author was a woman.
- Enheduanna, a priestess in ancient Sumer, wrote hymns and poems 4,300 years ago, making her the first author in history whose name is known.
A Peek into History's Curious Closet
History's not just about dates and treaties. It's a treasure chest brimming with stories that make you go, "Really?" From emperors throwing parties for their horses to laws about wearing hats, these tales show us just how quirky our ancestors were. They remind us that, at heart, humans have always been a bit odd, a bit inventive, and endlessly fascinating. So, next time you're thumbing through a history book or scrolling through OhMyFacts, remember: behind every historical fact is a story, sometimes weird, always worth knowing. These snippets from the past enrich our understanding of human nature, proving that history is anything but boring. They invite us to look at our own times with a bit more humor and a lot more curiosity. Who knows what future generations will find bizarre about us?
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