20 Fascinating Historical Facts You Never Learned at School

Delve into the pages of history to discover the lesser-known facts, spanning diverse topics like weather events, dental tribulations of founding fathers, and the actual height of renowned global leaders that your textbooks failed to cover.

Nov 2, 2023 - 13:22

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20 Fascinating Historical Facts You Never Learned at School

Are you ready to travel back in time and learn some fascinating historical facts? History classes in school often focus on famous events and well-known figures, but there are countless intriguing titbits that go unnoticed. In this blog post, we will dive into the pages of history to uncover 20 lesser-known historical facts that you probably never learned in school. From bizarre events to debunking myths and unexpected origins to inventions, get ready for an enlightening journey through time.

Bizarre Events in History: From the Dancing Plague to the Great Emu War

1. The Little Ice Age: While you may have learned about major historical periods, did you know that Europe experienced a period of significant cooling known as the Little Ice Age? From the 14th to the 19th centuries, temperatures dropped, leading to hardships such as failed harvests and famine.

2. George Washington's Dental Troubles: You may know George Washington as the first President of the United States, but did you know he had major dental problems? By the time he took office, he had only one natural tooth left.

3. The Great Emu War: Australia, known for its unique wildlife, also has an interesting military record. In 1932, a military operation was launched to fight against emus that were wreaking havoc on crops. Surprisingly, the emus won!

4. The Dancing Plague: In 1518, a strange phenomenon occurred in Strasbourg, France. A woman started dancing uncontrollably, and within a month, hundreds had joined her. This dancing plague lasted for several months and had no known cause.

5. The Not-So-Glamorous Life of Pirates: Pirates have become legendary figures in popular culture, but the reality is far less glamorous. Pirates often faced poor conditions, disease, and brutal punishments.

Debunking Historical Myths: Understanding the Realities of Napoleon, Columbus, and More

6. The Gregorian Calendar: The calendar we use today was not always the standard. The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 to correct the inaccuracies of the Julian calendar. However, it took some time for the new calendar to be universally adopted.

7. Napoleon Bonaparte's Height: Napoleon Bonaparte is known for his formidable leadership skills. However, contrary to popular belief, he was not short. He stood at an average height for his time, around 5 feet 6 inches.

8. Mount Rushmore's Hidden Heritage: Mount Rushmore is a famous American landmark featuring the faces of four presidents. But did you know that it was originally intended to include full-body sculptures? Due to a lack of funding, the project was scaled down to just the heads.

9. The Great Wall of China's Original Purpose: The Great Wall of China is an architectural marvel, but its original purpose was not solely for defence. It also served as a means to control trade and impose taxes on goods travelling along the Silk Road.

10. The Misunderstood Vikings: Vikings are often portrayed as ruthless warriors, but they were also skilled traders, explorers, and settlers. They established trade routes far beyond their homeland of Scandinavia.

Unexpected Origins and Inventions: Ketchup, Microwaves, and the English Language

11. The History of Ketchup: Ketchup, a popular condiment today, has a surprising origin. It can be traced back to ancient China, where a fermented fish sauce called "ke-tsiap" was made. The recipe was later modified and brought to the Americas.

12. The Rise and Fall of the Library of Alexandria: The Library of Alexandria was a renowned centre of knowledge in ancient times. Sadly, it was destroyed in a series of fires, resulting in the loss of countless ancient texts.

13. Ancient Roman Plumbing: The Romans were innovative when it came to plumbing. They developed a sophisticated system of aqueducts, sewers, and public baths, showcasing their engineering prowess.

14. The Accidental Discovery of the Microwave: Microwaves have become an essential part of modern kitchens, but their discovery was accidental. In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer noticed a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted while working on radar technology.

15. Cleopatra's True Roots: Cleopatra, the legendary Egyptian queen, was actually of Greek descent. Her family, the Ptolemies, were of Macedonian Greek origin.

16. The Unexpected Origins of the English Language: English has evolved over centuries, borrowing words from various languages. It has influences from Germanic, Latin, French, and other languages, making it the rich and diverse language it is today.

17. Christopher Columbus's Geographical Misunderstanding: Christopher Columbus is often credited with discovering America, but he was actually searching for a western route to Asia. He mistakenly believed he had reached Asia when he landed in the Caribbean.

18. Benjamin Franklin's Love for the Turkey: Benjamin Franklin famously argued that the wild turkey should be the national bird of the United States rather than the bald eagle. He considered the turkey to be a "Bird of Courage."

19. The Misinterpretations of the Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy, but its original meaning is often misunderstood. It was intended to symbolise the abolition of slavery, not immigration.

20. The Mysterious Origins of the Statue of Liberty: The sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi created the Statue of Liberty in France, where it first appeared. The statue was then disassembled and shipped to the United States as a gift.

There you have it: 20 fascinating historical facts that are often overlooked in conventional teaching. History is full of surprises, and by exploring these lesser-known facts, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the past. So, the next time you find yourself in a history discussion, impress your friends with these intriguing titbits that go beyond the textbooks. Happy exploring!

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