24 Random Facts About History
If you love to learn random facts, then you’re going to love the ones in this Writing! These historical facts are so interesting, you may not have even heard of them.
History can be a fascinating topic. Whether it’s discovering forgotten stories from the past or simply learning something new, history has much to offer us. Here are historical facts you may not have heard before:
1 Did you know that during the Bronze Age
Scientists thought magnets had a soul? They believed magnets were alive and had supernatural powers because of their ability to move objects without being touched.
2 Have you ever heard of Masada?
This is an ancient fortification located on a mountain top in Israel. During a siege against Roman forces in 73 CE, 960 Jewish rebels held out at the fortress until their last stand where they committed mass suicide rather than surrender.
3 During the 15th century,
Queen Isabella of Spain funded Christopher Columbus’ voyage in exchange for her one-tenth share of his future profits. She became incredibly wealthy after his journey was successful.
4 Did you know that before gunpowder was invented
soldiers in Ancient China used grenades filled with hot coal and bits of metal as weapons? These early explosives could do some serious damage if thrown properly.
5. Did you know that until 1996 it was illegal to import the sushi-grade tuna
known as ‘bluefin’ into the United States? It wasn’t until 1997 that Congress finally passed legislation that made it legal to consume the delicacy.
6. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln
Only received 39% of the popular vote in the 1860 election? Despite his lack of support from voters, he still managed to win 180 out of 303 electoral votes and became the first Republican president in American history.
7. Did you know that ancient Egyptians used ladders
In warfare to invade their enemies’ fortresses? They would climb up the ladders and launch themselves onto their opponents from great heights, overwhelming them with sheer numbers and ferocity.
8. Did you know that In 1883 Krakatoa
An active volcano on an Indonesian island, erupted? It was one of the most powerful eruptions ever recorded by man and killed over 36,000 people. Its aftermath even caused several tsunamis throughout Asia, including in Java where entire villages were destroyed within minutes due to high waves crashing onto its shores.
9. Did you know that there is a street in Tokyo named after Hachikō
A famous dog who was loved by all who lived near him? The loyal pup is well-known for his faithfulness to his owner; after his owner died suddenly at work, Hachikō remained devotedly outside his home station for nine years awaiting his return — until his death at age 11 in 1935! Today this street serves as a tribute to him for all his unconditional love and devotion over those nine long years.
10. During World War I
Elephants were used to haul supplies and ammunition on the battlefields in Africa and Asia.
11. In the 1800s
Two doctors in Scotland created an “aerosolizing apparatus” that allowed them to infuse small doses of morphine directly into patients’ lungs via a respirator mask. This was one of the earliest forms of inhaled anesthesia.
12. The first hamburger sandwich
is thought to have been served by Louis Lassen in 1900 at his lunch wagon in New Haven, Connecticut.
13. The telephone wasn’t invented by Alexander Graham Bell
But by Elisha Gray, who submitted his design plans for a telephone on the same day as Bell’s application for patenting the device.
14. Marie Curie
Was not only the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (for physics in 1903) but she was also the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes (the second being in chemistry in 1911
15. Did you know that during World War II
An estimated 500 million rodents were killed in Europe as part of an effort to keep food supplies safe from damage?
16. One of the oldest universities in the world
Al-Karaouine University, was founded in Morocco in 859 CE.
17. In ancient Greece and Rome
Crocodiles were kept as pets and often adorned with jewels.
18. The use of buttons on clothing
Has been traced back to Middle Age Germany where they were used as symbols of power and wealth among members of society.
19. During the 15th century, lemons
Were seen as so valuable that a single lemon could cost the same amount as an entire chicken
20. In 539 BCE, Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon
Which marked the first time a ruler had control over all three great civilizations at that time — Egypt, Persia, and Mesopotamia.
21. The famous Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan
Is credited for being the first person to sail around the world — but he didn’t complete his mission; he died along the way in 1521 in Philippines’ Mactan Island!
22. Leonardo da Vinci was born out of wedlock
Which made him ineligible for higher education according to 16th century laws; instead, he apprenticed under Andrea del Verrocchio one of Italy’s greatest artists at 14 years old!
23. Cleopatra was believed to be a descendent of Alexander The Great Making her Macedonian Greek
24. After Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus on March
15th 44 BCE (the Ides Of March), Rome declared it a national holiday — one that lasts until today!
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