4 Surprising Historical Things That Still Exist Today

Stuff that has survived the test of time.

While the history is rich with fascinating events, discoveries, and stories there are still many lesser-known treasures that most of us are unwary of.

So whether it be an ancient relic to forgotten building, there are plenty of things from history that are still in existence.

Some of these historical discoveries are well-known and praised generally, yet their are many others that are still undiscovered and unappreciated.

However, one thing is certain — these discoveries and remnants from our past provide us a window to look into the past and help us better understand our common history.

Despite the passing of time, these remnants from history have managed to survive through passage of time.

Some have been hidden for centuries, awaiting their discovery, while some have been preserved, maintained and protected by passionate historians.

So whether it be physical objects, buildings, or natural landmarks, these remnants of the past, and they continue to inspire and intrigue people all across the globe.

In the article below we will try to learn a bit more about some of the historical stuff which exist and yet most of us are unaware of it.

1. The Black Death — Haven’t Diminished Yet

The pandemic has become a familiar phenomenon in recent times, with its pervasiveness being a testament to its impact.

Even when we have been dealing with pandemics for a while and have lost far too many lives as a result, our concern about outbreaks appears to have diminished over time, and the safeguard policy against anything like this is generally on our priority list.

It is situations like these which really offer us — some interesting insight into how humans deal with pandemics or with any other global health emergency.

It appears that after three years of dealing with Covid-19, most people want to just move on.

However, the fact that the Black Death, the first plague which wreaked havoc, is persisting today, is quite unexpected and rather surprising.

Black Death which is also known as Bubonic plague is certainly one of the worst pandemics in human history.

It is believed that between 30 to 50 percent of the population was affected by the Medieval plague — it was the reason behind the death of several million.

Even when it is less common now, still about seven Americans contract the disease each year — and in 1924, Los Angeles once again experienced a plague outbreak.

In 2020, a man died from the plague in New Mexico, and another case surfaced in California, indicating that the plague still exists and has lethal effects.

More than 3,200 cases were reported worldwide — and close to 600 deaths were reported by the plague which is believed to be long gone.

2. KGB Not Fully Demobilized

Most of us believe that the KGB, which was the state police of the Soviet Union — was demobilized and disbanded in 1991, along with the fall of the rest of the Soviet Union; however, the truth is more nuanced.

Despite Russia no longer having the KGB under the same name or supposed purpose, other regions within the former Soviet Union still operate similarly.

Let us take Belarus, for instance — this former member of the Soviet Union has maintained its KGB unit, and reportedly in 2022, Belarus tasked KGB to eliminate a Ukrainian spy network working within its borders.

Another example is the Republic of South Ossetia clings to the old ways and continues to operate its police force under the same name rather than adopting a new one to appear different.

3. Gaumont Film Corporation — The Oldest Operational Studio

There are countless historical things that have vanished into the oblivion over time, there are still some that have stood the test of time and are relevant till date.

A notable example of this is probably the Gaumont Film Corporation, which was formed in 1895 and continues to operate even today.

Although film cameras have been around since the 1830s, it wasn’t until Gaumont’s founding that the world witnessed the very first commercial movie screening in a French cafe.

This momentous event marked the beginning of a revolution in entertainment and storytelling.

Some of the most renowned works of Gaumont Film Corporation are Fantômas in 1913 and Judex in 1916, comedy Onésime series with Ernest Bourbon, and the comedic Bébé series with five-year-old René Dary.

Not too long ago the studio has produced many other famous films, which include The Dreamers in 2003, The Fifth Element, The Intouchables, and the most recent one of all Babylon (I) which was produced last year.

4. Zyklon-B — The Nazis Gas Of Choice

Zyklon-B, a lethal gas that was used by the Nazis to kill over a million people.

Zyklon B, is still manufactured by companies around the world under different brand names, such as Cyanosil by Detia-Degesch, the company that Degesch replaced in 1974.

This certainly serves as a grim reminder of the atrocities perpetrated during the Holocaust.

The company that produced it, originally created as Degesch and later known as Degussa and Detia Degesch, continues to operate in Germany and has international subsidiaries, including one in the United States.

Sadly, the history of Zyklon-B also involves the conscious decision of its owner, Bruno Tesch, to sell it to the Nazis for use on humans, resulting in the execution of his crimes.

Despite this, the company continues to produce pesticides, including deadly gas.

Even more chilling is the fact that the gas can still be used to kill, as demonstrated by the state of Arizona’s execution of Frank Atwood in June 2022.

He was given the option of either being gassed with hydrogen cyanide or being given a lethal injection, both of which are still used by many countries to kill the one who is sentenced to death.

Final Words

The historical stuff in existence acts as a reminder of our past and gives us a noticeable look at the individuals things, events, and incidents that have influenced our world.

To fully understand and appreciate our cultural history and enable our future generations to benefit from it, it is essential for us to preserve these — items and buildings and stories.

More from the author: