20 Unique History Facts You’ve Never Heard Before
History is a treasure trove of stories, and while many of us are familiar with the broad strokes of major historical events, there is an abundance of lesser-known yet incredibly fascinating facts that often go unnoticed. Get ready to explore some of the most intriguing tidbits that have shaped our past but didn’t make it into the everyday history books. Here are 20 unique history facts you’ve never heard before that will surprise, delight, and maybe even shock you!
1. The Eiffel Tower Was Almost Demolished in 1909
Originally intended as a temporary installation for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was slated for demolition in 1909. However, it was saved because its height made it an excellent structure for radio telecommunication uses, illustrating how practicality can preserve history.
2. Cleopatra Was Not Egyptian
Cleopatra VII Philopator, often simply called Cleopatra, is one of the most famous figures in Ancient Egypt. However, she was actually of Macedonian Greek origin and the first in her family to learn the Egyptian language.
3. The Shortest War in History
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is the shortest war in recorded history, lasting only between 38 and 45 minutes. The conflict ended with a decisive British victory over Zanzibar.
4. An Emperor’s Corpse on Trial
In a bizarre footnote of history, the corpse of Pope Formosus was exhumed and put on trial in the “Cadaver Synod” in January 897. His body was propped up on a throne, tried, found guilty, and his papacy retroactively declared null.
5. The Great Emu War
In late 1932, after emus invaded farmland in Western Australia, the military deployed soldiers armed with machine guns in what became known as the Great Emu War. The birds proved remarkably resilient, and the military eventually withdrew, marking an unexpected “victory” for the emus.
6. Bananas Caused a Historical Crisis
The Banana Wars, from 1898 to 1934, involved the U.S. military in Central America and the Caribbean. These conflicts were partly influenced by the interests of American banana companies, showing how trade can sometimes lead to military intervention.
7. The Oldest “Your Mom” Joke
Dating back to 1500 BCE, the oldest recorded “your mom” joke was discovered on a Babylonian tablet. It reflects the timeless nature of mom jokes used across centuries!
8. A Pope Wrote an Erotic Book
Before he became Pope Pius II, Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini penned an erotic novel titled “The Tale of Two Lovers.” Quite an unexpected author for such a work!
9. Vibrators Were Medically Prescribed
In the 19th century, vibrators were originally invented as a medical instrument for treating what was known as “female hysteria.” This condition was a catch-all for a wide array of female emotional issues at the time.
10. The Color That Changed History
The invention of a new shade of purple dye in 1856 kick-started the synthetic dye industry. This not only changed fashion but also resulted in significant economic and industrial transformations worldwide.
