7 Curious Historical Facts That Will Astonish You!
History is filled with moments of intrigue, amazement, and downright peculiarity that often go unnoticed in our everyday history classes. From ancient medical practices to unforeseen events that changed the course of humanity, the annals of history are rich with stories that would astonish even the most skeptical reader. In this blog post, we delve into 7 curious historical facts that are not only mind-blowing but might also make you see history in a brand new light.
1. The Great Emu War: A Battle Between Man and Bird
In 1932, the Australian government faced an unexpected nuisance. Thousands of emus—a large, flightless bird native to Australia—began invading the Western Australia region of Campion, causing massive wheat crop destruction. In response, the military intervened, not with a couple of scarecrows, but with soldiers armed with machine guns. Astonishingly, despite the firepower, the emus proved remarkably resilient, and the military was forced to withdraw, leaving the birds to roam the fields. This event, humorously known as the Great Emu War, ended in a victory for the emus.
2. Dance Until You Drop: The Dancing Plague of 1518
Imagine a dance party that doesn’t stop. That was the reality in July 1518 in Strasbourg, Alsace (modern-day France), when a woman named Frau Troffea began dancing uncontrollably in the street. Within a week, 34 others had joined, and by the end of the month, around 400 people had been consumed by the dancing craze. Alarmingly, many danced to their deaths from heart attacks, strokes, or exhaustion. As bizarre as it sounds, this ‘Dancing Plague’ remains one of history’s most puzzling incidents.
3. The Innovative Pyramids of Ancient Egypt
The pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are not only a testament to the architectural skill of the Ancient Egyptians but also to their innovative techniques. The workers transported the heavy stones needed to build the pyramids using a clever method. They would wet the sand in front of a sled carrying a block of stone, reducing friction and making it easier to move the enormous blocks. This simple yet effective method showcases the ingenious problem-solving skills of the ancients.
4. The Failed Pepsi Fleet
During the Cold War era, Pepsi once owned the 6th largest military in the world. This wasn’t because they had aggressive expansion plans, but rather as a result of a unique trade agreement with the Soviet Union. In 1959, Pepsi became one of the first capitalist brands to be sold in the USSR. In exchange, Pepsi agreed to trade its cola with Soviet products. Since the Soviet ruble wasn’t internationally accepted, the Soviets traded with what they had—vodka and, eventually, a fleet of military submarines and ships. Hence, for a brief period, Pepsi had a larger military capability than many small countries.
5. Victorian X-Rays: Using Radiation at Shoe Stores
In an era of curious medical advancements and odd uses for new technology, one particularly strange practice was the use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes. Up until the 1970s, many shoe stores in North America and Europe offered an X-ray view of a shopper’s feet to ensure a perfect fit. Customers, including children, would slip their feet into a slot at the bottom of the wooden cabinet to peek inside their shoes and check the fit of their toes. Despite seeming revolutionary at the time, this practice faded away due to the dangerous levels of radiation exposure.
6. The 2,000-Year-Old Computer
The Antikythera Mechanism, discovered in a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera in 1901, is often considered the world’s first computer, dating back to approximately 100 BCE. It’s believed that this ancient analog computer was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes. Its discovery suggests that ancient Greek technology was far more advanced than previously thought, capable of intricate calculations that wouldn’t be seen again until the development of similar mechanisms in the 14th century.
7. The Turnspit Dogs: Canine-Powered Cooking
In the 16th through the 19th centuries in Britain, a now-extinct breed of dogs known as turnspit dogs were bred to run on wheels, turning meat so it cooked evenly. This practice was so common that these dogs were a part of the household just like any other kitchen appliance. It highlights a curious and somewhat heartbreaking aspect of historical human-animal relationships and the lengths people have gone to make use of natural energy sources.
Conclusion
These 7 curious historical facts not only astonish but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the oddities of human history. From dancing plagues to canine-powered kitchens, each bizarre tale reveals the diversity of human ingenuity and eccentricity. History isn’t just about the battles and political events; sometimes, it’s the strange anecdotes tucked between the pages of our history books that offer the most compelling insights.
