Bizarre Historical Facts That Sound Fake, But Are True

Bizarre Historical Facts That Sound Fake, But Are True

Read about 10 bizarre historical facts that sound unbelievable, but are true. From odd happenings in the ancient world, to perplexing real-life events, these bizarre, historical anecdotes serve to show us how much stranger history is than we could ever expect.

Introduction

There are a number of stories throughout history that sound too weird or absurd to be true. When we think of history, we think of kings and queens, wars, inventions, and revolutions.

But inbetween these serious events, there are bizarre and strange occurrences that truly make us question reality. The truth is, there are many strange historical facts that sound dubious or false, but are in fact true.

In this article, we will cover 10 strange historical facts that are also well-recorded, and are so strange that you will be wondering why you had not heard of them before or in school. These facts are not only entertaining, but are also there to remind us that the human past has been far stranger than we typically understand.

1. Napoleon Was Attacked by Bunnies

This sounds like a scene from a comedy skit, but it is completely true. Once, Napoleon Bonaparte organized a rabbit hunt for himself and his men.

Instead of running away from their exterminator (like any sensible creature), the rabbits ran toward Napoleon and his men. Why? Because the event planner had accidentally collected tame, farm-bred rabbits that thought...

2. Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Moon Landing Than the Pyramids

Most people assume Cleopatra lived around the same time as the Great Pyramids of Giza, but here is the truth: Cleopatra lived during approximately 30 BC, while the Pyramids were built around 2500 B.C. In fact, Cleopatra lived closer in time to the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in 1969, than to the building of the Pyramids.

This fact change how we think about ancient Egypt; it lasted thousands of years.

3. The Great Fire of London Killed Fewer People Than You'd Expect

The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed most of the city, and left thousands homeless. Strangely, official documentation claims only a few deaths - about six.

Historians suspect there were probably more deaths than this record, but at the time, medically-unrecognizable deaths of the poor and workers were not always recorded.

Even still, it's pretty remarkable that an event with such immense destruction has such a low official death count.

4. Einstein Was Offered the Presidency of Israel

Albert Einstein is regarded as a genius physicist, not a statesman. But in 1952, following the death of its first president, Israel's government proposed Einstein serve as its president. He declined the offer and stated he did not have the experience or the skill to effectively deal with people and politics.

One can only imagine had one of the greatest scientists of all time also become a leader of the world!

5. A War Lasted Only 38 Minutes

The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 holds the record as the shortest war in history. The war broke out when the Sultan of Zanzibar refused to step down after the British Empire demanded he leave. In a very short time, the British navy, stationed just off the coast, had bombarded the palace. The war lasted all of 38 minutes.

6. Ketchup Was Once Sold as Medicine

In the 1830s, ketchup was sold in pills in the United States as a type of medicine, and purported to cure indigestion and other stomach ailments. Modern medicine tells us, of course, that ketchup is not medicine in any sense, but rather, just a condiment to add flavor to various foods.

7. Pope Gregory IX Waged War on Cats

In the 13th century, Pope Gregory IX announced that cats, specifically black cats, were associated with the devil. This led to the killing of thousands of cats throughout Europe. Historians have even suggested that this one act indirectly led to the spread of the Black Death since there were fewer cats killing rats with fleas that carried the plague.

8. The Dancing Plague of 1518

During the summer of 1518 in Strasbourg, France, a peculiar phenomenon occurred when hundreds of people suddenly danced uncontrollably in the streets.

This bizarre turn of events lasted for several days but some participants died from severe exhaustion. Historians like to speculate on the cause of the dancing plague--some suggest mass hysteria while others believe it was caused from bread that was poisoned.

9. President Andrew Jackson Had a Giant Block of Cheese in the White House

In 1835, an enormous 1,400-pound block of cheese was given to President Andrew Jackson. He kept it in the White House and eventually invited the public to eat it. This event went down in history, and inspired the modern phrase in American politics called, "The Big Block of Cheese Day"

10.The Eiffel Tower Was Almost a Temporary Structure

Now, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks worldwide. The Eiffel Tower was only intended to stand for 20 years when it was built in 1889. It was almost dismantled when a radio transmission tower came to its rescue because it had value.

Funny historical facts are not all just for fun.

These strange facts about history make us stop and realize that history is never that easy. For every battle, invention, revolution, etc., there are strange stories that reveal the underlying awkwardness and mystery of the human experience, as well as the strange situations humans can find themselves in. Learning them is only for fun, but it also makes history seem more relatable and fun.

In Conclusion

From Napoleon chased by rabbits to Cleopatra living closer to the moon landing than the pyramids, history is full of facts that sound false but are true.These odd, but true events illustrate how reality can be stranger than fiction.

So, next time you think history is boring, think of these stories - they show that the past was weird, strange, and unexpected, just like the present.