The past isn’t just statues and dusty events; it’s full of jaw-dropping stories that sound like they came from a fever dream. Buckle up for 15 facts so strange, they sound like pure fiction – but every one of them is 100% true.
People Used to Mail Children
In the early days of the U.S. Postal Service, it was technically legal to mail your child—yes, like a package. Parents would slap stamps on their kids’ clothes and dispatch them with postal workers to go visit relatives. Record for the longest “mailed” child: a six-year-old girl, sent 727 miles. Can you imagine explaining that to the post office these days?
Lobsters Were Prison Food
Today, lobster is a luxury, but in the 1800s, it was considered trash food called “poor man’s fish”. It was served so frequently to prisoners and the poor that they complained of it as a cruel and unusual punishment, and on several occasions, some went so far as to strike for a better meal. Imagine refusing lobster today—it’d be unthinkable!
People Once Feared Tomatoes
Tomatoes were nicknamed “poison apples” in the 18th century because wealthy Europeans would eat them off lead plates, causing lead poisoning. The tomato got the blame instead of the lead dishes. Fast track to the modern day, tomatoes form one of the kitchen staples that abound everywhere around the globe.
Napoleon Once Was Attacked by Rabbits
Yes, even mighty Napoleon Bonaparte – the Conqueror of Europe – faced a great defeat at the hands of a gang of rabbits back in 1807. He had set up a rabbit hunt just for kicks. But things went hilariously wrong. Rather than scurrying for their lives, the 3,000 or so bunnies descended on poor Napoleon and his men and forced them to flee. One could just picture in mind the scenes of one of the greatest generals of all time fleeing away from furry little rabbits.
High Heels Were Originally for Men
Think your six-inch stilettos are a statement? Back in the 1600s, men rocked heels to show off their wealth and power. Persian soldiers used them to keep their feet steady in stirrups, and European aristocrats turned it into a fashion flex. Somehow, the trend flipped—and now it’s women’s aura.
Bread Was Once a Status Symbol
White bread was the OG flex in medieval Europe, expensive to make and time-consuming; it was just a place where only rich people could afford to be. The poor had only coarse and dark bread. Now, fast-forward to today, and whole grain’s the bougie choice – what a twist!
Women in Victorian Times Fainted on Purpose
Those famous swooning couches were not just for show and tell; the Victorians actually used them quite often. Why? Because their corsets were so tight, they could hardly breathe. But here’s the kicker: some women fainted on purpose because it was seen as dainty and attractive.
Ancient Egyptians Loved Pet Crocodiles
In Ancient Egypt, crocodiles were the ultimate flex. The rich didn’t just appreciate these terror lizards; they kept them as pets, with gold accessories on them, living bling. These were seen as symbols of power and protection, even linked to the God Sobek. Imagine the scaly companions roaming homes and temples, looking coolly regal or casually lounging in your living room.
Ketchup Was Sold as Medicine
In the 1830s, ketchup wasn’t just for fries – it was marketed as medication to cure indigestion and was sold in pill form. Even a doctor by the name of John Cook Bennett claimed it could treat everything from diarrhea to rheumatism. And today, we just slap it on burgers and call it a day.
Pigeons Won Medals in World War II
During World War I and II, carrier pigeons carried messages across enemy lines, saving countless lives. One bird, Cher Ami, delivered a critical message despite being shot and losing a leg. She was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for her bravery. Never underestimate a pigeon!
Wigs Were Made of Goat Hair and Lice
The 17th-century craze of powdered wigs was far from glamorized. Most of these wigs were made from the hair of goats, which was cheaper and well… itchy. On top of that, they were crawling with lice. The size of wigs was so large among the high-ranking that many needed to hold their massive locks up with pins.
Victorians Took Pictures with Dead People
Talk about creepy! During the Victorian era, people would prop up their loved ones who died in “memento mori” photographs. The dead were posed to resemble the living; at times, even sitting with family members. This was their way of keeping memories alive, but let’s just say it’s not a tradition we’d like to bring back.
Pirates Wore Earrings for Superstition
Pirates weren’t just fashion-forward, their earrings were believed to keep evil spirits away. Others hallowed that their gold earrings brought better eyesight or prevented nausea from sea sickness. If eye drops and traveling pills were just as easy.
Ancient Romans Used Urine as Mouthwash
Think your toothpaste is weird? Ancient Romans used urine – yes, an actual pee – to clean their teeth; they thought it had high whitening properties due to the ammonia inside. They even imported this stuff from foreign countries because it was big business. Can you imagine anyone saying, “This is premium Spanish pee!”? Gross? For sure. But effective? Weirdly, yes.
People Used to Drink Radioactive Water
In the early 20th century, radioactive water was sold as a healthy tonic. The advertisements claimed it could cure everything from fatigue to arthritis. Spoiler alert – it didn’t. Instead, people got radiation poisoning. The most famous victim, Eben Byers, literally drank himself to death with Radithor. His jaw fell apart, and he became the poster boy for why you shouldn’t trust every wellness fad.
15 Historical Figures Who Were Nothing Like We Thought
History books love to provide neat, polished pictures of famous figures. The real story is much messier, though. Many of the most iconic individuals of all time were much different from how they were represented to us. The following 15 iconic personalities weren’t exactly who they seemed to be.
15 Historical Figures Who Were Nothing Like We Thought
14 Common History Myths That Are Completely False
What we’ve been told for centuries? Yeah, a lot of them are outright myths. Some have been blown out of proportion, some have been Hollywood-fied, and a lot have simply been fabricated altogether. Now go ahead—and ruin some dinner party conversations with your newfound knowledge.
14 Common History Myths That Are Completely False