History is full of surprises, and sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction. Get ready to question what you thought you knew with these unbelievable historical events!
Those Who Live By The Sword…
Charondas, a lawgiver from Sicily between 580 BC and 476 BC, was known for his meticulous laws. One day, he broke his own minor law by wearing a weapon at a public assembly. Unwilling to be a hypocrite, he promptly took his own life with the very sword he wasn’t supposed to have. Talk about sticking to your principles!
The French King of Sweden
King Karl XIV Johan of Sweden had a surprising past. Born Jean Bernadotte, he was a commoner from France who rose through Napoleon’s army to become a Marshal of the French Empire. Despite Napoleon’s reservations, Bernadotte was elected heir to the Swedish throne and later allied with Napoleon’s enemies. A Frenchman ruling Sweden—history is full of surprises!
The Slow Death of King Stanislaw
King Stanislaw I, the twice-removed King of Poland, met an unfortunate end. At 88, while living in France, he was relaxing by the fireside in his palace, wearing highly flammable silk clothes. A spark ignited his attire, and he suffered severe burns, leading to his agonizing death. A tragic end for a former king!
The First Aerial Bombardment Of The Continental US
During ‘La Cristiada,’ a war in Mexico, an American mercenary pilot named Patrick Murphy was hired by the Cristeros to drop bombs on government forces. One day, after enjoying a little too much alcohol, Murphy accidentally flew over Naco, Arizona, and dropped his suitcase bombs on the shocked American townsfolk. He was later arrested but never charged. Imagine that happening today!
The USA Had An ‘Emperor’
Meet Emperor Norton I, a businessman who declared himself the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Living in a local doss house in San Francisco, he became a beloved local character known for his amusing proclamations and surprisingly sensible suggestions. A true national treasure ahead of his time!
The Maori Joseph Smith
Te Kooti, a former bandit turned religious leader, founded the Ringatu Church in New Zealand. Mixing the Old Testament with Maori tribal customs, he declared himself the true King of the Maori people and waged war against the government. Pardoned later, he continued to preach and gather followers. The Ringatu Church remains popular today. A fascinating blend of cultures and religion!
The Progressive Medieval Legal System…Unless You Couldn’t Pay
In early medieval Wales, under the laws of King Hywel Dda, some legal aspects were surprisingly modern. Women had greater autonomy, but the system could also be downright weird. Rape, for example, was treated as theft, punishable by a fine. However, if you couldn’t pay the fine, you’d lose your testicles. Progress with a painful twist!
Burial Mystery Becomes Poignant History
The discovery of a ‘six-headed chief’ at St. Colman’s church in the Scottish Highlands baffled archaeologists for decades. It turned out to be a family grave plot with multiple generations buried together. The extra skull belonged to a Pictish monk from the 8th century, likely included as a holy relic. A touching glimpse into family history and ancient beliefs!
Great Minds (Think Stupid Things, Sometimes)
Even geniuses like Isaac Newton had their questionable moments. One of his handwritten notes detailed a bizarre cure for the plague involving toad puke lozenges. The recipe included suspending a toad in a chimney until it vomited bugs, then grinding the toad into a powder. Even the great Newton had some strange ideas!
Not The Parthenon
Dutch researchers suggest that we’ve been using the wrong name for the Parthenon for centuries. They believe the Erechtheion was the ‘true’ Parthenon, fitting the name’s meaning (‘a room for virgins’) better. The Parthenon, they propose, was actually called ‘Hekatompedos’ (‘100 ft-long room’). Imagine mistaking the names of the world’s most iconic monuments!
History is a treasure trove of strange and unbelievable tales. These ten events are just a glimpse into the weirdness of our past. What other strange historical facts do you know?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
