Hidden Facts
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History

All History

The history they taught you — and the history they buried.

24 articles shown
Vera Brittain: Brave WWI Nurse

Vera Brittain treated wounded soldiers in WWI under fire. She was 23 years old and already experienced in nursing. Her bravery would become legendary.

Arjun Mehtaall
Ancient Indian Iron Pillar Remains Rust-Free

A 14th-century Indian pillar has stood for over 650 years without significant rust. King Firuz Shah Tughlaq erected the pillar in Delhi, India, on October 27, 1370. The iron pillar's resistance to rust has fascinated historians and scientists for centuries.

Arjun Mehtaall
Barack Obama: Rise to Presidency

Barack Obama became the first African American president in U.S. history. His path to the presidency began in Chicago, where he worked as a community organizer. Obama's legacy is complex, with a notable impact on drone usage during his time in office.

Arjun Mehtaall
Ariel School Alien Encounter

In 1994, sixty-two students at the Ariel School in Zimbabwe reported seeing aliens and a UFO. The incident was investigated by Dr. John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist, who found the children's stories to be consistent and truthful. The case remains one of the most well-documented and intriguing UFO sightings in history

Arjun Mehtaall
Thai Migration to Southeast Asia

The Thai people migrated from China to Southeast Asia. The exact reason for this migration is unknown. This event occurred prior to the founding of Sukhothai in 1238.

Arjun Mehtaall
Chinese Soldier Turns War Historian

Wang Xiangcai fought in the Korean War as a Chinese soldier. He later became a historian, studying the conflict he survived. His unique perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the war's complexities.

Arjun Mehtaall
1857 Ohio Life Insurance Collapse Triggers Global Depression

The Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company failed to meet its financial obligations in Cincinnati, Ohio. This event triggered a chain reaction of economic failures worldwide. Historian Charles Calomiris notes the collapse's significant impact on the global economy.

Arjun Mehtaall
Mongolian Throat Singing Tradition

Mongolian throat singing, or Höömii, is a unique vocal technique where one person sings two notes at once. This traditional form of singing has been practiced in Mongolia for centuries, with its origins dating back to Genghis Khan's time. The Alash ensemble has performed this stunning technique at various festivals, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2009.

Arjun Mehtaall
Khmer Rouge's Devastating Impact on Cambodian Buddhism

The Khmer Rouge seized power in Cambodia in 1975, leading to the execution of thousands of Buddhist monks. The regime's leader, Pol Pot, oversaw the destruction of Buddhist temples, nearly eradicating Buddhism in Cambodia by 1979. The estimated death toll of Buddhist monks during this period is around 20,000.

Arjun Mehtaall
Antoine Lavoisier: Metric System Inventor Executed

Antoine Lavoisier was a French mathematician and chemist who developed the metric system. He was executed by guillotine in Paris on May 8, 1794. Lavoisier's involvement in a tax collection agency led to his tragic demise.

Arjun Mehtaall
Greek Cypriots Fight for Reunification 50 Years On

Greek Cypriots were displaced after the Turkish invasion in 1974. The reunification movement continues today, with activists like Andreas Fantis leading the charge. The anniversary of the invasion serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for reunification.

Arjun Mehtamodern
British Colonization of Maldives Unpaid Rent

The British colonized the Maldives in 1887. Governor General Lord Dufferin played a key role. The British stopped paying rent that year.

Arjun Mehtamodern
Nicaraguan Contras US Funding Soviet Arms

The Nicaraguan Contras received US funding while using Soviet-made AK-47 rifles. This paradox sparked controversy and debate. The Contras' actions had significant implications for US foreign policy.

Arjun Mehtamodern
Frozen Fish Assassination in 19th Century France

A French politician was killed with a frozen fish on February 22, 1894. The incident occurred at the Palais Bourbon in Paris. This unusual assassination involved Jean-Baptiste Bergeret and his attacker.

Arjun Mehtamodern
US Conquest of Guam in 1898

The American conquest of Guam began on June 20, 1898, with Captain Henry Glass arriving in Apra Harbor. The US forces, led by Glass, engaged in a swift and decisive battle against the Spanish garrison. The conquest was a pivotal event in the Spanish-American War, marking a significant US victory.

Arjun Mehtaearly-modern
Medieval Stone Bridges

King John granted a charter for London to build bridges across the Thames in 1215. This marked the beginning of a new era in bridge construction with the first stone bridge designed by Peter de Colechurch. Medieval bridges were built to last and served as crucial infrastructure for trade and commerce.

Arjun Mehtamedieval
Morocco's Roman-Allied Mauretanian Kingdom

The Mauretanian Kingdom was a Roman ally with a dark secret. King Juba II ruled from 25 BCE to 23 CE and allied himself with the Romans. The kingdom became a crucial partner in the region with its capital in Volubilis.

Arjun Mehtaancient
Boy Invents Shark Attack Prevention

Stephen W. Kress, a 12-year-old boy, invented a way to prevent shark attacks after witnessing one in Ocean City, Maryland. This event sparked his curiosity and led him to find a solution. His invention has since saved numerous lives.

Arjun Mehtaall
Zheng He's Historic Voyage to Africa

Chinese Admiral Zheng He sailed to Africa with 300 ships in 1415. He was an experienced navigator who led a historic expedition to the eastern coast of Africa. Zheng He's voyage occurred 100 years before Christopher Columbus's famous journey.

Arjun Mehtaall
Bush's 9/11 Reaction

President George W. Bush was reading to students when he received news of the Twin Towers falling. This event has become a pivotal moment in history, raising questions about the President's reaction. Bush's response to the situation has been widely debated and analyzed.

Arjun Mehtaall
Zimbabwe School UFO Witnessed by 60 Children

Sixty children at the Ariel School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe witnessed a UFO landing. The incident was documented by John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist. The children's accounts were consistent and detailed, yet their stories were largely dismissed.

Arjun Mehtaall
Cambodia's Ancient Kingdom Divide

The Chenla Kingdom split into two kingdoms, Land Chenla and Water Chenla, due to civil war. This division lasted for approximately 200 years, significantly impacting the region's history. The causes and effects of this split are still studied by historians today.

Arjun Mehtaall
Korean War Veteran Turns Renowned War Wound Doctor

Dr. Lee's experience in the Korean War led him to become a doctor. He treated war wounds after his service. His work saved many lives.

Arjun Mehtaall
China's Ancient Tax Farming Solution

China invented tax farming due to the government's inability to collect taxes from its vast territories. This method allowed private companies to collect taxes, marking the beginning of tax farming in China. The concept of tax farming has been documented by historian Sima Qian and has since been adopted by other countries.

Arjun Mehtaall