History Facts

    Random History Facts

    There are 163 History Facts!

    Candle Clocks
    Candle Clocks
    Before clocks, there were candle clocks that when burned, indicated the passage of periods of time. To set an alarm, you pushed a nail into the desired point and the nail would fall and clank on the metal holder.
    68
    The oldest stone tools found are dated from 2.7 - 2.9 million years ago. The species that made these tools is unknown.
    13
    In Ancient Egypt, some people paid their taxes in honey.
    152
    The University of Oxford (teaching since 1096) predates the Aztec empire (1428 - 1521).
    14
    Alexander Selkirk
    Alexander Selkirk
    Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor, was left stranded on a deserted island in 1704, but survived for over 4 years, partly by using feral cats to protect him from ravenous rats that attacked during the night.
    49
    Tablecloths were originally meant to serve as towels with which guests could wipe their hands and faces after dinner.
    78
    High Heels were originally made for men in the 16th century.
    78
    Grenades were invented in China over 1,000 years ago.
    50