History Facts

    Random History Facts

    There are 163 History Facts!

    Tablecloths were originally meant to serve as towels with which guests could wipe their hands and faces after dinner.
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    In 1518, a "dancing plague" struck Strasbourg, Alsace, whereby hundreds of people danced fervently in the streets over the period of a month. Some suffered heart attacks or strokes, and many others died from sheer exhaustion. It remains unexplained.
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    There's a bar in Ireland (presently named Sean’s Bar) that was opened in 900AD.
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    Roman Farting Edict
    Roman Farting Edict
    After hearing of a man who almost died from holding in farts whilst dining, Emperor Claudius is said to have proclaimed an edict that allowed Romans to fart at the dinner table.
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    Ching Shih
    Ching Shih
    Ching Shih, once a prostitute, became one of the most powerful pirates to have ever sailed. She commanded one of the most formidable pirate fleets in all of China during the early 1800s, with hundreds of ships under her command.
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    Until President Kennedy was killed, it wasn't a federal crime to assassinate the President.
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    Pirate Jean Lafitte Countered Governor's $500 Bounty for Him with a $5,000 Bounty for Governor
    When pirate Jean Lafitte saw the governor advertising a $500 reward for his capture, Lafitte offered $5,000 for the capture of the governor.
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    The last time American Green cards were actually green was 1964.
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