History Facts

    Random History Facts

    There are 163 History Facts!

    Contrary to popular belief, the first ironclad warships were built by Korea in the 16th century.
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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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    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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    The University of Oxford (teaching since 1096) predates the Aztec empire (1428 - 1521).
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    The flushing toilet was invented in 1596, not by Thomas Crapper as most people think, but by Sir John Harington.
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    The exact cause of death and burial site of Genghis Khan is unknown, because all of the 2000 funeral guests and 800 soldiers were killed in order to preserve the secret.
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    The first Ford cars had Dodge engines.
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    Chinese General With Only 100 Men Made An Army of 150,000 Retreat
    According to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Shu general Zhuge Liang had to defend a town with a mere 100 troops against an army of 150,000. He hid his men, flung open the gates, and sat on the walls playing a lute. The opposing general of Wei, Sima Yi, certain it was a trap, ordered a retreat.
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