History is full of great empires, brilliant ideas, and legendary leaders—but it’s also full of strange, unbelievable, and downright bizarre moments that most people have never heard of.
At Yekare History, we love uncovering the odd corners of the past—the stories that make you laugh, shake your head, or wonder how humans ever survived their own creativity.
And before we dive in, don’t forget to check out the Yekare History Shop (link in description or visit www.yekarehistory.kelvinjasi.net) for unique historical merch, shirts, hoodies, posters, and home décor inspired by world history. Support the channel and look stylish doing it!
Now, let’s explore 20 weird historical facts you won’t believe actually happened…
1. Napoleon Was Attacked by Rabbits
In 1807, Napoleon organised a rabbit hunt, but the rabbits swarmed him instead. Thousands rushed at him until he fled into his coach.
2. The Roman Emperor Who Made His Horse a Senator
Caligula loved his horse Incitatus so much that he reportedly tried to make it a Roman senator.
3. Pope Gregory IX Declared War on Cats
Believing cats were linked to witchcraft, he ordered their mass killing—ironically contributing to Europe’s rat problem and the spread of the plague.
4. The Dancing Plague of 1518
Hundreds of people in Strasbourg started dancing uncontrollably for days. Many collapsed from exhaustion; the cause remains a mystery.
5. Einstein Was Offered the Presidency of Israel
In 1952, Israel invited Albert Einstein to be president. He politely declined, saying he lacked the natural talent for politics.
6. The Great Emu War in Australia
Australia once declared war on… emus. The emus won.
7. A 17th-Century Pope Banned Coffee
Some believed coffee was “the devil’s drink” until the Pope tried it, loved it, and blessed it.
8. One Man Invented the Alarm Clock That Only He Could Hear
In 1787, inventor Levi Hutchins built the first alarm clock—but it was permanently set for 4 AM.
9. Ancient Egyptians Used Moldy Bread as Medicine
Surprisingly, it worked—because some molds naturally produce antibiotic-like substances.
10. A Medieval Chicken Was Put on Trial
A rooster was once taken to court because it laid an egg—believed to be the work of dark magic.
11. In 1800s Paris, People Paid to Watch Surgeries for Entertainment
Hospitals had viewing galleries where the public could sit and watch operations like theatre shows.
12. Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Moon Landing Than to the Pyramids
She lived in 30 BC; the pyramids were built around 2,500 BC.
13. President Andrew Jackson Had a Pet Parrot That Swore
The parrot cursed so loudly at Jackson’s funeral that it had to be removed.
14. Tomatoes Were Once Thought to Be Poisonous
Europeans believed tomatoes caused illness because aristocrats ate them from lead plates.
15. The Shortest War in History Lasted 38 Minutes
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 was over before most people had finished breakfast.
16. Vikings Used Onion Soup to Diagnose Internal Injuries
If a wounded warrior smelled like onions after drinking it, the cut was too deep to save.
17. George Washington Ran One of the Largest Whiskey Distilleries
After his presidency, Washington produced over 11,000 gallons a year.
18. In Ancient Rome, Urine Was Used to Clean Clothes
People even paid a tax on collected urine because it was valuable for bleaching.
19. Olympic Medals Used to Be Made of Solid Gold
The last time was 1912—today they are mostly silver.
20. A 16th-Century Man Survived Three Gunshots to the Head
He was treated with wine, rose oil, and egg whites—and lived 20 more years.
Enjoyed These Strange Facts?
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