The Untold Secrets: 15 Unknown History Facts

Introduction:

History is full of fascinating stories, and some lesser-known facts can leave us amazed and perplexed. In this article, we delve into 15 unknown history facts that will blow your mind and make you see the past in a whole new light. From ancient civilizations to more recent events, these facts will leave you in awe of the complexities and mysteries of history.

Fact 1: The Great Pyramid of Giza Was Once White

While the Great Pyramid of Giza may appear sandy yellow today, it was originally covered in shiny white Tura limestone casing stones. These stones were so reflective that they could be seen from miles away, giving the pyramid a striking appearance that is hard to imagine today.

Fact 2: Cleopatra’s Reign Is Closer to Today Than to the Construction of the Great Pyramid

Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, lived closer to the founding of Instagram than to the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. This mind-boggling fact puts into perspective just how ancient and rich in history Egypt truly is.

Fact 3: The Library of Alexandria Was Destroyed Multiple Times

The famous Library of Alexandria, known for its vast collection of ancient knowledge, was actually destroyed multiple times throughout history. The final destruction of the library is commonly attributed to Julius Caesar during his conquest of Egypt in 48 BC.

Fact 4: The Great Wall of China Is Not Visible from Space

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. While it is an impressive feat of engineering and stretches thousands of miles, it is not distinct enough to be seen from such a distance.

Fact 5: The Vikings Were Expert Navigators

The Vikings, known for their fearsome reputation, were also expert navigators. They used the position of the sun, stars, and landmarks to navigate the seas, allowing them to travel great distances and establish settlements in far-off lands.

Fact 6: The Black Death Wasn’t Just One Pandemic

The Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, actually occurred in multiple waves. The first wave hit Europe in the 14th century and wiped out a significant portion of the population, but subsequent waves continued to plague the continent for centuries.

Fact 7: The United States Once Had a President Who Served Two Non-Consecutive Terms

Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, is the only president to have served two non-consecutive terms. He won the presidency in 1884, lost in 1888, and then won again in 1892, making him a unique figure in American political history.

Fact 8: The Great Fire of London Helped Stop the Spread of the Bubonic Plague

The Great Fire of London in 1666, while devastating for the city, actually helped stop the spread of the Bubonic Plague. The fire destroyed many of the unsanitary and overcrowded buildings where rats and fleas thrived, which were major carriers of the plague.

Fact 9: The Rosetta Stone Was Key to Deciphering Egyptian Hieroglyphs

The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, played a crucial role in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The stone contained inscriptions in three scripts – Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphic – which allowed scholars to finally unlock the mysteries of this ancient language.

Fact 10: The First Computer Programmer Was a Woman

Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and writer, is often credited as the world’s first computer programmer. In the 19th century, she wrote algorithms for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, making her a pioneer in the field of computer science.

Fact 11: The Titanic Actually Had Two Sister Ships

The Titanic, famously known for its tragic sinking in 1912, was part of a trio of sister ships built by the White Star Line. The other two ships were the RMS Olympic and the HMHS Britannic, both of which had their own storied histories.

Fact 12: The Pyramids Were Not Built by Slaves

Contrary to popular belief, the pyramids of Egypt were not built by slaves. Evidence suggests that the labor force responsible for constructing these massive structures was actually a well-fed and respected workforce of skilled workers and craftsmen.

Fact 13: Marie Curie’s Notebooks Are Still Radioactive

Marie Curie, the pioneering physicist and chemist, conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Today, her notebooks are still considered too dangerous to handle due to the high levels of radiation they contain, serving as a testament to her dedication to science.

Fact 14: The French Revolution Introduced the Metric System

The French Revolution of 1789 not only changed the political landscape of France but also introduced the metric system to the world. This system of measurement, based on meters and kilograms, has since become the standard in most countries around the globe.

Fact 15: The Great Wall of India Is Longer Than the Great Wall of China

While the Great Wall of China is renowned for its length and grandeur, the Great Wall of India actually surpasses it in terms of total length. Running along the northern border of India, this lesser-known wall stretches over 3,500 miles, making it one of the longest defensive walls in the world.

Conclusion

History is a vast tapestry of events, people, and places that continues to captivate and intrigue us to this day. By uncovering these 15 unknown history facts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and mysteries of the past. These facts serve as a reminder that there is always more to learn and discover about the world around us, making history a never-ending journey of exploration and wonder.