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Strange but true: Historical oddities you won’t believe
From bunnies attacking Napoleon to pigs on trial, history is full of the unexpected and bizarre
History is full of strange, unexpected, and downright quirky stories that are sure to leave you scratching your head. Here are some fascinating oddities from the past!
Napoleon Was Once Attacked by Bunnies
Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French military leader, was once overrun by an army of bunnies. During a rabbit hunt arranged for him, the rabbits released for the event were so tame and numerous that they swarmed him instead of running away!
The Eiffel Tower Was Once Sold Twice
In the 1920s, a con artist named Victor Lustig “sold” the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice, to scrap metal dealers. He even convinced his victims to pay hefty bribes to secure the deal before disappearing with the money.
A Pig Was Once Put on Trial
In the Middle Ages, animals could be tried for crimes. In 1386, a pig was found guilty of murder in France and was sentenced to execution. The pig even wore human clothing for the trial—a bizarre moment in legal history.
Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Moon Landing Than the Pyramids
The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BCE, while Cleopatra lived in the 1st century BCE. That means she lived closer in time to the moon landing in 1969 than to the construction of the pyramids.
Abraham Lincoln Was a Wrestling Champion
Before becoming the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was an accomplished wrestler. He reportedly only lost one match in his career and was even inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Beethoven Wrote Music While Deaf
One of history’s greatest composers, Ludwig van Beethoven, created some of his most iconic pieces, including his Ninth Symphony, after losing his hearing completely. He “heard” his music through vibrations and his deep understanding of sound.
A War Lasted 38 Minutes
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 holds the record as the shortest war in history. It lasted only 38 minutes before the Sultan of Zanzibar surrendered to British forces.
The Dancing Plague of 1518
In 1518, a bizarre “dancing plague” struck Strasbourg, France. Dozens of people began dancing uncontrollably for days, and some reportedly danced themselves to death. Historians believe it was caused by mass hysteria or ergot poisoning from contaminated grain.
The Word “Salary” Comes from Salt
In ancient Rome, soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, a valuable resource at the time. The word “salary” derives from the Latin word salarium, meaning payment for salt, which was essential for preserving food.
