But that’s not all, folks. Believe it or not, there are some more mind-boggling historical facts that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief.
1. The Place Where Julius Caesar Was Assassinated is Now a Sanctuary for Cats
Did you know that the exact spot where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in 44 BCE is now home to a feline refuge? That’s right, the ancient Roman Senate House, where Caesar met his tragic end, has been transformed into a sanctuary for stray cats. The building, now known as the Largo di Torre Argentina, was turned into a cat haven in the 1930s by the archaeologist Margherita guarducci, who believed that the cats would help preserve the ancient ruins by deterring rodents. Today, the site is home to dozens of rescued cats and is a popular attraction for feline lovers.
2. Undercover Cops in Detroit Accidentally Met Up with Another Undercover Cop
In 1998, two groups of undercover police officers in Detroit accidentally met each other while posing as drug dealers. The first group, comprised of five officers, were part of a multi-state investigation aimed at dismantling a drug ring operating in Detroit. The second group of officers, also numbering five, were conducting a separate operation to catch a drug ring outside the city. The two groups came face to face in a deserted warehouse on the outskirts of Detroit, neither aware of the other’s presence. It was only after one of the officers noticed another group of people in the warehouse did they realize that they had accidentally stumbled into each other’s sting operation.
3. Ancient Romans Celebrated Saturnalia
Saturnalia was a festival celebrated by the ancient Romans in honor of the god Saturn. The festival, which lasted for seven days, took place in mid-December and involved plenty of partying, feasting, and merrymaking. One of the most unique aspects of Saturnalia, however, was the reversal of social norms. During the festival, slaves and their masters would switch places, with the former enjoying unprecedented freedom and the latter taking on duties traditionally reserved for slaves. It was a time of social, political, and sexual license, and one that was eagerly anticipated by all involved.
4. Mayans Used Alcohol Enemas to Get Drunk
Yes, you read that right. The ancient Mayans, who lived in Central America around 1000-1500 CE, possessed a unique and rather unconventional way of getting drunk. They practiced a ritual called bulch, which involved squirting a fermented drink made from tree bark up their rear ends using a tube. The drink contained a potent yeast that caused the alcohol to ferment in the colon, resulting in a euphoric and intoxicating effect. The Mayans believed that the alcohol butt chug would help them reach a higher spiritual plane and communicate with the gods. Talk about an interesting drinking culture!
5. The Tapeworm Diet Was a Popular Fad in the 1800s
Yep, you heard that right. In the 19th century, there was a fad called the tapeworm diet, during which people swallowed tapeworms to help them lose weight. The idea was that the tapeworm would eat the food in your stomach, thereby helping you lose weight without having to diet or exercise. However, the tapeworm would eventually grow extremely large in your stomach, causing intense hunger pains, bloating, and various other digestive issues. In some cases, the tapeworm could grow so large that it would become life-threatening, leading to a condition known as intestinal obstruction. Thankfully, this particular diet fad has since fallen out of fashion, although some still hold onto the belief that dieting isn’t necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
These historical facts reveal a fascinating and often quirky side of history that’s often overlooked. Besides, it goes to show that history is far from boring and that there’s always something new and intriguing to learn about the past. The next time someone tells you that history is nothing but dull facts and dates, show them this list and watch their eyes widen in amazement!
