50 Mind-Blowing Historical Facts You Won’t Believe

History is full of surprises, and sometimes the most fascinating stories are the ones that we never learn in school. From unexpected events to little-known details about famous figures, these 50 mind-blowing historical facts will change your perspective on the past.

Ancient Wonders and Surprising Discoveries

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza was originally covered in white limestone, making it shine like a beacon in the desert.
2. The first recorded use of the word “hello” was in 1827.
3. The first successful airplane flight was only 12 seconds long and covered 120 feet.
4. The first computer mouse was made out of wood and had only one button.
5. The first recorded use of the word “selfie” was in 2002.

Famous Figures and Their Secrets

1. Albert Einstein never wore socks.
2. Leonardo da Vinci was ambidextrous and could write with both hands simultaneously.
3. Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields, died of radiation exposure.
4. Abraham Lincoln was a professional wrestler in his youth.
5. Queen Victoria was terrified of the color purple.

Unusual Events and Historical Oddities

1. In 1943, a flock of 1,000 blackbirds fell out of the sky in Los Angeles and died.
2. The first human to orbit the Earth was a dog named Laika.
3. In the 18th century, it was considered fashionable for women to wear powdered wigs.
4. The Great Wall of China is actually visible from space, but only under the right conditions.
5. The first recorded use of the word “jazz” was in 1915.

The World in a Different Light

1. The population of the Earth was less than 1 billion people in 1800.
2. The average life expectancy in the year 1900 was only 47 years old.
3. The first recorded use of the internet was in 1969.
4. The first iPhone was released in 2007.
5. The world’s population is now over 8 billion people.

These are just a few of the many amazing and surprising facts that make up the rich tapestry of human history. From the ancient world to the modern era, there are countless stories waiting to be discovered. So next time you’re feeling bored, take a journey through time and explore the fascinating world of history.