1. Napoleon vs. The Bunny Brigade
In 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte arranged a rabbit hunt for himself and his men. However, once the rabbits were released, instead of scattering, they charged straight at Napoleon and his troops. The conqueror became the conquered, in what was surely his most humiliating battle.
2. A Pig on Trial
In 1386 France, a pig was arrested, imprisoned, and executed for murdering a child. Believe it or not, putting animals on trial wasn’t uncommon in the Middle Ages.
3. The Shortest War in History
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 lasted just 38 minutes, making it the shortest recorded war in history. Britain suffered only one wounded soldier, while Zanzibar had 500 casualties. Talk about a quick defeat.
4. A Parrot Disrupts a Presidential Funeral
At the funeral of U.S. President Andrew Jackson in 1845, his pet African Grey parrot had to be removed because it wouldn’t stop swearing loudly. Now that’s a way to make an exit.
5. Albert Einstein Declined the Presidency of Israel
In 1952, Israel offered Albert Einstein the presidency. He declined, saying he lacked the “natural aptitude to deal with people.” Imagine turning down a country’s top job because you’re too introverted.
6. Caligula’s Horse for Senate
Rome’s infamous tyrant, Caligula, once threatened to make his favorite horse, Incitatus, a senator. Given Roman politics, the horse probably would’ve done a decent job.
7. A Trial for Tomatoes
In 1820, Salem, Massachusetts, held a trial to determine if tomatoes were poisonous. Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson settled the debate by eating a whole basket of them—and surviving.
8. The Royal Butt-Wipers
King Henry VIII had servants called “Grooms of the Stool” whose job was to wipe his backside. The kicker? They were all knighted. Talk about a dirty job with high rewards.
9. The Pope Who Declared War on Cats
In the 13th century, Pope Gregory IX declared cats were associated with devil worship, leading to their mass extermination. Many believe this helped spread the Black Plague due to increased rat populations.
10. Execution by Elephant
In ancient Asia, elephants were trained to execute criminals, often with horrifying precision. They could crush, dismember, or even use blades attached to their tusks.
11. Hitler and the Volkswagen Beetle
Adolf Hitler personally commissioned the Volkswagen Beetle, intending it to be an affordable car for German families.
12. The Longest Year in History
In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar added two extra leap months to the calendar, making the year 445 days long.
13. The Man Who Survived Two Atomic Bombs
Tsutomu Yamaguchi survived the Hiroshima bombing, traveled to Nagasaki, and survived the second atomic bomb. He lived to be 93.
14. The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript
Dating back to the 15th century, the Voynich Manuscript remains undeciphered, filled with an unknown language and bizarre illustrations.
15. Cleopatra and the Smartphone Gap
More time passed between Cleopatra’s reign and the invention of the smartphone than between her reign and the construction of the Great Pyramid.
16. President Johnson’s Bathroom Meetings
U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson held meetings while on the toilet, continuing conversations with aides and reporters. Awkward for everyone but him.
17. The Titanic Discovery Was a Cover Story
When oceanographer Robert Ballard set out to find the Titanic in 1985, the true mission was to locate lost nuclear submarines. Since he found them ahead of schedule, he actually did go find the Titanic.
18. Forks Were Once Considered Evil
When forks were introduced to Italy in the 11th century, religious leaders called them “blasphemous,” believing using artificial hands offended God.
19. Hitler’s Fart Problem
According to medical records, Hitler regularly took 30 different drugs, including ones to control his excessive flatulence.
20. Heroin as Cough Medicine
Between 1898 and 1910, heroin was marketed as a cough suppressant. Side effects? Addiction.
21. The Great Emu War
In the 1930s, Australia declared war on emus to control their population. Despite having soldiers and machine guns, the emus won.
22. Liechtenstein’s Friendly Army
In 1866, Liechtenstein sent 80 soldiers to war. They suffered no casualties and returned with 81 men—because they made a friend.
23. The Dancing Plague of 1518
For two months, people in Strasbourg danced uncontrollably, with many collapsing or even dying. No one knows why it happened.
24. Prohibition Poisoning
To enforce Prohibition, the U.S. government poisoned industrial alcohols bootleggers used. This led to at least 10,000 deaths.
25. The Swearing Parrot and a President
At President Andrew Jackson’s funeral, his parrot had to be removed because it wouldn’t stop cursing. Apparently, it learned from the best.
