Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about how the world works, there are a few quick facts you may want to know about. From how to make the best cup of coffee to the evolution of the wheeled office chair, there are plenty of interesting facts to know. History is not linear. There are many secrets and alternate perspectives. For example, the Scott Sandell daughter oral history that you might be surprised to learn. Or that diamonds were only found in India until 1896! In Ancient Rome, female gladiators were called Gladiatrices. Or Alexander the Great was accidentally buried alive. He was suffering from a neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome at the time of his death, but he was fully aware of his circumstances.
Ancient Romans used ferrets, dogs, and monkeys as pets
During the Ancient Roman Empire, dogs, ferrets, and monkeys were kept as pets. Children kept some of these animals as pets, while others were used for hunting or keeping rodents away.
Animals kept as pets were usually tagged to make them easier to find if they were lost or stolen. These animals were used to herd animals, and they were also used to protect homes from thieves.
D-Day landings
Allied forces landed on five beaches across Normandy, France. Code names designated these beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. They were spread across thirty miles of coastline. Each area would be attacked by one army division.
A total of 326,000 allied troops landed on the beaches. The Allied military operation known as D-Day, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the largest amphibious invasion in history. It also laid the foundations for victory in World War II.
National School Lunch Program
Almost 50 million children across the United States participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This federally-assisted meal program is designed to provide free or low-cost lunches to students. The program is available to public schools and nonprofit private schools. It operates in over 100,000 schools across the country.
In the fiscal year 2014, NSLP served approximately 30.5 million children daily. Almost 71 percent of the meals were full-priced (FRP), and the federal government spent more than $9.1 billion in cash payments for those meals.
Wheeled office chairs
During the mid-19th century, the growth of businesses and the introduction of rail transportation led to a boom in clerical workers. As these workers spent a lot of time on the job, managers became increasingly concerned about providing a work environment that would suit their needs.
The first office chair was designed to improve comfort and increase productivity during this time. Some chairs were equipped with a swivel mechanism, allowing workers to reach objects without standing.
Mustache cups
During the nineteenth century, men had to worry about their mustaches getting waxed and dyed and getting into their hot drinks. A solution was found: the mustache cup.
This gadget was invented in the mid-1800s by an English potter named Harvey Adams. It was designed to protect the mustache from a steaming cup of tea. The semi-circular ledge on the cup’s rim was intended to shield the mustache from the drink’s heat.
Easter Island
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. It is located 3,600 km off the coast of Chile and takes about five hours to reach Santiago, Chile.
Easter Island has a population of 7,750. It has a subtropical maritime climate. It is outside the intertropical convergence zone, meaning that cyclones do not occur. Easter Island is a beautiful island with a rich history.
Tablecloths
Throughout history, tablecloths have been used to cover dining tables. Their purpose has been to protect the table’s surfaces and absorb spills. They have also been used to give a more elegant look to a table.
The earliest written record of tablecloths in history comes from a Roman poet named Martial, who wrote in 103 AD. According to him, tablecloths were already used in Europe during that time.
Handkerchiefs
Throughout history, handkerchiefs have played a large role in social and cultural development. They are a practical accessory and symbol of fidelity. They are also used as fashion accessories.
During the Great Depression, handkerchiefs were a popular fashion accessory for women. The use of color-fast dyes made them affordable for consumers.
The use of handkerchiefs in history dates back to the early Greek and Roman athletic games. The crowd would wave white cloths in the air to express the sport. They were also used as a talisman to symbolize good luck.
Unexploded bombs
Throughout history, there have been many reports of unexploded bombs. They have been found in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Belgium. These events have led to deaths and property damage.
Most bombs dropped during World War II were relatively simple in design. They were designed to fall on the ground and detonate at a specified time. The use of more sophisticated artillery, however, increased the risk of unexploded bombs.
