Hidden History
Surprising historical events, overlooked figures, and those "why didn't I learn this in school?" moments.
Did You Know?
The first recorded instance of crowd funding was in 1884.
The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty was funded through crowdfunding organized by Joseph Pulitzer. He published donor...
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In 1923, jockey Frank Hayes won a race at Belmont Park despite being dead.
Hayes suffered a heart attack mid-race but his body stayed in the saddle while his horse, Sweet Kiss,...
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The first recorded food delivery service was in ancient Rome.
Called 'cena sportula,' this service delivered prepared food in baskets to wealthy Romans' homes. The practice began when...
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The first recorded instance of ransom software was in 1989.
The 'AIDS Trojan' was distributed via floppy disk to AIDS researchers, encrypting their files and demanding payment for...
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The first recorded case of a serial killer was in Ancient Rome.
Locusta was a professional poisoner in the 1st century AD who was eventually executed by Emperor Galba. She...
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Ancient Greek athletes competed in the Olympics nude.
The word 'gymnasium' comes from the Greek word 'gymnos' meaning naked. Athletes competed nude, and it was considered...
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Ancient Egyptians had paid maternity leave.
Workers at the royal construction site of Deir el-Medina were given paid leave for family matters, including pregnancy....
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The first roller coaster was designed to spread Christianity.
Built in Russia in the 1600s, the first roller coasters were huge ice slides constructed under the orders...
Did You Know?
Ancient Romans used social media-like messages on walls.
Archaeologists have found thousands of messages carved into the walls of Pompeii, ranging from political campaigns to personal...