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5 Surprising facts about 4th of July

As Americans adorn their lawns with flags and light up the sky with fireworks, the 4th of July stands as a significant date in U.S. history, marking the nation's independence from British rule in 1776.

​The Burning of Washington DC: Britain’s Fiery Raid of 1814

British torches lit the night sky on August 24, 1814, as Washington DC burned. Enemy soldiers marched through the abandoned streets of America's young capital, setting fire to the symbols of the nation's government. This brazen attack during the War of 1812 remains the only time a foreign power has captured and burned the U.S. capital.

Urdubegis: The Female Warriors of the Mughal Harem

In the annals of history, the Mughal Empire stands as a testament to grandeur, opulence, and power. Amidst the tales of mighty emperors and their conquests lies a lesser-known story of a unique group of women who played a crucial role in the empire's security: the Urdubegis, the female warriors of the harem.

The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381: England’s First Mass Uprising

In the summer of 1381, England erupted in rebellion. Thousands of angry peasants and townspeople marched on London, wielding farm tools and bows, demanding an end to oppressive taxes and the centuries-old system of serfdom. This dramatic uprising, known as the Peasants' Revolt or Wat Tyler's Rebellion, shook medieval England to its core and challenged the very foundations of feudal society.

The Battle of the Eclipse: When the Sun Stopped a War in 585 BCE

Imagine two ancient armies locked in fierce combat when suddenly the sky darkens. Day transforms into night, stars appear at noon, and terrified soldiers drop their weapons. This extraordinary scene unfolded on May 28, 585 BCE, when a total solar eclipse interrupted the Battle of Halys between the Median and Lydian empires. The cosmic intervention ended a five-year war and created one of history's most dramatic peace treaties.
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Maryland’s state sport: Jousting

The clamor of hooves pounding dirt fills the summer air as two riders in glinting armor charge forward, wooden lances tilted. At the moment of impact, cheers erupt from the crowd as splinters explode in a thrilling burst. While this scene may seem fit for a Renaissance fair, it plays out every year at Maryland jousting tournaments that uphold a centuries-old tradition.

The Millions in Lost Pocket Change on Planes

You reach for your phone and keys as you grab your bag and jacket to dash off a flight. In the shuffle, a few errant coins slip out from your pocket, rolling under the seat as you rush away. Multiply those forgotten pennies and quarters by millions of airline passengers each year, and you have a financial phenomenon - the millions of dollars in loose change left annually on commercial flights.

Bananas are radioactive

Bananas are one of the most popular fruit, enjoyed by millions of people around the world for their sweetness and nutritional benefits. However, there's...

Celebrity Wedding Cake from the 1800s

Celebrity weddings — Long before Kim and Kanye or Harry and Meghan, America was fixated on another over-the-top celebrity wedding. Back in 1863, little person superstars Charles Stratton and Lavinia Warren tied the knot in an extravagant New York City affair that attracted crowds in the thousands.

Strength of spider silk rivals steel

Spider silk, an insect-trapping and egg-protecting material, is known for its incredible strength and elasticity, making it one of the most...

Istanbul is in both Europe and Asia

Located at the confluence of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is a city of immense historical significance. This beautiful city...
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