What are some events in recorded history that are extremely hard to believe, but without a doubt actually happened?

The world is replete with wonders and mysteries, often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Amidst these marvels lie some terrifying events that often go unnoticed or ignored by most people. However, some occurrences demand immediate attention and intrigue the curious minds seeking answers. In this article, we explore the intriguing question: “What are some events in recorded history that are extremely hard to believe, but without a doubt actually happened?” Let’s dive into the astonishing revelations gathered from the ASK REDDIT subreddit.

The Battle of Halys 

The Battle of Halys, also known as the “Eclipse Battle,” was a legendary conflict between the Lydians and the Medes in 585 BCE. What makes this battle astounding is the intervention of a total solar eclipse that brought an abrupt halt to the war. This rare astronomical event stunned both armies, leading to an immediate truce. Historians consider it one of the earliest recorded instances of celestial phenomena influencing human history. 

1908 Russians were 12 days late for the Olympics

In a bizarre turn of events, the Russian Empire did not adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1918, lagging 12 days behind the rest of the world. As a result, during the 1908 London Olympics, the Russian team arrived late to the Games, believing the event was scheduled for a later date. This calendar discrepancy adds a humorous twist to the historical sports event. 

Nicholas Alkemade’s 18,000-feet Free Fall 

During World War II in 1944, Flight Sergeant Nicholas Alkemade found himself trapped in a burning plane at an altitude of 18,000 feet. With no parachute, he decided to jump to his fate. Remarkably, he survived the fall with only minor injuries, landing in a dense pine forest. His survival against all odds earned him the nickname “The Luckiest Airman.” 

Dancing Plague of 1518

In the town of Strasbourg, Alsace, in 1518, a strange and inexplicable phenomenon occurred. A woman began dancing fervently in the streets, and within a month, around 400 people joined her in a compulsive dancing spree. The bizarre “dancing plague” caused exhaustion, injuries, and even deaths. The cause remains a mystery, with theories ranging from mass hysteria to poisoning. 

Edwin Booth Saves Robert Lincoln

In an astonishing twist of fate, Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, became a savior. In 1865, Edwin spotted Robert Lincoln, the president’s son, slipping off a train platform. He quickly pulled him to safety, unknowingly preventing another tragic loss for the Lincoln family. 

Woolly Mammoths and the Pyramids

The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built around 2580–2560 BCE. Astonishingly, woolly mammoths, an extinct species, still roamed parts of the earth during that time. The ancient Egyptians might have witnessed these colossal creatures while they toiled to construct their majestic pyramids. 

1816, The Year Without Summer

In the aftermath of the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, a global climate anomaly struck, resulting in 1816 being dubbed “The Year Without Summer.” Drastic temperature drops led to widespread crop failures and famine. Snowfall occurred in June, causing devastation across North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Christmas Day Truce, 1914

Amidst the horrors of World War I, a remarkable event unfolded on Christmas Day in 1914. Soldiers from both sides called a spontaneous truce, leaving their trenches to exchange gifts, sing carols, and play football. This brief moment of humanity amidst the war demonstrates the power of compassion even in the darkest times. 

The Great Molasses Flood

In 1919, a massive tank containing molasses ruptured in Boston, releasing a torrent of sticky syrup that engulfed the streets. The Great Molasses Flood claimed 21 lives and injured 150 people. The sheer force of the flood highlighted the underestimated destructive power of everyday substances. 

Pope Francis’ Dove Release

In 2014, Pope Francis released two doves as a symbolic gesture of peace during a Vatican event. However, as the doves took flight, they were promptly attacked by a seagull and a crow, stunning onlookers and raising questions about the complexities of achieving true peace. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/14huo78/comment/jpenkzo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 

Conclusion

Recorded history is filled with events that challenge our beliefs and stretch the limits of plausibility. From ancient celestial interventions to peculiar human behaviors, these events evoke both wonder and bewilderment. As we delve into the past and uncover these incredible occurrences, we are reminded that truth can often be stranger than fiction. The world’s tapestry of history weaves a myriad of surprising tales that continue to intrigue and captivate us. Share your thoughts on these astonishing events and unravel the mysteries of history further in the comments below.