10 History Facts That Sound Fake — But Are 100% True

You’ve probably seen a few wild history facts floating around on social media lately — maybe even on this page. They sound exaggerated. Almost made up. Like someone mashed Wikipedia with conspiracy Twitter.

But here’s the thing:
history is often stranger than fiction.

If you thought the internet was full of lies, wait until you realize how ridiculous the real past actually was. Below are 10 verified historical facts that sound fake, feel impossible, yet are completely true. Some you may recognize from our social posts — others are lesser-known gems that might permanently change how you look at history.

Let’s dive in.

1. Star Wars Was Released the Same Year France Used the Guillotine for the Last Time

It sounds like a meme, but it’s a fact.

Star Wars: A New Hope premiered in 1977 — the same year France carried out its final guillotine execution. While audiences were watching lightsabers and space battles, France was still using a medieval execution device invented in the 18th century.

The last man executed by guillotine was Hamida Djandoubi, in September 1977. Capital punishment in France wasn’t abolished until 1981.

Sci-fi future meets medieval justice. In the same year.

2. Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Moon Landing Than to the Building of the Pyramids

This one breaks people’s brains — and for good reason.

Cleopatra lived around 30 BC.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BC.

That means Cleopatra lived closer to the 1969 moon landing than she did to the construction of the pyramids. The pyramids were already ancient ruins by her time.

So when we picture Cleopatra lounging among freshly built pyramids… history quietly laughs.

3. The Shortest War in History Lasted 38 Minutes

In 1896, Britain and the Sultanate of Zanzibar went to war.

The conflict began at 9:02 AM and ended at 9:40 AM.

Why so short? Zanzibar’s palace was bombarded by British warships almost immediately. The Sultan fled, the flag was lowered, and the war was over before most people even realized it had started.

Casualties:

• Zanzibar: ~500
• Britain: 1 sailor (injured)

A war shorter than most lunch breaks.

4. Oxford University Is Older Than the Aztec Empire

This feels illegal, but it’s true.

Teaching at Oxford began around 1096.
The Aztec Empire wasn’t founded until 1325.

So while Oxford students were already complaining about lectures and exams, the Aztecs hadn’t even built Tenochtitlán yet.

History doesn’t move in neat, parallel lines — civilizations rise at wildly different times.

5. Ancient Romans Used Urine as Laundry Detergent

Yes. Actual urine.

Romans discovered that fermented urine contained ammonia, which was excellent for removing stains from clothing. Public urine collection pots were placed around cities, and laundry workers used the contents to clean togas.

Emperor Vespasian even taxed urine, famously defending it by saying, “Money does not smell.”

Efficient? Absolutely.
Pleasant? Definitely not.

6. Napoleon Was Once Attacked by a Horde of Rabbits

This is not a metaphor.

Napoleon Bonaparte organized a rabbit hunt as a celebration. Thousands of rabbits were released — but instead of fleeing, they charged at him.

Why? They were domesticated rabbits expecting food.

Napoleon and his officers reportedly fled in embarrassment as rabbits swarmed them, climbing onto coats and boots.

History’s greatest conqueror… defeated by fluffy herbivores.

7. A Woman Once Became Pope (According to Medieval Records)

Legend — and some medieval chronicles — speak of Pope Joan, a woman who allegedly disguised herself as a man and became pope in the 9th century.

The story claims her secret was revealed when she gave birth during a public procession.

Modern historians debate whether Pope Joan truly existed, but what’s undeniable is that for centuries, the Catholic Church took the story seriously enough to adjust certain rituals to prevent it from ever happening again.

Whether fact or suppressed truth, the belief itself shaped history.

8. Ancient Egyptians Used Honey as a Medical Antibiotic

Thousands of years before modern medicine, Egyptians treated wounds with honey.

Why did it work? Honey is naturally antibacterial and prevents infection. Modern science now confirms what ancient Egyptians somehow already knew.

Sometimes history isn’t primitive — it’s just forgotten wisdom.

9. The Titanic’s Pool Still Has Water in It

The Titanic lies over 12,000 feet below the Atlantic Ocean, yet its swimming pool is still technically “full.”

Of course, it’s filled with seawater now — but the pool structure remains intact inside the wreck.

A haunting reminder that some parts of history don’t disappear — they just sink.

10. Medieval Europeans Believed Tomatoes Were Poisonous

When tomatoes were introduced to Europe, wealthy people often ate them off pewter plates, which leached lead into the acidic tomatoes.

People got sick — and blamed the tomatoes.

For centuries, tomatoes were known as “poison apples”, delaying their acceptance in European cuisine.

One of the world’s most popular foods was once feared as deadly.

History Is Weirder Than Fiction

If these facts made you pause, reread, or mutter “no way” under your breath — that’s the magic of real history.

And the best part?
These are just scratches on the surface.

History isn’t a boring list of dates. It’s a collection of absurd coincidences, forgotten truths, and moments so strange they feel fake — until you check the sources.

If you enjoyed this, there’s plenty more waiting for you across the site. The past is full of surprises — and we’re just getting started.