35 Historical Snapshots That Reveal Surprising New Information

Approximately 20% of Americans state that social studies or history was their favourite subject in school. However, school curriculums often leave out many interesting aspects of history, labelling some snippets as too insignificant to include in the subject material. Fortunately, accounts like the Historians Instagram page help bridge this gap for those of us who are curious about the past. We’ve gathered a collection of some of their most captivating posts shared below.

#1 Twenty-one year old Bernard Sanders before becoming a U.S. politician. Arrested for protesting segregation of on campus housing at the University of Chicago in 1963.

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#2 Leonard Matlovich was a decorated Vietnam War veteran with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He was also the first gay American service member to purposely out himself to the military in order to fight their ban on gay people.

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However, despite his impeccable record, the United States Air Force discharged him after he came out to his officers. Undeterred, Matlovich became a fierce advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community. In 1975, he was featured on the cover of “TIME” magazine, making him a symbol for gay service members and gay Americans as a whole. When Matlovich passed away in 1988 from HIV/AIDS complications, his headstone was inscribed with the following words: “When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one”

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#4 This is Shavarsh Karapetyan, a retired Armenian swimmer. In 1976, he had just completed a 26 km (16 mile) run when he heard a loud crash. A trolleybus had lost control and had fallen into a reservoir.

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It was 25 meters (82 ft) offshore and had sunk to a depth of 10 meters (33 ft). Karapetyan immediately dived into the sewage-infested waters and managed to kick the back window of the trolleybus with his legs, despite zero visibility from the silt that had risen from the bottom. Of the 92 passengers onboard, Karapetyan pulled out 46 people, 20 of whom survived. The combination of cold water and the multiple lacerations from glass shards led him to be hospitalized for 45 days. He developed pneumonia and sepsis. While he was able to recover, damage to his lungs prevented him from continuing his career as a swimmer. “I knew that I could only save so many lives; I was afraid to make a mistake. It was so dark down there that I could barely see anything. One of my dives accidentally grabbed a seat instead of a passenger. I could have saved a life instead. That seat still haunts me in my nightmares,” he said. In 1985, Karapetyan came upon a burning building with trapped people inside. He rushed in and began pulling people out. He was badly burnt and had to once again be hospitalized. Later in life, he moved to Moscow and founded a shoe company called “Second Breath.” He is still alive today and continues to run his business.

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#6 In 1989 two million people joined their hands to form a human chain spanning 690 kilometres across the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. At the time they were occupied and annexed by the USSR, and the protest named ‘The Baltic Way’ was to show their desire for independence.

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#7 East German soldier helps a little boy sneak across the Berlin Wall the day it was erected in 1961. The boy had been left behind in the chaos of people fleeing to be with their families on either side of the wall.

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#8 One of the two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, guarded 24 hours a day

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#10 In 1964 a group of high school kids skipped class to go see the Beatles. They didn’t get into the concert but while they were driving Ringo pulled beside them & snapped their picture. When they told their friends no one believed them. Fast forward 50 years & Ringo publishes a book of his photographs. They were in it. They reposed the shot as they look today.

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#11 “For a small amount of perspective at this moment, imagine you were born in 1900… Then on your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perish in that war, including many of your friends who volunteered to defend freedom in Europe.

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Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. Yes, 50 million. On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 38. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. If you were lucky, you had a job that paid $300 a year, a dollar a day. When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet, but don’t try to catch your breath. If you lived in London, England, or most of continental Europe, bombing of your neighborhood, or invasion of your country by foreign soldiers along with their tank and artillery was a daily event. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war. At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. At 55, the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. Millions of people perish in that conflict. On your 62nd birthday, there is the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, could have ended. Sensible leaders prevented that from happening. In 2020, we have the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands have died; it feels pretty dangerous; and it is. Now think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How do you think they survived all of the above? When you were a kid in 1965, you didn’t think your 65-year-old grandparents understood how hard school was, and how mean that kid in your class was. Yet they survived through everything listed above. Perspective is an amazing art. Refined as time goes on, and very enlightening. So, let’s try and keep things in perspective. Let’s be smart, we are all in this together. Let’s help each other out, and we will get through all of this.” -Author Unknown

#12 These photos show 16 year old German soldier, Hans-Georg Henke, after he was captured by the US 9th Army on April 3rd 1945.

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#14 Pale Blue Dot is a photo of Earth that was taken by the Voyager 1 space probe in 1990 from a distance of about 6 billion kilometers (3.7 billion miles) as it was leaving our solar system.

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This is what Carl Sagan said about the photo: “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it, everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor, and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every ‘superstar,’ every ‘supreme leader,’ every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there — on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand. It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”

#15 The fossil skulls of Pleistocene dwarf elephants scattered throughout the coastal caves in Italy and the Greek islands most likely inspired the one-eyed Cyclopes in ancient Greek mythology.

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During the Pleistocene ice age (2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago), land bridges emerged, allowing ancient elephants to move to emerging islands to escape predators and/or find new food sources. As sea levels rose around the Mediterranean, these ancient elephants became trapped and had to compete for limited food, leading to the island rule, where mammals tend to shrink or grow depending on resource availability in their environment. The isolated ancient elephants evolved into different species depending on the island they found themselves on. Those on Cyprus were approximately 6 feet tall, nearly double the size of the ones found on Sicily and Malta. Humans arrived on the islands around 11,000 years ago, leading to the over-hunting and extinction of the ancient elephants within a century. By the time the Romans and Greeks came to occupy the Mediterranean islands, all that remained were skulls twice the size of those belonging to humans, and these massive skulls had a single hole in the center, which the Greeks and Romans mistakenly believed was an eye socket. In fact, it was a socket connected to the trunk of an ancient elephant.

#16 Photographer Birk Möbius photographed a plane being struck by lightning while inside a rainbow.

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#17 It’s nice to know that over 145 years ago people were taking silly pictures of their pets, 1875

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#18 On November 12, 1833, there was a meteor shower so intense that it was possible to see up to 100,000 meteors crossing the sky every hour. Many at the time believed it was the end of the world, leading Adolf Vollmy to create a woodcut inspired by the event.

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#19 In 1985, diver Henri Cosquer made a remarkable discovery while exploring the waters off the coast of Marseille, France. His persistence led him to uncover a hidden cave, known as the Cosquer Cave, which held a breathtaking collection of ancient cave paintings and artifacts.

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This extraordinary find captivated people worldwide, evoking feelings of awe, primal instinct, and deep appreciation. The cave, affected by rising sea levels, is believed to have contained over 800 pieces of art at one point. Sadly, due to flooding, much of this precious heritage has been lost to the passage of time. However, the surviving artworks offer valuable insights into the lives of early humans who once inhabited the cave, allowing us to better understand our ancestors on a profound level. Estimated to be around 27,000 years old, the art within the cave was created by our species, Homo sapiens. The cave walls showcase a diverse range of wildlife depictions, including horses, deer, bison, seals, penguins, fish, and even a cat and a bear! Experts have identified 229 artworks representing 13 different species. Notably, there are 63 horses, 28 ibex, 17 deer, 10 bison, and 7 aurochs. Additionally, the cave features 16 marine animal depictions, such as seals and great auks, as well as various figures that could represent fish or cetaceans. Many of the art pieces also incorporate human elements, including over 60 black and red handprints attributed to men, women, and children. Notably, a carving within the cave, depicted in image 5, is believed to represent the female genitalia, possibly signifying an appreciation for the beauty of women or carrying religious symbolism associated with new life. Carvings of penises are also present, further illustrating the multifaceted nature of the ancient artworks found within the cave.

#20 In 1948, a man wore 30lb, 3 toed lead shoes & stomped around a Florida beach at night. The footprints lead people to believe that a 15 ft tall penguin was roaming around. He kept up the prank for 10 years, visiting various beaches. The hoax wasn’t revealed until 40 years later.

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#23 Frank Sinatra, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, demonstrated unwavering dedication to the civil rights movement and was an outspoken advocate against racism.

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He actively took part in promoting racial integration and equality during a time when such stances were not always well-received. Sinatra made a conscious decision to boycott hotels and clubs that practiced racial segregation, refusing to perform at venues that did not allow black individuals. Furthermore, he ensured that his band members, regardless of their race, received equal treatment and pay, setting a progressive example for the industry. One pivotal moment in Sinatra’s efforts for integration occurred during the rise of Las Vegas as a popular entertainment hub. At that time, black performers were allowed to play in showrooms but were barred from staying in the hotels. Sinatra took it upon himself to confront the board of directors, who had questionable histories, and urged them to embrace progress by allowing equal access for everyone. He challenged their outdated beliefs by emphasizing that “the money is green,” emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Through his influence and support, particularly for fellow artist Sammy Davis Jr., Las Vegas ultimately became an integrated city. Not only did Sinatra act on his beliefs, but he also used his fame and platform to support other civil rights activists. He actively supported Martin Luther King Jr. and contributed significantly to fundraising efforts that bolstered the Civil Rights Movement. In 1958, Sinatra eloquently expressed his belief in universal friendship devoid of racial or class distinctions, emphasizing that true connections are built on mutual respect, affection, and shared values. Frank Sinatra’s commitment to racial equality and his belief in universal friendships served as an inspiration to many during a critical period in American history. His actions and advocacy demonstrated the impact a public figure can have when using their influence to promote positive change and unity among all individuals.

#24 The Ancient Roman aqueduct in modern-day Turkey, dating back thousands of years, is a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the Roman Empire.

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These aqueducts were designed to transport fresh water to densely populated areas, and they were a significant improvement over the earlier structures built by civilizations in Egypt and India. The Roman aqueducts were constructed over a period of 500 years, from 312 BC to AD 226, and were funded by both public and private sources. Some of the most famous Roman rulers, such as Augustus, Caligula, and Trajan, commissioned the construction of these aqueducts. The aqueducts were made up of pipes, tunnels, canals, and bridges, which utilized the natural slope of the land and gravity to channel water from sources like lakes and springs to the cities. Once the water reached the cities, it was used for various purposes, including drinking, irrigation, public fountains, and baths. The capital city of Rome had as many as 11 aqueduct systems, some of which were sourced from as far as 92 km (57 miles) away. Interestingly, some of these ancient Roman aqueducts are still functional and continue to provide modern-day Rome with water. For example, the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct built by Agrippa in 19 BC during the reign of Augustus, supplies water to the iconic Trevi Fountain in the heart of Rome. This remarkable feat of engineering demonstrates the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its impact on the development of modern infrastructure.

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#26 In 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke was flying over the Peruvian rainforest with her mother when she got sucked out of the airplane after it was struck by a bolt of lightning. She fell two miles to the ground, strapped to her seat.

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“The plane jumped down and went into a nose-dive. It was pitch black, and people were screaming. Then the deep roaring of the engines filled my head completely. Suddenly, the noise stopped, and I was outside the plane. I was in a freefall, strapped to my seat bench and hanging head-over-heels. The whispering of the wind was the only noise I could hear. I could see the canopy of the jungle spinning towards me. Then I lost consciousness and remember nothing of the impact. Later I learned that the plane had broken into pieces about two miles above the ground. I woke the next day and looked up into the canopy. The first thought I had was: ‘I survived an air crash.'” Koepcke’s first instincts were to try and find her mother, but she was nowhere to be found. After eating some sweets found at the crash site, Koepcke waded downstream and followed the river. After 10 days, she found a moored boat. She poured the gasoline from the boat’s fuel tank onto her wounds, which were infested with maggots. She then spent the night in a makeshift shelter. “I remained there, but I wanted to leave. I didn’t want to take the boat because I didn’t want to steal it.” The next day, she was discovered by loggers and was soon reunited with her father. She later discovered that her mother had initially survived the crash, only to die of her injuries several days later. Like her parents, Koepcke went on to study biology at the University of Kiel in Germany, graduating in 1980. She received her doctorate from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and returned to Peru to conduct research in mammalogy, specializing in bats.

#27 This is one of the only terracotta warriors that was found almost completely intact. Note the detail on the bottom of his shoe, showing that grip and traction were considered in footwear even 2,200 years ago.

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Each life-size clay warrior was crafted to be completely unique and there are no two terracotta warriors-among the 8,000 total—that are exactly the same. Shortly after the completion of the tomb in 210-209 BC, it was looted for weapons and burned, causing the roof to collapse, crushing the terracotta warriors. All the other terracotta warriors that are currently on display were painstakingly restored. What’s even more remarkable is that the terracotta warriors were originally painted in bright colors by skilled artisans. Unfortunately, when they were exposed to air and sunlight during the excavation in the 1970s, the colors began to curl up almost immediately and disappeared within minutes. These terracotta warriors were put in place to guard the tomb of the first emperor of unified China—-Qin Shi Huang. To this day, the tomb has yet to be opened. According to ancient historians, the tomb contains an entire kingdom and palace in which the ceilings are decorated with pearls to mimic the night sky. The tomb is also said to contain extremely rare artifacts and has been rigged with crossbows to shoot anyone trying to break in. To keep its location a secret, the workers were entombed with the emperor. The Han dynasty historian, Sima Qian, also mentioned that inside the tomb, “mercury was used to fashion the hundred rivers, the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, and the seas in such a way that they flowed.” Modern tests have indicated extremely high levels of mercury in the surrounding soil.

#28 András Arató is a Hungarian internet celebrity who has gained global fame as one of the most beloved memes, thanks to his iconic “Hide the Pain Harold” expression.

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He shared a photo of himself from his time in the military, which demonstrates that he was “hiding the pain” long before becoming a meme. Arató posted a black-and-white picture of his younger self on his Facebook page, dating back to his service in the Hungarian army. If internet memes had existed during his military days, he might have achieved international popularity much earlier, as his distinctive facial features were already present.

#29 A 1,500-year-old Bible known as the Gospel of Barnabas challenges Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, suggesting it was Judas who was crucified.

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This ancient text recently emerged in Turkey’s Ethnography Museum, causing controversy, especially within the Vatican. The book, hidden since its discovery in 2000, offers an alternative account of Jesus’ life, portraying him as a Prophet, not the Son of God, and questioning Apostle Paul’s authenticity. Its authenticity remains debated, but it could have significant implications for Christian teachings, prompting thought-provoking questions and encouraging further exploration of religious history.

#30 An open air school in the Netherlands. In the beginning of the 20th century a movement towards open air schools took place in Europe with classes taught in nature, so that students would benefit physically and mentally from clean air and sunlight.

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#31 “Barbarie – Civilisation” is an illustration by René Georges Hermann-Paul, which was first published in 1899 in Le Cri de Paris magazine at the start of the Boxer Rebellion in China. It was accompanied by the following caption: “It’s all a matter of perspective. When a Chinese coolie strikes a French soldier the result is a public cry of “Barbarity!’ But when a French soldier strikes a coolie, it’s a necessary blow for civilization.”

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#32 It can get as low as -40c in Finland during the winter. The trees get covered in so much snow on frost, it ends up looking like a landscape on another planet.

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#33 In 1971, a cement truck crashed near Winganon, Oklahoma. The mixer was too heavy to move so they left it. The locals have since repainted it to look like a NASA space capsule.

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#34 It is believed that the Terracotta Army, referring to the soldiers guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, looked like this when they were first crafted around 2200 years ago.

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#35 International Posture Queen, 1957. The young woman with the straightest spine and the most perfect poise and personality would win. Contestants were given X-rays to determine whose spine was the straightest. Crooked spines were grounds for elimination.

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