In 1963, the US Military created an artificial ring around Earth, similar to that of the planet Saturn. The ring was made of copper needles and was used for worldwide communications in the case that the Soviets disabled all other methods of communication.
26
The oldest glowing lightbulb was first switched on in 1901 and lives in fire stations in Livermore, CA. It is known as the Centennial Light.
118
Romans used a plant called Silphium as contraception. They had so much sex that they drove it into extinction.
24
The universally popular Hershey bar was used overseas during World War II as currency.
112
There’s a Swedish power metal band called “Sabaton” who teach history through their music, including an album devoted to teaching about World War Two.
30
France’s King Louis XIV was offered biological weapons by an Italian chemist. He not only refused, but also paid the chemist an annual salary to never reveal the technology to anyone else.
21
Pineapples were such a status symbol in 18th century England that you could rent one for the evening to take to a party.
25
The oldest stone tools found are dated from 2.7 - 2.9 million years ago. The species that made these tools is unknown.
13