Strangers Share The Most Interesting Historical Facts That Barely Anyone Knows

Reddit can be a bottomless pit of information, some reliable and some opinionated or false. We explored some of the slide shows presented on TikTok by user TruthReddits, who compiles the Reddit posts. The question, “What is an interesting historical fact that barely anyone knows?” was asked 6 years ago. The answers are interesting.

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This fact was well documented, although not many know of it. Documentaries and books have shown how the FBI forced out “the man who knew.” His specialty was counterterrorism. He warned America, and rather than listen, they forced him out of the system. After the FBI, he became the Director of Security at the World Trade Center, and we all know how that ended.

This historical fact is true. Rhode Island renounced allegiance to the British crown with an official legislative act. Called the Act of Renunciation, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed the decree on May 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 18, 1776. Kudos to the tiny New England state for leading the way!

This historical fact goes back to the days before dog tags, digital accounting, and all other forms of gauging troop loss. Although very basic, this counting method was highly accurate.

Perhaps the most hilarious historical fact involves an ancient building in Istanbul, Turkey. A Viking carved Futhark runes into the wall of the world’s most famous mosque, the Hagia Sophia. When translated, imagine the surprise when people realize that the etchings say, “Halfdan carved these runes.” The more literal translation is more commonly known as “Halfdan was here.” He definitely left a lasting impression.

Please share if you enjoyed learning these obscure facts.

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