History encompasses all the important events, aspects and artifacts to understand the world in the past. It also preserves culture, heritage and historical monuments that have great significance today. It is a rich treasure of captivating and remarkable stories that have intrigued mankind. While we often learn about most of the important facts and figures in our history class in school, countless fascinating moments are lesser known to mankind.
We’ll delve deeper into ten rarely known historical events that will leave the readers astonished:
10) The Dog That Saved Antarctica:
Source: Wikipedia
Togo was a Siberian Husky that was born in 1913 on a farm in Nome. His remarkable achievements are still highlighted today. In 1925, an emergency operation called “The Serum Run” began. There was a deadly outbreak of the disease “Diphtheria” across Antarctica. To combat this, the diphtheria anti-toxin serum was to be delivered to Nome in Alaska. The town didn’t have concrete roads and the distance was 700 miles in harsh conditions during the winters.
Togo, along with other dogs, led the journey in the bitter conditions. Despite the odds, Togo led his team with a 260-mile lead through the wilderness. Togo’s bravery and navigational skills were remarkable as the path was easily accessible to combat the deadly outbreaks. This event might not be highlighted in history but it is one of the most courageous acts that can never be forgotten.
9) The Female Computers of NASA:
Source: History.com
Before the advent of technology and modern science, the talented group of three women made vast contributions to space exploration. The three women Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson calculated the “hidden figures” of complex mathematical equations which enabled the astronauts to reach the heights.
Katherine was exceptional in mathematics and helped to calculate trajectory, Dorothy led a team of intelligent American-African women who further monitored tasks like a computing unit and last but not the least, Mary was an engineer who overcame the obstacles and worked on many projects like Apollo missions. These remarkable achievements are a testament to the power and glory of women breaking the stereotypes. It is an inspiration for one and all, with strength and determination we can reach heights as the sky is limit.
8) The Great Molasses Flood:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1919, a strange tragedy occurred in Boston. A huge tank carrying a thick dark liquid, a by-product of the refined sugar burst. The tank contained almost 2.3 million gallons of this sticky material which hit roads, buildings and bridges. It was like a flood had hit Boston. The destruction was obvious like any other natural disaster had struck.
Almost 21 lives were lost, and there was widespread destruction of buildings and houses. Many people and animals were trapped in the sticky mess, and some of them even died. It took many weeks to clean the sticky mess. It is the most bizarre accident that has ever happened in history.
7) The Forgotten Pyramids of Sudan:
Source: Wikipedia
When we hear the words “Pyramids” the word “Egypt” clicks. Most people are unaware of the fact that Sudan has a stunning collection of ancient Pyramids just like Egypt. These pyramids are called Nubian Pyramids located in the Valley of Nile. The pyramids are scattered in the desert-like landscape.
These pyramids were built by the Nubian Kingdoms of Kush between 2000 BCE. They are artefacts of unique architecture just like the Pyramids of Egypt. These pyramids contain intricate details about the kingdom of Nubian and its rich culture. These pyramids are lesser known in history but they contain rich lineage and culture which one should always explore!
6) The Voynich Manuscript:

Source: Wikipedia
The Voynich Manuscript is the world’s most mysterious manuscript. It is composed of about 240 pages with illustrations of plants, astronomical charts and human figures. The origin of the manuscript is unknown. It dates back to the 15th century. The complicated intricacies and details are very mysterious.
Many historians and linguists have tried to decipher it but failed to understand the meaning behind the illustration. The book is named after the book dealer who purchased it in 1912. This interesting fact intrigued everyone including the historians!
5) The Female Samurai:
Source: Wikipedia
The Samurais are often associated with male warriors but in Japanese history, several female warriors have embraced a significant place in shaping today’s Japan. One of these Samurai is Tomoe Gozen from the 12th century known for her exceptional strength and beauty. She took part in the Genpei War and fought bravely. Nakano Takeko was another female Samurai who took part in the Boshin War. Many other females also participated in swordsmanship and combat in the war, giving inspiration to all the women by breaking gender barriers.
4) The Dancing House of Prague:
Source: Wikipedia
Prague is known for its stunning architecture and fine buildings that stun every visitor who passes through it. One of a kind, The Dancing House is a controversial and whimsical architecture that portrays artistic expression. This unique architectural design is inspired by the iconic duo of dancers Fred and Ginger. The building was brought into existence in 1996 with bold intricacies inspired by Czech architecture. This whimsical architecture is an admiration for the tourists and visitors.
3) The Tsunami Bomb:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1994, during World War II scientists from New Zealand secretly worked on a project called “Tsunami Bomb”. This project was aimed to create massive flooding, chaos and disaster crippling the enemies’ territory. It was intended to be used against Japan. The project was successful and ready to be launched on Japan but due to the fatal atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the war ended. This secret project advocates the curiosity of scientists and engineers to excel in their field by building weapons to be used against enemies even during the era of warfare.
2) The Great Emu War:
Source: Wikipedia
The Great Emu War was held in 1932, and declared by Australia. Emus were flightless birds that had caused chaos to the farmers and their fields. This resulted in the loss of livelihoods as they destroyed crops and fields. To eradicate the problem, more than hundreds of soldiers were armed with machine guns against these flightless birds. The emus were very clever and fast as they were not easy to kill. Finally, with continuous efforts and determination soldiers gave up to kill emus due to their fast flight.
The Great Emu War is a fascinating chapter in the history of Australia, as the soldiers lost the battle to emus. These determined birds are a sign of bravery and courage, which is now an important part of cultural symbolism in Australia.
1) The Dancing Plague of 1518:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1518, a strange and terrifying event struck in the town of Strasbourg, France. Suddenly, hundreds of people started to dance uncontrollably. This bizarre event occurred and lasted for many days. It first started with only one woman suddenly dancing in the streets and then the crowd started growing to over 500 people. The dancers danced the whole day without any pause until they collapsed after extreme exhaustion. Some people even died and were severely injured. This event is remembered in history as “The Dancing Plague.”
In history, it remains one of the most mysterious and ambiguous events humans have ever come across.