The Ancient Origins of Kissing 💋

In 1900-1595 B.C.E., a Mesopotamian clay tablet recorded one of history’s earliest known romantic kisses, showing that this gesture of affection has deep roots. This tablet from Sippar, Mesopotamia, contains lines of poetry: “My upper lip becomes moist, while my lower lip trembles! I shall embrace him, I shall kiss him.”

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The Crimean War Veteran Who Lived to 160 🐢

In 1854, a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, named Timothy, was discovered on a Portuguese privateer by Captain John Guy Courtenay-Everard of the Royal Navy. Estimated to be around 10 years old, Timothy went on to serve as a ship mascot in the British navy, witnessing the bombardment of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. She served aboard HMS Queen, HMS Princess Charlotte, and HMS Nankin, eventually becoming the last known survivor of the Crimean War.

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The Secret Poison Plot Against the Powhatan Confederacy 🍷

In 1623, English soldiers held a meeting with the Powhatan Confederacy at a site near today’s West Point, Virginia. With a supposed offer of peace, they invited roughly 200 Powhatan leaders to share wine. Unbeknownst to the Powhatans, the English had poisoned the drink, intending to weaken the confederacy under the leadership of the powerful chief Opechancanough.

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