In the 16th century, tulips were introduced to the Netherlands, quickly becoming a status symbol among wealthy merchants. The flower’s rarity and beauty, especially the “broken” multicolored varieties, fueled high demand.

In 1726, Mary Toft, a peasant woman from Surrey, England, claimed she was giving birth to rabbits. The story began when she reportedly went into labor and local surgeon John Howard was summoned to assist. To his astonishment, Howard claimed to have delivered several pieces of animal flesh from Toft.

For the Māori people, the Whanganui River in New Zealand has always been an ancestor. They believe the river is a living entity, with its own life force, and have fought for centuries to protect it from exploitation.

The Vikings first settled in Greenland in 985 AD, led by Erik the Red. For centuries, they established a thriving community, building farms, trading walrus ivory, and constructing churches like the one at Hvalsey. They adapted to the harsh environment and formed a society that lasted over 400 years.

In May 2006, schools across Portugal reported students suffering from dizziness, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Officials were baffled, wondering if it was an allergic reaction or a virus. After investigation, doctors found a surprising cause: the popular teen soap opera “Morangos com Açúcar” (Strawberries with Sugar). In the show, characters experienced a similar illness just before the outbreak.

In January 1393, French King Charles VI hosted a masquerade ball, known as the Bal des Ardents, to celebrate the remarriage of a noblewoman. The king, recovering from a mental illness, participated in the festivities, dressing up as a “wild man” with five courtiers. They covered themselves in costumes made of linen and pitch-coated flax, meant to look like shaggy beasts.

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, offers guests an extraordinary experience: enjoying meals alongside Rothschild giraffes. Built in 1932 and now a boutique hotel, it allows visitors to share their breakfast as these gentle giants poke their heads through the windows.

On March 30, 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward and Russian envoy Baron Edouard de Stoeckl signed the Treaty of Cession, transferring Alaska from Russia to the U.S. for $7.2 million. This purchase ended Russia’s 125-year presence in North America.

In February 1869, Thomas Cook led 28 Britons to Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in tourism. Unlike affluent travelers before them, these middle-class tourists benefited from Cook’s all-inclusive packages, covering everything from transport to accommodation.

The Centennial Light, located at Fire Station #6 in Livermore, California, has been glowing almost non-stop since it was first turned on in 1901. Manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company, this hand-blown, carbon-filament bulb has amazed the world with its extraordinary longevity.