In 1958, real estate developer Nat Mendelsohn purchased 82,000 acres of Mojave Desert land with a grand vision. He planned to build California City, a metropolis to rival Los Angeles. Mendelsohn designed an expansive layout featuring wide boulevards, residential neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers, anticipating a population of over one million residents.

In April 2023, underwater archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery off the coast of Naples, Italy. They unearthed the remains of an ancient Nabataean temple submerged beneath the waters of the Gulf of Pozzuoli. This remarkable find is part of the submerged city of Puteoli, a vital trade hub during Roman times.

Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, died in 30 BC under mysterious circumstances. The most popular account, recorded by ancient historians like Plutarch and Suetonius, suggests that Cleopatra took her own life by allowing a venomous asp (a type of snake) to bite her. This method was thought to be a deliberate and dignified choice, fitting her royal status.

Thomas Wadhouse, born in England in the early 18th century, became famous for having the longest nose ever recorded. His nose measured 7.5 inches long (19 cm), a feature that brought him both curiosity and fame. Little is known about his early life, but his unique appearance led him to a career in the world of entertainment.

Brandon Lee, son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was making a name for himself in Hollywood. Born on February 1, 1965, Brandon pursued acting and martial arts, starring in films like “Showdown in Little Tokyo” and “Rapid Fire.” By 1993, he landed the lead role in “The Crow,” a film based on James O’Barr’s comic book.

In August 1998, 14-year-old Natasha Ryan from Rockhampton, Australia, vanished without a trace. Extensive searches and investigations yielded no clues. Authorities eventually concluded that she was a victim of serial killer Leonard Fraser, who confessed to her murder. Her family mourned her presumed death, and a memorial service was held in her honor.

On July 2, 1951, the remains of 67-year-old Mary Reeser were found in her St. Petersburg, Florida apartment. Her landlady discovered the scene after noticing an unusual warmth on the doorknob and a strange smell. Upon entering, she found Reeser’s charred remains in a chair, with only her left foot, backbone, and skull left intact.

Luciano Re Cecconi was a talented Italian footballer known for his skill and sense of humor. Born on December 1, 1948, he played as a midfielder for Lazio and was part of the team that won the Serie A championship in 1974. His career was on the rise, and he was well-loved by fans and teammates alike.

Gunther III, a German Shepherd, was rumored to inherit between $400 and $500 million from Countess Karlotta Liebenstein in the early 1990s. The press claimed the countess left her fortune to her dog after losing her 26-year-old son to suicide.

Kryžių Kalnas, or the Hill of Crosses, is a pilgrimage site in northern Lithuania, near the city of Šiauliai. Its origins date back to the 19th century, when the first crosses were placed by families mourning those lost in the November Uprising against Russian rule in 1831. Despite suppression by the authorities, the number of crosses steadily grew.