In the 1960s, archaeologists unearthed a remarkable find in Athens: 8,500 shards of pottery, known as ostraca, used as ballots for a unique purpose. Instead of electing leaders, Athenians used these to vote on exiling a fellow citizen for ten years.

In 17th-century England, public drunkenness was not just frowned upon—it was punished in unusual ways. One of the most peculiar forms of punishment was the “Drunkard’s Cloak,” a device designed to shame offenders into reforming their behavior.

Crown Prince Sado, born in 1735, was the son of King Yeongjo of Joseon, Korea. From a young age, he displayed troubling behaviors that strained his relationship with his father. Reports suggest he suffered from mental illness, which worsened over time.

Around 165 A.D., a terrifying new disease spread through the Roman Empire. Smallpox arrived, causing fever, black pocks, and internal scabbing, which left survivors scarred for life. Over 10% of the population—about 7.5 million people—died as the disease ravaged cities.

The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, sent shockwaves through the United States. As a father of 11 and a vocal advocate for children’s welfare, Kennedy’s death intensified concerns over violence in media, including Saturday morning cartoons.

In the 19th century, yellow fever outbreaks created fears that letters could carry contagion. To combat this, U.S. post offices used spiked paddles to puncture envelopes, allowing fumigation gases like sulfur dioxide to disinfect the contents.

In the early 1970s, Advanced Vehicle Engineers (AVE) sought to revolutionize transportation with the Mizar, a flying car that combined a Ford Pinto with the wings and tail of a Cessna Skymaster. This hybrid vehicle aimed to merge road and air travel, offering unparalleled convenience.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the Hawaiian Territory into chaos. Fearing further attacks and potential espionage, the U.S. military swiftly declared martial law. The civilian government was suspended, and General Delos Emmons assumed control, making Hawaii a militarized zone.

In 1971, English scientist Stewart Adams faced a throbbing hangover after a celebratory night in Moscow. With an important speech looming, he took a 600-milligram dose of a new drug he had helped develop. To his amazement, the headache vanished, marking an impromptu and successful test of ibuprofen.

In 1960, upholsterer Robert Carrier found his son, Mike, and friends sliding dangerously on a wet concrete driveway in Lakewood, California. Concerned for their safety, Carrier brought home a 50-foot roll of Naugahyde, a slick waterproof fabric, creating a safer sliding surface. This playful moment inspired an invention.