› added 1 year ago

39

TIL that the Library of Alexandria was not burned once and cataclysmically destroyed, but instead declined gradually over the course of several centuries.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

OGPEe TIL in the Battle of the Big Hole, Montana in 1877, Nez Perce Indians captured a howitzer from the United States Army, but dismantled it
QJPGk TIL that in the late 1600s London was plagued by an attacker who would spank his victims with a rod, shout “Spanko!” and run away.
KXXB TIL that The Hobbit (1977) was animated by Topcraft Studio, which eventually dissolved and became Studio Ghibli.
MBLV TIL: When asked about atheists Pope Francis replied “They are our valued allies in the commitment to defending human dignity, in building a peaceful coexistence between peoples and in safeguarding and caring for creation.”
4XAy5 TIL Szechuan peppers make your lips/tongue numb, not hot. Its not the capsaicin (found in pepper that interacts with heat receptors so we perceive spicy). Instead, its hydroxy-alpha-sanshool interacting with tactile receptors (thus your brain perceives vibrating / electrocution style sensation).