› added 9 years ago

62

TIL that in 1944, on the verge of the Liberation of Paris, Hitler ordered it’s governor to leave it a “pile of rubble,” and destroy all religious and historical monuments. The Governor refused, saving Paris.

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1aPkd TIL: Archaeologist Alexander Peev was executed by firing squad in 1943 on suspicion of sending a coded message to the Soviet Union. It was actually an ancient inscription he wanted Russian archaeologists to help him interpret. The text remains undeciphered.
jNmeR TIL The Maya civilization used chocolate as money and the disruption of the cacao supply which fueled political power may have led to an economic breakdown, causing the collapse of the empire.
7n0b TIL that after his execution, Sir Walter Raleigh’s wife had his head embalmed and carried it around with her for the rest of her life
X7wR TIL In the 1800s moms were disguised as chairs and curtains so they could hold their children still during the exposure. These are now called the ‘hidden mother’ photos.
L5r9 TIL that there is a company that makes non-reversing mirrors. Instead of ‘mirroring’ you (your left is the mirror’s left), they show you how you actually appear to others (your left becomes the mirror’s right).