› added 5 years ago

172

TIL that after Mao Zhedong promised China's steel production would one day surpass England's and America's, many children born in 1958 and 1959 were named 'Chaoying' ('Surpass England') or 'Chaomei' ('Overtake America').

Read more delanceyplace.com

via reddit.com

Zpjpv TIL the temples and theaters of Ephesus, in ancient Turkey, were once accessed via a Mediterranean harbor. The city’s main thoroughfare, Harbor Street, led directly from the waterfront. Sadly, centuries of silt buildup have left these historic structures stranded about 3 miles inland.
xVME7 TIL there are around 800 vegans in British jails at any given time.
5YNwn TIL during WW2 after the Nazis had taken over France, Churchill made the decision to attack the French naval fleet rather than let it fall into enemy hands. The bombardment killed nearly 2,000 men. France then severed all diplomatic relations with the UK and even mounted several retaliation attacks.
WayA TIL that contrary to its portrayal in the Jurassic Park movies, the T-Rex does not have a long and loud roar. It is highly possible that they hiss similar to crocodiles
QJDQ6 TIL Bees are calmed by lavender which prevents getting stung while working in the garden. It also improves their memory over the bee's lifespan. Science hopes to apply these findings to humans suffering with dementia.