› added 6 years ago

71

TIL in ancient Rome, skilled or educated slaves could save enough money to buy their freedom

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nY4P TIL that the reward of 72 virgins may be a mistranslation. The reward for martyrdom may actually be raisins.
awyvy TIL San Francisco had a plague outbreak in the 1900s. Government officials repeatedly denied that it existed to ensure that no quarantine was put into place. When they acknowledged it existed, they blamed it on China. This resulted in the destruction of Chinatown.
vldL TIL that anyone can take huge container ships around the world as passengers for about $120 a day. Trips may last just a few days, although some travelers sign on for 60 days or even around-the-world journeys. Meals are provided, rooms are cleaned once a week and passengers do their own laundry.
NbR8 TIL the only person who voted against going to war with Japan was also the first female congressman. She also voted against WW1
9xRm TIL Because Jupiter is so heavy and far away, that the Sun also orbits Jupiter. And Jupiter orbits a point outside of the sun itself. This is called the ‘Barycenter’.