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TIL that the Library of Alexandria was not destroyed in a single massive fire, rather it gradually declined over several centuries

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N7vM6 TIL that for over a century, locals in Meghalaya, India have been using trees to build root bridges, known locally as jing kieng jri. Taking 15 to 30 years to grow, they can span up to 250′ above gorges and rivers and support up to 35 people at a time.
oKPK TIL regular condoms are too big for men of ALL nationalities.. not just Indian men as the 2006 BBC News article says
6EZAw TIL Charles de Gaulle was promoted to a 2 star General in 1940 and never chose to promote himself. During crises President de Gaulle would don his old military uniform which would result in a 2 star general giving orders to 5 star generals.
4kvVa TIL: Dongfang Shou was a court jester, official, scholar, and fangshi (wizard/alchemist). He was known for being eccentric by frightening court dwarves, claiming to be Venus, keeping an acting/singing troupe and frequently switching from wise court official to a pranking buffoon the next.
8aXDa TIL of Louis de Bourbon, Count of Soissons who after betraying Louis XIII and succesfully beat his army at the Battle of La Marfée, accidentally killed himself when lifting the visor of his helmet with his pistol after the battle was over