› added 2 weeks ago

21

TIL of the 1616 Russian Bride-Show, when 19-year-old Tsar Michael Romanov selected a wife from 500 medically examined virgins. Maria Dolgorukova was chosen with a golden ring—but was likely poisoned by Michael’s mother, leaving her ill, infertile and ineligible.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

oBJlL TIL friendships that start in the 7th grade, (or pupils from 12-13 years old) have a 1% chance of lasting even 5 years.
GYOOJ TIL that hummingbirds can fly backwards and upside down! They are the only birds who can do so because their wings differ from other types of birds. Their unique wings allow them to turn 180 degrees in all directions.
9bAB TIL Anneliese Michel was a German woman who underwent Catholic exorcism rites in 1975 and died the next year, due to lack of medical care. Later investigation determined that she was malnourished and dehydrated; her parents and the priests responsible were charged with negligent homicide.
DEJJ TIL asbestos in the United States has not been banned and is totally legal. When the Environmental Protection Agency tried to ban it, supporters of the asbestos industry actually overturned the ban in a lawsuit. It is still widely used in products to this day.
Wk7dA The United Arab Emirates plans to grow palm trees and lettuce on Mars