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TIL we basically drink the same wine as ancient Romans. Researchers found grape growers managed to keep modern grape DNA extremely consistent and similar to ancient varieties. While this kept flavors consistent, researchers worry grapes are genetically at-risk to environmental changes.

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0woGv TIL Queen Victoria's first language was German, and she required two tutors to somehow reduce her German accent in English. Her children all spoke German too and they switched between English and German within the family.
J1mbB TIL Hitler was never elected to rule Germany. The president appointed him as chancellor because of pressure from the political elites and corporations.
9wYeM TIL that, based on cladistic analysis of mtDNA cytochrome b and 12S rRNA sequences, the Nicobar pigeon is sometimes called the closest living relative of the extinct didines (Raphinae), which include the famous dodo (Raphus cucullatus).
Ek7p TIL MTV banned Beavis and Butthead from referencing fire, specifically Beavis’ “Fire” chant, after an arson was blamed on the show. In response, the show had Beavis chant words similar to fire such as fryer. The ban was lifted for the revival and Beavis says fire 7 times in the first video segment.
epD5 Today I learned that many of the men who acted as guards along the Great Wall of China in the Middle Ages spent their whole lives there. They were born there, raised there, they married there, died there, and were even buried within the wall.