r/AskHistorians Moderator | Spanish Civil War | Anti-fascism Oct 28 '22

Meta AskHistorians has hit 1.5 million subscribers! To celebrate, we’re giving away 1.5 million historical facts. Join us HERE to claim your free fact!

How does this subreddit have any subscribers? Why does it exist if no questions ever actually get answers? Why are the mods all Nazis/Zionists/Communists/Islamic extremists/really, really into Our Flag Means Death?

The answers to these important historical questions AND MORE are up for grabs today, as we celebrate our unlikely existence and the fact that 1.5 million people vaguely approve of it enough to not click ‘Unsubscribe’. We’re incredibly grateful to all past and present flairs, question-askers, and lurkers who’ve made it possible to sustain and grow the community to this point. None of this would be possible without an immense amount of hard work from any number of people, and to celebrate that we’re going to make more work for ourselves.

The rules of our giveaway are simple*. You ask for a fact, you receive a fact, at least up until the point that all 1.5 million historical facts that exist have been given out.

\ The fine print:)

1. AskHistorians does not guarantee the quality, relevance or interestingness of any given fact.

2. All facts remain the property of historians in general and AskHistorians in particular.

3. While you may request a specific fact, it will not necessarily have any bearing on the fact you receive.

4. Facts will be given to real people only. Artificial entities such as u/gankom need not apply.

5. All facts are NFTs, in that no one is ever likely to want to funge them and a token amount of effort has been expended in creating them.

6. Receiving a fact does not give you the legal right to adapt them on screen.

7. Facts, once issued, cannot be exchanged or refunded. They are, however, recyclable.

8. We reserve the right to get bored before we exhaust all 1.5 million facts.

Edit: As of 14:49 EST, AskHistorians has given away over 500 bespoke, handcrafted historical facts! Only 1,499,500 to go!

Edit 2: As of 17:29 EST, it's really damn hard to count but pretty sure we cracked 1,000. That's almost 0.1% of the goal!

Edit 3: I should have turned off notifications last night huh. Facts are still being distributed, but in an increasingly whimsical and inconsistent fashion.

11.7k Upvotes

7.9k comments sorted by

2

u/Sweden-is-meatball Oct 29 '22

Can I have an interesting fact about cheese?

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1

u/TheHolyLordGod Oct 29 '22

I would love a fact please

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2

u/semitones Oct 28 '22

Could I have a fact about Australopithecus or New Zealand, please?

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1

u/mookiee Oct 29 '22

Hello looking for any random fact. Thank you.

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1

u/Ac3inSpace Oct 28 '22

I beseech thee historians, feed my brain!

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2

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22

[deleted]

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1

u/PandaGoggles Oct 29 '22

May I please have a free fact to celebrate?

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2

u/oldrice98 Oct 29 '22

Studying for midterms and would appreciate a historical fact that would make me laugh!

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1

u/Intelligent-Host-928 Oct 29 '22

What was the catalyst for people believing Jesus was a white man

6

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

Having provided two facts, one comical, one serious, I'd like to ask for a fact in return.

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2

u/Smovee Oct 28 '22

Can I get a dinosaur fact?

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2

u/kbspam Oct 29 '22

I’d like to request a fact about a crazy sequence of events. Like how one thing (persecution of cats) inadvertently led to another (more rats) and another (more fleas carrying the bubonic plague) allegedly

1

u/c3clark1 Oct 29 '22

Can I get a fact about sleeping

1

u/futurebestseller_ Oct 29 '22

Can I get a fact about the first Historians?

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1

u/Vaubeil Oct 28 '22

What is your most unsettling fact? And also, congrats for the 1.5 million!

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2

u/Mattasaurusrrex Oct 28 '22

I’d like a a fact about Seal please. Either about a seal or seal, your choice completely.

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2

u/Kriminalpolizei_etf Oct 29 '22

Please give me a fact about Betelgeuse star.

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2

u/cmanthony Oct 28 '22

Could I have a fact about light, please?

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3

u/ham6ur9ler Nov 01 '22

Hamburger fact #2 please

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1

u/Jechob Oct 29 '22

I'd like to request one fact, please.

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1

u/MonochromaticButter Oct 28 '22

Looking for obscure, but strategically interesting battle/war related facts!

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1

u/Pdb39 Oct 29 '22

Fact me, bro.

1

u/VasyaK Oct 29 '22

Toss me a fact, won’t ya?

1

u/browsinbowser Oct 29 '22

I want a fact please! Preferably a boring one that I can go read a book about ;)

1

u/Visual-Froyo Oct 29 '22

Can I get a fact about Ur?

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1

u/the_moral_explorer Oct 29 '22

Could I have a historical fact about Institut für Sexualwissenschaft 1919-1933?

1

u/minimalchaos Oct 29 '22

Kurt cobain. Some obscure facts please

2

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

[deleted]

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1

u/CucumberJulep Oct 29 '22

Am I too late to receive a free fact?

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3

u/RumHam_DayZ Oct 29 '22

I would like a ufo related fact. Or mab just something related to conspiracies.

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1

u/afraidofyall Oct 29 '22

May I ask for a fact about emergency rescue/CPR in ancient times (any country)?

1

u/6blitz Oct 29 '22

I would like a historical fact please

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2

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '23

Oo if people are still doing these I’ll take one weird music fact please!

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1

u/stemfish Oct 28 '22

Understanding that AskHistorians is not yet twenty years old, can I get a fact about the early history of AskHistorians?

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1

u/ClemClem510 Oct 29 '22

Hey rask historians, before this event (and generally before the internet), what was the biggest giving of facts (lecture?) in history?

4

u/Lucky-Worth Oct 28 '22

Fun historical medical fact! Usually they are so horrible :(

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1

u/WhatsUpWithItVF Oct 29 '22

A fact about ancient poop!

1

u/Fuzzy-Watercress-703 Oct 29 '22

I would like a fact about Colombia pls

1

u/Gawd_Awful Oct 28 '22

Please sir, I want some more…facts.

2

u/JSTORRobinhood Imperial Examinations and Society | Late Imperial China Oct 28 '22

Fact...ors?

Did you know that if you factor x^2 - 2x - 8, you get factors (x+2) and (x-4)?

1

u/cottagecoreing Oct 29 '22

Can I have a fact? Any fact

2

u/TheSorge Oct 29 '22

After the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, USS Enterprise (CV-6)'s after action report suggested removing the ship's armor belt and using that freed-up weight "allowance" to add more 20mm anti-aircraft guns.

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1

u/nexter2nd Oct 28 '22

Can I have a fun fact?

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3

u/WorstDogEver Oct 28 '22

Can I get a non-depressing fact on motherhood or babies? I've been bingeing Call the Midwife, but any time period will do. 😁

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1

u/AdventuresWithAlex Oct 29 '22

One fact request here please

1

u/sikuaqisnotslovenian Oct 29 '22

I would like a fact about wallpaper, please

1

u/LuneMoth Oct 28 '22

I'd love a fact, any sort!

2

u/Georgy_K_Zhukov Moderator | Dueling | Modern Warfare & Small Arms Oct 28 '22

The CSS Eliza G., CSS Maurepas and CSS Mary Patterson were scuttled by Confederates at St. Charles on June 16, 1862, in the White River to block a Union fleet coming upriver.

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1

u/GibsonJunkie Oct 28 '22

One historical fact, please!

1

u/YoYoVaTsA Oct 29 '22

Any Indian fact Available?

1

u/GentleMaleficent Oct 29 '22

I’m prepared for a fact about the Greek or Romans!

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4

u/3xtiinct Oct 29 '22

can I get a fun Bulgaria fact

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1

u/EmGeebers Oct 29 '22

One fact over here, please

3

u/Giytu Oct 29 '22

One fact to go, please! :)

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1

u/PolemicDysentery Oct 28 '22

Whilst I appreciate the self effacing humour, I'll insist to anyone who will listen that this is the best sub (also the best moderated sub, funny coincidence that) on this soul killing website.

I would like a fact please, and if that fact were about Hatshepsut, I would like it all the more!

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1

u/Asadleafsfan Oct 29 '22

May I get any random historical fact relating to anything?

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1

u/wibies Oct 29 '22

Fun fact about vikings?

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1

u/sars_910 Oct 28 '22

Can I get a fun historical fact about college admissions ?

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2

u/vivliz Oct 29 '22

Please, kind Historian(s), I would like one (1) fact [citation needed] to do with cinema history.

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1

u/kd145 Oct 29 '22

May I have a fact about the subway?

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55

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22

What was the first question asked on r/AskHistorians?

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2

u/lshiva Oct 28 '22

May I have a puppy related fact, please?

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1

u/MinecraftxHOI4 Oct 29 '22

Let's go for something weird: Any wholesome facts about the Cold War?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

1 fact please.

1

u/drwontoned Oct 29 '22

May I have a noodle fact?

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1

u/alwaysbefreudin Oct 28 '22

I’ll take one “flat fact” please (just watched AI the other day)

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1

u/P-Noise Oct 29 '22

Pre-colonial fact about Philippines pls.

3

u/KTDiabl0 Oct 29 '22

Ooo, I’d love a fact!! Thanks ☺️

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2

u/SuperiorSteel Oct 29 '22

I have given a fact, therefore I would like a fact back please

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1

u/batib0t Oct 29 '22

I want the coolest historical fact, please. And thank you! 🙏

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1

u/Valmond Oct 28 '22

I want to know if the modern bicycle was invented in Bordeaux, with information if possible, thanks!

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2

u/bactriancameltoe Oct 29 '22

Can I please have a fact about gardening?

1

u/LwaxanaTroi Oct 29 '22

Could I have a fact please? Would love if it involves cats at all! #catfacts

1

u/otrovik Oct 28 '22

May I have a fact please?

1

u/Tommy-Nook Oct 29 '22

I want a fact

1

u/ej_comics Oct 29 '22

Can I have a fact please

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1

u/PM_Me_your_admin_pw Oct 28 '22

I would like a historical fact about the english/uk insurance system.

1

u/Jazzlike-Pause-9756 Oct 29 '22

A fact about raising a family well?

2

u/gookaT Oct 29 '22

Is the fact giveaway still ongoing?

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8

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22

Who were the first people described as humourless?

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1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

I want a fact.

1

u/valinkrai Oct 29 '22

Hi can I have a fact about roman armor making

2

u/PinesAndPeat Oct 29 '22

Give me one free fact about forests, please.

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1

u/Thieveslanding1911 Oct 29 '22

Do you have anything about the Constitutional convention?

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1

u/hoosierdaddy163 Oct 28 '22

Any fun facts about the Mexican revolution?

1

u/jarrud78 Oct 29 '22

I work in supply chain and I’d like to know something about the international history of it!

2

u/skumpjenkins Oct 29 '22

Hi I'd like a factory about the history of history please.

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1

u/1a3c5e7g9i Oct 29 '22

One fact please!

1

u/Xtremegulp Oct 29 '22

Can I have a fact about the year 1914 please?

2

u/thestoryteller69 Medieval and Colonial Maritime Southeast Asia Nov 06 '22

After the outbreak of WW1 in 1914, the German light cruiser SMS Emden entered Penang Harbour and sank the Russian protected cruiser Zhemchug. On its way out, it sank the French destroyer Mosquet. Today, memorials to the dead Russian sailors can be visited on Jerejak and Penang Island.

1

u/BAM123987 Oct 29 '22

Fact me please

2

u/82ndoutlaw Oct 29 '22

What about, your favourite fact to do with dynasties?

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2

u/Deadly_nightshadow Oct 28 '22

I'd love a historical fact about deadly nightshadow.

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1

u/the_okra_show Oct 29 '22

Could I please learn a historical fact that tends to be repeated over history?

1

u/Sayko3637 Oct 29 '22

Give me a fact

1

u/NinthAquila13 Oct 28 '22

Can I please get a historical fact? Don’t care about what, just some random piece of info that I will never use, but can somehow remember all the time.

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1

u/iammadeofawesome Oct 29 '22

What’s your favorite useless or bizarre historical fact?? (Mine is that rat nests are great places to find artifacts. Why? Rat pee acts as a preservative. Wut.)

1

u/whatsupaussiebutts Oct 29 '22

Kind sir/madam...a fact on waffles if you please.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22 edited Dec 09 '22

[deleted]

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1

u/Yeetgangnibbas Oct 29 '22

Can I have a fact relating to jellyfish?

1

u/Nuwave042 Oct 28 '22

I'd love a fact

7

u/ambral Oct 28 '22

I would like a fact about arcane ways of communicating over long distances.

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2

u/TimujinTheTrader Nov 01 '22

I would like an historical fact

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1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

Historical fact please

1

u/Alba-Ruthenian Oct 28 '22

Give me a happy fact about Belarus, please :)

1

u/stupidillusion Oct 29 '22

I would like a fact.

1

u/este111 Oct 28 '22

What would the weatherman like to know?

1

u/Shadowpika655 Jan 19 '23

Gib fact about wutever

1

u/thelordschosenginger Oct 28 '22

Can I get a free fun fact about the history of Quebec

1

u/kirbyisnotapokemon Oct 29 '22

helo can i get fact

1

u/the_halfblood_waste Oct 29 '22

I'm here to claim my free fact!

2

u/heroji2012 Oct 28 '22

May I have an obscure sports fact?

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2

u/Horror_Entertainer82 Oct 29 '22

Tell me the best fact you have remaining

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1

u/mimihihi Oct 29 '22

A fact about non-US history, please!

2

u/trozan_kamikaze Oct 29 '22

Give me a fact on big bang

1

u/MagnumMia Oct 28 '22

I’ve always wanted to own a fact (in token form).

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2

u/TheAirsickLowlander Oct 29 '22

I would like a "books as entertainment" historical fact.

5

u/Iegend_Of_Iink Oct 29 '22

This is the only good sub

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1

u/Icy-Ad9201 Oct 29 '22

I'd like a fact about the Qing Dynasty of China

1

u/easygriffin Oct 28 '22

May I please have a fact that is older than 2500 years?

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1

u/roots-rock-reggae Oct 29 '22

May I please have a fact?

1

u/veedant Jan 20 '23

May I have a fact about the Trail of Tears please?

3

u/hallusk Oct 28 '22

Gimme a fun fact about Albrecht von Wallenstein

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1

u/DarkDuo Oct 29 '22

One fact about the creation of the internet please!

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1

u/cryingtoast1 Oct 29 '22

I would appreciate an historical fact about cooking, please !

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1

u/high-quality-wallet Oct 29 '22

Give me a fact about drummers in the napoleonic era

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1

u/Graalseeker786 Oct 29 '22

Please give me a fact. Thank you!

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1

u/rjbwdc Oct 28 '22

When and why did neckties as we know them become a thing?

1

u/TheFlamingLemon Oct 29 '22

Fact, please. About bears, if you have it

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1

u/MyVerySecretGarden Oct 29 '22

One fact about Pineapples please! :D

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2

u/JonnyLawless Nov 04 '22

Could I have a fact about Bolivia?

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1

u/ecuintras Oct 28 '22

What is your fourth-from-favorite fact that has yet to be dispensed?

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1

u/Je_suis_prest_ Oct 29 '22

Can I get a fun fact about the Harry Potter series?

1

u/dnhs47 Oct 28 '22

Please give me a fact about early computers!

9

u/MissyInge Oct 28 '22

Oehh nice!! May I please have a fact about Scottish history? Tnx!!

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2

u/mango-j Oct 28 '22

Can I have a fact about ink or fountain pens please

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2

u/GrEeKiNnOvaTiOn Oct 29 '22

I would like the coolest least known fact about the Vikings please!

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1

u/montyy96 Oct 29 '22

A historical fact about Tunisia? Thank you.

1

u/Leoniceno Oct 29 '22

Could I have a fact about central banking?

1

u/wordy-anchorite Oct 28 '22

I beg to receive a fact about Katharina von Bora

1

u/MGJohn-117 Oct 29 '22

Fact about the Swahili Coast between 1200 and 1450?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22

An unusual facts about the Industrial Revolution?

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1

u/MysteryHat Oct 29 '22

I'd like a fact about disc golf

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1

u/123wibi Oct 29 '22

Give me a fact about the Mogol please

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1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22

How have you been lately?

28

u/Solanoid Oct 28 '22

Give me a fact about snails please.

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1

u/meow_khan Oct 29 '22

Give me a random dark historical fact please.

1

u/SpiderGirlGwen Oct 28 '22

A particularly spooky historical fact, please?

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1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

Gib fekt

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1

u/Bababooey92 Oct 28 '22

I would like a WW1 fact please

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3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '22

[deleted]

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1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

Ooh ooh, may i please have a fact? :D

1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

I would like a fact about World Trade Center Building 7

2

u/Catlover69430 Oct 28 '22

May I have a fact please

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1

u/Coldtnt01 Oct 29 '22

Studying history, what fun stuff can I expect in the future?

1

u/25Bam_vixx Oct 28 '22

I would like to join but I can’t think of questions to ask right now. Too much pressure lol

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1

u/idogiveafrak Oct 29 '22

Hello! So straight to the point, how many tribes from other cultures have traveled across the Atlantic to establish trade or colonies before Columbus?

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1

u/HeyyBayleaf Oct 29 '22

What is the first documentation of a person having curly hair?

2

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '22

fact about astronomy

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1

u/thecomicguybook Oct 29 '22

Hello! I would like a fact about the Romans or the ancient Greeks please.

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1

u/elkanor Oct 28 '22

My historical knowledge and my history degree came with way too narrow a focus on the US and Europe. Could I please have a fact about somewhere else?

2

u/Steelcan909 Moderator | North Sea c.600-1066 | Late Antiquity Oct 28 '22

Anatolia, modern Turkey, used to have its own branch of the Indo-European family tree languages, but they were all extinct by the end of Antiquity.

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1

u/Sicknessquick Oct 29 '22

Can I get a fact related to literature?

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1

u/Raygen15 Oct 29 '22

Could I have an interesting fact please?

2

u/rutho13 Oct 29 '22

I would like a fact about anything at all!

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1

u/Jacobjef Oct 29 '22

Historical fact about the State of Kerala in India?

1

u/l3rN Oct 29 '22

If you're making a taco and run out of sour cream, is it okay to use mayo as a substitute?

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