5 Bizarre Events from History You Never Learned About in School

History is often portrayed as a series of grand narratives dominated by wars, revolutions, and notable figures.

However, beneath the surface lies a wealth of bizarre, lesser-known events that reveal the absurdity and unpredictability of human existence.

Here are five such events that are not typically covered in school curricula but are fascinating in their own right.

The Defenestration of Prague (1618)

One of the most bizarre incidents in European history, the Defenestration of Prague, occurred on May 23, 1618.

This event involved Protestant nobles throwing two Catholic officials out of a window at Prague Castle, an act that would ignite the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict that engulfed much of Europe.

The context of this event lies in the deepening religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire.

The officials, Jaroslav Bořita of Martinice and Vilem Slavata, were thrown from a third-floor window by a group of Protestant nobles who were protesting against the Catholic Habsburgs’ attempts to impose their will on Protestant subjects.

Remarkably, both men survived the fall, landing in a pile of manure, which they later claimed was a divine sign of their innocence.

The impact of this bizarre act was monumental. It not only marked the beginning of the Thirty Years’ War but also highlighted the lengths to which individuals would go to assert their political and religious beliefs.

The war would eventually lead to widespread devastation, altering the political landscape of Europe for generations.

The War of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-1748)

The War of Jenkins’ Ear is a conflict that sounds almost comical in its origins.

It began in 1739 when British Captain Robert Jenkins presented his severed ear to the British Parliament, claiming it had been cut off by a Spanish coast guard officer during a search of his ship, the Rebecca, in 1731.

While Jenkins’ ear may seem a trivial reason for war, it tapped into broader grievances regarding British trade and Spanish interference in the Caribbean.

The British government, eager to assert its power and protect its merchants, used Jenkins’ story as a rallying cry for war against Spain.

The conflict, which lasted nearly a decade, was marked by naval battles and skirmishes in the Caribbean and Georgia.

Although the war was not particularly successful for Britain, it did lay the groundwork for future conflicts, including the larger global struggles that characterized the 18th century.

The War of Jenkins’ Ear remains a lesser-known but intriguing part of history, illustrating how personal grievances can escalate into larger conflicts, often with far-reaching consequences.

The Erfurt Latrine Disaster (1184)

In a grim yet bizarre episode of medieval history, the Erfurt Latrine Disaster occurred during a royal assembly in Erfurt, Germany, in 1184.

As nobles gathered for a meeting, the wooden floor of the latrine collapsed under the weight of the attendees, plunging around 60 high-ranking officials into a cesspit below.

The disaster highlighted the precariousness of medieval architecture and the often-overlooked dangers of such gatherings.

Many nobles drowned in the excrement, and the event led to significant political upheaval as the sudden loss of so many influential figures created a power vacuum.

This bizarre event serves as a macabre reminder of the fragility of life in the Middle Ages and the potential for unexpected catastrophes to reshape political landscapes.

It underscores how even the most mundane aspects of life, such as a latrine, can have catastrophic consequences.

The Great Emu War (1932)

Australia’s Great Emu War is perhaps one of the most absurd military conflicts in history.

In 1932, emus, large flightless birds native to Australia, began invading farmland in Western Australia, causing significant damage to crops.

In response, the government deployed soldiers armed with machine guns to combat the emu population.

Despite their military training, the soldiers found themselves outmatched by the swift and agile emus.

The birds proved remarkably elusive, and the soldiers struggled to make a dent in the population.

After several failed attempts and a significant amount of ammunition expended, the operation was deemed a failure, and the soldiers withdrew.

The Great Emu War remains a humorous yet poignant episode in Australian history, illustrating the often absurd lengths to which governments will go to address agricultural issues.

It also serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature in the face of human intervention.

The Night Witches (1941-1945)

During World War II, a group of female pilots known as the Night Witches flew daring night raids against German forces on the Eastern Front.

Formally known as the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, these Soviet women flew outdated biplanes, often in the face of heavy enemy fire, and conducted bombing missions under the cover of darkness.

The Night Witches earned their nickname from the whooshing sound their planes made, reminiscent of witches flying on broomsticks.

They faced immense challenges, including sexism and discrimination, but their bravery and skill led to significant contributions to the Soviet war effort.

They were responsible for dropping over 23,000 tons of bombs and were credited with destroying numerous enemy installations.

Despite their remarkable achievements, the Night Witches remain relatively unknown in mainstream history.

Their story is a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime and the breaking of gender barriers in military roles.

Conclusion

These five bizarre events from history illustrate the unpredictable nature of human affairs and the often absurd circumstances that can lead to significant historical outcomes.

They remind us that history is not just a series of serious events but also a tapestry of strange and unexpected occurrences that shape our world in profound ways.

By exploring these lesser-known stories, we gain a richer understanding of the complexities of the past and the myriad factors that influence the course of history.