top 10 most intriguing historical events

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

There are historic events always projected in textbooks and on the news. Some facts are not presented as legit or correct. There is more to the story than meets the eyes. This article is devoted to discussing the top 10 most intriguing historical events.

1. Pope Benedict IX – the youngest pope:
The youngest ever pope was Pope Benedict IX, who arguably began his papacy at age 11. He is the only pope to rule more than once and to have sold his papacy. He sold his position to his godfather when he decided to get married. He later would regret that decision and gain power once again.

2. Kaiser Wilhem II’s lack of accent:
Although German born, Kaiser Wilhem II spoke English without a German accent despite popular beliefs, especially in the film the Red Barron (2008). Although his policies were anti-British, he was part of the British Monarchy. His mother, Victoria, Princess Royal, was the daughter of Queen Victoria. When Queen Victoria was on her death bed, Kaiser Wilhelm II was one of two people at her bedside.

3. Napoleon’s height:
Napoleon was always known as the “Le Petit General.” At the time of his death, he measured 5 feet and 2 inches in French measurements. In English measurements, this equated to 5 feet and 6 inches or 169 cm. Thus Napoleon was not really of small stature. Many would thus argue that was quite normal for his size at that time.

4. George Washington – the first president of the independent United States:
George Washington was the first president of the independent United States but NOT the first president of the United States. There were 14 other leaders before Washington, including John Hancock who was the most popular.

5. The death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams:
America lost two of its notable presidents on its 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: 1) Thomas Jefferson and 2) John Adams. Both died within hours of each other leaving Charles Carroll of Carrollton the only surviving signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

6. Ham – the first chimpanzee in space:
In 1961 Ham was the first ever chimpanzee to go into space. The United States called the chimp Ham after the Holloman Aerospace Medical Center.

7. Curse of Tippecanoe:
When an American president is elected into office in the year that is divided by 20, there is a curse. Every president from Harrison to Kennedy died while in office because they were all elected in a year that is a common multiple of 20. Reagan, who was elected in 1980 and George W. Bush, who was elected in 2000 are the only two president to have survived this curse. It should, however, be noted that there was an assassination attempt on Reagan during his presidency.

8. Sir John Thompson’s death:
Sir John Thompson, a former Prime Minister of Canada died on a heart attack while visiting Queen Victoria at the Windsor Castle. He is one of 3 prime ministers to die outside of Canada and one of two to die in office.

9. Lina Medina – the youngest mother:
In 1939, Lina Medina became the youngest mother to ever successful give birth. Her child, who lived till the age of 40, was born when Medina was 5 years old.

10. Egyptians’ death:
3000 years ago, most Egyptians died by the age of 30.