6 Hidden Horrors

The world we live in is millions of years old, and throughout its history, numerous events and occurrences have shaped the planet. These 6 events can be categorized into The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, although some have been modified to fit the times we live in. History remains unchanged, and now it's time to explore some disturbing and accurate historical facts that have been unearthed over the years. Join us on this journey as we delve into unnerving but intriguing facts.

The Morbid History of Dentures

In the past, people faced dental issues due to high sugar diets, dangerous teeth whitening methods, and poor dental hygiene. Dentures were necessary to replace lost teeth, but the materials we have today weren't readily available in the 1800s and early 1900s. Wealthy individuals would obtain teeth from deceased people, known as Waterloo teeth, often from battlefields. Some even purchased teeth directly from poorer individuals. Other denture materials included ivory, wood, and animal teeth, none of which were ideal options.

Stained Church Glass

When we admire the beautiful stained glass in old churches, we rarely consider how it was made. The process is quite unsettling. Stained glass, which has been used since the 6th century, involves adding materials like sand and potash to glass at high temperatures. Metallic oxides are then used to color the glass. However, to create the fine details in the artwork, paint made from copper and lead mixed with urine was used as a diluter. This ensured the paint fused perfectly with the glass during the firing process. So, next time you see stained glass, remember that there might be a hint of urine in those ancient paintings.

The Original Leather-Bound Books

In the past, books were sometimes bound using human skin, a phenomenon known as anthropodermic bibliography. Instead of using animal skin like cows, some authors decided to use human skin to cover books and texts. Allegedly, these books were made from the skins of executed convicts and criminals. Although not many books made of human skin are still around, the thought of books wrapped in human skin is chilling.

The Story of Minnie Dean

Minnie Dean was the first and only woman to be legally hanged in New Zealand. She ran a babysitting operation in the mid-1800s, caring for several children. Unfortunately, some of the children under her care died, leading to investigations. It was discovered that Minnie's home was inadequate, and three more dead child bodies were found there. Suspiciously, Minnie had been seeking more children for her daycare and taking out life insurance policies on them. She was charged and found guilty of murder. Minnie Dean's story has become a part of New Zealand folklore.

The History of the American Flag

The American flag we know today has an unlikely history. In 1960, Robert G. Heft, a high school student, designed a flag with 50 stars, anticipating the addition of Hawaii and Alaska as states. His design was initially given a low score by his teacher, who thought the 50 stars were a mistake. However, Robert's design eventually became the official flag of the United States. It's a reminder to always give your best effort, even if others doubt you.

The Pope's War on Cats

Pope Gregory IX believed that cats carried the spirit of Satan and urged people to exterminate them. This led to a decrease in the cat population, which allowed rat populations to thrive. Fleas on rats then spread the plague, causing further devastation. It was a classic case of unintended consequences, as the Pope's crusade against cats indirectly contributed to the spread of the plague.

In conclusion,

history is filled with intriguing and sometimes unsettling facts that shed light on the darker aspects of our past. From the use of human teeth in dentures to the practice of using urine in creating stained glass, these historical tidbits offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and sometimes macabre practices of our ancestors. It is through these stories that we gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of human history and the lessons we can learn from it. So, let us continue to explore and uncover the untold stories that shape our world and inform our present.