His
torical Cold Knowledge: Unique Insights from Around the Globe As history enthusiasts, we often find ourselves fascinated by the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of the past. And while many of us have learned about the same stories and events, there are countless lesser-known facts and anecdotes waiting to be discovered. In this article, we'll explore some of the most interesting nuggets of historical cold knowledge from around the world. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used toothpaste? It may sound strange, but according to historians, a mixture of crushed rock salt, mint, and pepper was used to clean teeth as early as 5000 BC. Similarly, the Greeks chewed on rock crystals or rubbed their teeth with vinegar in the hopes of achieving a brighter smile. In Japan, samurai warriors knew the importance of a good night's sleep. They would rest their heads on wooden pillows to keep their hair in place, as well as to discourage grumpy enemies from sneaking up and attacking them in their sleep. However, these uncomfortable pillows often led to neck pain and headaches, so samurai doctors prescribed exercises and massage techniques to alleviate these symptoms. Meanwhile, in medieval Europe, hygiene was generally not a top priority. People would often go weeks or even months without bathing, and the smell was so bad that churches would sometimes offer perfume as a courtesy to the congregation. However, when the plague hit in the 14th century, people suddenly began taking baths en masse, believing that clean bodies might help ward off the disease. Speaking of the plague, did you know that it may have actually helped bring about the Renaissance? The disease killed off a significant portion of Europe's population, leading to a labor shortage that eventually drove up wages and gave rise to a growing middle class. This newfound prosperity allowed for more investment in the arts and sciences, leading to an explosion of creativity and innovation that we now know as the Renaissance. Moving on to the United States, we all know that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims in 162
1. However, it wasn't until over 200 years later that President Lincoln declared it a national holiday, in the midst of the Civil War. He hoped that the tradition of giving thanks would help unite the country during a time of great division. Finally, let's end our journey in Australia, where kangaroos were once considered pests. In the late 1800s, the government hired hunters to hunt down and kill as many kangaroos as possible, believing that they were damaging crops and grazing lands. However, this effort was largely unsuccessful, and over time, kangaroos became beloved national symbols, adorning everything from coins to sports teams. These are just a few examples of the countless stories and tidbits of historical cold knowledge waiting to be discovered. By exploring lesser-known aspects of the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in today. So whether you're a seasoned history buff or simply curious about the past, there's always more to learn and discover.