14 Historical Events That Sound Fake but Aren’t
Sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction, and history proves that in the most surprising ways. From wars over pastries to animals on trial, there are events that sound completely made up but actually happened. These moments can leave people shaking their heads or laughing in disbelief. Looking at these odd chapters from the past reminds us how unpredictable and bizarre real life can be.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
History is filled with moments that defy logic and seem pulled from a work of satire or fantasy. Yet, they’re entirely true and supported by records, documents, or eyewitness accounts. These strange events highlight how diverse, chaotic, and often humorous human history really is. Exploring them opens a door into a lesser-known side of the past that’s both educational and wildly entertaining.
1. The Great Emu War (1932)
Unknown author on Wikimedia
Australia actually declared war on emus, large flightless birds, after they began destroying crops in Western Australia. Soldiers were sent in with machine guns to reduce the emu population. Despite their efforts, the emus proved too fast and disorganized to defeat. In the end, the birds won.
2. Napoleon Was Once Attacked by Rabbits
Andrea Appiani on Wikimedia
During a hunting event organized by Napoleon’s staff, hundreds of rabbits were released from cages. Instead of fleeing, the rabbits charged at Napoleon and his men. The event turned chaotic as the emperor tried to escape the fluffy onslaught. It turned out the rabbits were tame and thought they were being fed.
3. A Pope Once Put Another Pope on Trial
Unknown author on Wikimedia
In 897, Pope Stephen VI held the Cadaver Synod, where the corpse of former Pope Formosus was dug up and put on trial. The dead body was dressed in papal robes and propped up in court. He was found guilty, stripped of his titles, and thrown into the river. This surreal event shocked even the citizens of the time.
4. The Dancing Plague of 1518
Hans Holbein on Wikimedia
In Strasbourg, people began dancing uncontrollably in the streets, some for days on end. This mysterious event led to exhaustion, injury, and even death. Historians still debate the cause, with theories ranging from mass hysteria to toxic mold. Whatever the reason, the dancing continued for weeks.
5. The United States Accidentally Dropped a Nuclear Bomb on Itself
Unknown (DoD) on Wikimedia
In 1961, a B-52 bomber accidentally dropped two nuclear bombs over North Carolina. One of them nearly detonated due to a mechanical failure. If it had gone off, the explosion would have been worse than Hiroshima. Thankfully, disaster was narrowly avoided.
6. A Man Survived Both Atomic Bombs in Japan
Pixabay on Pexels
Tsutomu Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima when the first atomic bomb fell. He survived, returned home to Nagasaki, and endured the second bomb three days later. Amazingly, he lived into old age and became a symbol of resilience. His story is recognized by the Japanese government.
7. There Was a War Lasting Only 38 Minutes
Richard Mohun on Wikimedia
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 holds the record as the shortest war in history. It was sparked by a power dispute between Zanzibar and the British Empire. British forces bombarded the palace, and within 38 minutes, the conflict was over. Zanzibar surrendered quickly, avoiding further bloodshed.
8. A City Elected a Dog as Mayor
Eslam Mohammed Abdelmaksoud on Pexels
The town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, elected a dog named Goofy as mayor in the 1990s. The tradition of electing animal mayors became a quirky local custom. Other dogs have since held the title, serving as symbols of community charm. It’s all in good fun and for a local charity.
9. The CIA Tried to Spy Using Cats
EVG Kowalievska on Pexels
During the Cold War, the CIA developed a program called Acoustic Kitty. They implanted listening devices into cats, hoping they could eavesdrop unnoticed. The first mission failed immediately when the test cat ran into traffic. The project was quietly canceled.
10. There Was Once a War Over a Pastry
Jean Pierre on Pexels
In 1838, France and Mexico entered conflict over a pastry shop in Mexico City. A French baker claimed Mexican officers damaged his shop and demanded compensation. When payment was denied, France blockaded Mexico and started what became known as the Pastry War. It ended months later with a payment of 600,000 pesos.
11. An Entire Town Vanished Overnight
Nöel Puebla on Pexels
In 1930, an Inuit village in Canada known as Angikuni Lake was reportedly found abandoned. All residents were gone, food was left uneaten, and dogs were found dead. The mystery was never fully solved, and some question if it happened at all. It remains a chilling tale in Canadian folklore.
12. A Woman Gave Birth to Rabbits (Sort of)
John Laguerre on Pexels
In 1726, Mary Toft claimed she had given birth to rabbits in England. Doctors were baffled until it was discovered she had inserted rabbit parts into herself. The hoax caused a national stir and embarrassed the medical community. It was one of the most bizarre medical frauds in history.
13. There Was Once a Phony Battle to Fool the Nazis
Unknown author on Wikimedia
During World War II, Operation Fortitude employed fake tanks, inflatable planes, and actors portraying generals. The goal was to convince the Nazis that the D-Day invasion would happen elsewhere. The deception was successful and played a major role in Allied victory. It has been proven that misinformation can win wars.
14. The Eiffel Tower Was Sold Twice by a Con Artist
Louis on Pexels
Victor Lustig managed to “sell” the Eiffel Tower in a scam by pretending he was a government official. He convinced scrap dealers that it was being torn down and took bribes from them. After getting away once, he tried the scam a second time. His boldness earned him a place in con artist history.