Delving into history is arguably the most interesting journey one can take. Learning about different cultures, events of the past, people that made a difference, and songs that ignited change—there is so much to unearth and familiarize yourself with.
But most people usually want to learn about something nice, something that inspires, moves them, or makes them smile, even though the dark side of history is equally—if not more—important. Today, it’s the latter that we’re focusing on. On the list below, you will find stories shared by members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community after one user asked them for horrifying facts and events that are not widely known, even though they arguably should be. Scroll down to find them but browse them at your own risk, as they shed light on some of the most gruesome parts of our history.
#21
Most people don't know that the Spanish Flu of 1918 infected around 1/3 of the entire population of the planet, with 20-50 million deaths. By comparison, the death toll for the First World War was ~18 million. I find the thought that something as random and uncontrollable as a virus mutation can cause a real Malthusian check on the global population absolutely terrifying.
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46points
#22
The Holodomor was an engineered famine in the Soviet Union. It took place from 1932 to 1933 and k****d 2.5 to 5 million people. To this day, many communists continue to deny that it occurred, deny that anyone could have foreseen that collectivization of agriculture could possibly result in a famine, or simply declare that the "kulaks deserved it".
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46points
#23
Not near as obscure as what everyone else has said but I would argue the Halifax explosion. For how devastating it was it is never talked about (at least where I have lived). Largest man-made explosion before atomic weapons I believe.
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44points
#24
The Aztecs performed acts of massive human sacrifice of slaves.
In one such event over 10,000 slaves had their hearts torn out while still alive. The blood permanently stained the pirámide.
By the time that the Spaniard Cortez arrived thousands of natives from conquered tribes joined him to be rid of the Aztec empire.
Over 90 percent of the army against the Aztecs was native tribesmen of former s***e nations of the Aztec Empire.
In one such event over 10,000 slaves had their hearts torn out while still alive. The blood permanently stained the pirámide.
By the time that the Spaniard Cortez arrived thousands of natives from conquered tribes joined him to be rid of the Aztec empire.
Over 90 percent of the army against the Aztecs was native tribesmen of former s***e nations of the Aztec Empire.
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41points
#25
The Mountain Meadows M******e in Utah. Brigham Young authorized the murder of over 100 men, women, and children. Only 17 children survived, the oldest of which was 7.
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40points
#26
Between 1959 to 1961, 15 million to 45 million people died in China from famine.
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40points
#27
During Stalin's forced industrialization of Russia, he would take all the farmers' food/crops they grew leaving them to starve. This led to extensive cannibalism, including many recorded cases of parents eating their children.
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34points
#28
Vikings would use pigments to make their teeth permanently one color by using a hammer and a sharp pick to make identations for the dye in the enamel. This could be how the Danish king Harald Bluetooth got his name.
Just imagine.. *shivers*.
Just imagine.. *shivers*.
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32points
#29
Quite a bit from Hawaiian history. I love learning about it, but thinking about enough people dying to turn a river red, it still terrifying.
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31points
#30
In 1916, a town in Tennessee hung a fully grown elephant for k*****g her trainer. They had to use a crane at a nearby railroad station.
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27points
When exploring the history of different countries, we often uncover elements that are rarely discussed, revealing a hidden narrative of unsavory truths and uncomfortable realities. These events and facts can be shocking, especially when they highlight societal flaws and dark pasts.
Readers curious about such unspoken aspects of world history may want to explore how this theme extends across various countries, each with its own secrets, by looking at similar discussions on hidden historical secrets from around the world.
